When the weather turns chilly and the days feel a bit heavier, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of slow cooker chicken n dumplings. It’s that kind of meal you look forward to all day, mostly because the kitchen starts filling with this gentle, savory aroma that somehow promises comfort before you even take a bite. There’s a softness to the dumplings, light and billowy, floating atop a rich, creamy broth that wraps around tender shreds of chicken and just-right vegetables. It’s the kind of meal where you might find yourself distracted halfway through, maybe because you got caught up in a conversation or the phone buzzed—only to realize you’ve already eaten half a bowl.
One evening, I remember dropping the dumpling dough into the slow cooker a little unevenly, some bigger than others, but that rustic imperfection made the whole thing feel more homey. The slow simmering filled the house with a mix of thyme, garlic, and a whisper of butter that made everyone gather around the table, no rush, just soaking in the cozy vibes. There’s a calmness in letting the slow cooker do its thing while you relax, knowing a satisfying meal is waiting for you, no fuss required.
Why you’ll love it:
- The slow cooker does the heavy lifting—minimal hands-on time, maximum comfort.
- Fluffy dumplings that are soft and tender, but it’s okay if they’re a little uneven; that’s part of the charm.
- The creamy broth is rich without feeling heavy, making it a meal you can enjoy any night of the week.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—no fancy techniques, just good, honest food.
If you’re a bit worried about timing, don’t be. The slow cooker is forgiving, and the dumplings can wait a little longer if you’re running behind or distracted.
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Slow Cooker Chicken N Dumplings
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a creamy broth, perfect for an easy family meal.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour and 1 cup whole milk until smooth to create a slurry.
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and milk slurry mixture, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour the thickened mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Add 1/2 cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined to form the dumpling dough.
Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve hot and enjoy your slow cooker chicken and dumplings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to get this going—a basic slow cooker is all it takes. Serving it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread can round out the meal nicely, though it’s hearty enough on its own. If you want to switch things up, I’ve tried adding a handful of frozen peas near the end or swapping out the thyme for rosemary, but honestly, I usually stick to the classic version because it’s just so reassuring. Sometimes I’ve wondered if a splash of hot sauce might work, but I haven’t tested that enough to say for sure.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything except the dumplings and refrigerate the stew base. Add dumplings and cook when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
Milk alternatives can work, though the texture might shift slightly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The stew freezes okay, but dumplings don’t hold up well in the freezer—best to enjoy fresh.
Slow cooker chicken n dumplings aren’t just a recipe—they’re a slow, comforting hug on a plate. Save this one, print it out, or just dive in tonight. Your cozy dinner is served.