This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food made simple. Tender chunks of chicken cook all day in a rich, creamy broth with soft, flaky dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a warm, hearty dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the crock pot in the morning and come home to a meal that smells amazing and tastes even better. The dumplings get perfectly fluffy without any fuss since they cook right in the slow cooker alongside the chicken and veggies. It’s a real time-saver without losing that homemade touch.
My favorite way to serve this dish is straight from the pot, ladled into big bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It’s great as a simple dinner or when you want something comforting after a busy day. Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a great choice for easy lunches too. I always find myself wanting seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the meat tender and easy to shred. You can swap for thighs for juicier, richer flavor—they hold up well in slow cooking.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and peas give great flavor and texture. Frozen peas are extra convenient. You can omit peas or swap with green beans or corn based on what you like.
Herbs & Seasoning: Dried thyme and parsley add comforting, mild herbal notes. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them—it brightens the dish.
Dumplings: Simple flour, baking powder, milk, and butter make fluffy dumplings. For dairy-free, try almond or oat milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth so you can control saltiness. If you don’t have broth, water with bouillon cubes works fine too.
How Do I Get Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings in the Crock Pot?
Dumplings can be tricky since they need just the right heat and time to cook through. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Mix your dumplings until just combined to keep them light.
- Drop large spoonfuls gently onto the hot stew. Don’t stir after adding, or dumplings won’t fluff properly.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on high so the dumplings steam and rise well—low heat can make them dense.
- Check after 45 minutes. Dumplings should be firm but soft inside.
- If they’re not done, cook 10-15 minutes longer but watch closely so they don’t overcook.
With these steps, your dumplings will be tender and fluffy, soaking up all the tasty broth. A real comfort food win!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker) – I love it because it cooks everything evenly and frees up your stove.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Keeps your ingredients just right without guessing.
- Mixing Bowl – Perfect for blending the dumpling dough easily.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Great for stirring and gently dropping dumplings into the crock pot.
- Knife and Cutting Board – Handy for chopping carrots, celery, and onions quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a more flavorful, juicier meat; they stay tender longer in slow cooking.
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dried for a brighter taste.
- Throw in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika for a mildly spicy kick.
Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
For The Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, then slow cooks for 6 to 7 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). After that, dumplings cook right in the crock pot for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. In total, plan for around 7 hours if cooking low and a bit less if you’re short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start the Chicken and Veggies:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, frozen peas, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf, then stir the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
4. Make and Add the Dumplings:
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until you get a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of this dough gently on top of the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover again and cook on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid stirring during this time to help the dumplings stay light and airy.
6. Finish and Serve:
Taste the stew and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently to combine the dumplings with the chicken mixture. Serve warm, warm, topped with fresh parsley if you like.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before adding them to the crock pot to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the dumplings and cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the dumplings from drying out.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap or add veggies like green beans, corn, or mushrooms based on what you have on hand or prefer. Just chop them similarly for even cooking.