Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Easiest Ever

Crockpot chicken and dumplings doesn't get easier than this! My slow cooker recipe is proper comfort food, ready with hardly any effort. Bob's your uncle!

May 27, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Alright, let's dive into the world of crockpot chicken and dumplings ! ever had one of those days where you just crave a big hug in a bowl? honestly, this recipe is that hug.

It's proper comfort food, made easy. think melt-in-your-mouth dumplings and juicy chicken in a creamy, herby sauce.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Your New Best Mate

This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is pure magic. we're talking about a classic dish with roots deep in southern american comfort food, but made ridiculously simple.

It's a belter for a family dinner. it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a chilly evening, and dead easy to prepare.

It's an easy recipe, folks! expect prep time to be about 20 minutes, and it cooks for 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high, plus 30 minutes for the dumplings.

This recipe serves 6, by the way.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

One major win? it's proper healthy dinner recipes chicken style. you're getting a good dose of protein from the chicken, plus veggies snuck in there.

It's also fantastic for busy weeknights because it’s one of those easy crockpot dinners that basically cooks itself. this crockpot chicken and dumplings is special because it tastes like you've been slaving away all day, when really, your crockpot did most of the work.

That's what makes it the ultimate crockpot recipe slow cooker deal.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Easiest Ever Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:330 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237ml) milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (177ml) milk
• 4 tbsp (57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides until lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This adds depth of flavor, but you can skip this step.
• Place chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add minced garlic.
• Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour in chicken broth.
• Stir in dried thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
• Remove chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• If desired, whisk flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Important: Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time!
• Garnish with fresh parsley (if using). Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

What You'll Need

To make this dumpling recipe a reality, you'll need chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs), olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, milk (or half-and-half), thyme, rosemary, pepper, flour (optional, for thickening), and parsley (for garnish).

For the dumplings, grab flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and cold butter. let's talk about what we need.

Get Your Ingredients Together

So, you have the ingredients, right? now grab your 6-quart slow cooker. you will need a skillet (for browning the chicken) and a mixing bowl.

Don't forget measuring cups and spoons too! next, it’s time to prepare.

Variations For Everyone

Fancy a veggie twist? you can easily swap the chicken for butternut squash for a vegetarian recipes dinner option. want some heat? add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.

And if you are gluten-free? just use a gluten-free flour blend for both the thickening and the dumplings. chicken crockpot recipes are very versatile.

Right then, let’s get cracking on this dinner recipes crockpot masterpiece! You'll be saying "Sorted!" in no time.

Alright, love, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this epic crockpot chicken and dumplings . it's easier than finding a decent cuppa tea in america, honestly.

This is the perfect way to enjoy easy crockpot dinners !

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings EVER

Right, so first things first. let's get the lowdown on the bits and bobs you'll be needing. i'm gonna lay it all out for ya, both in proper measurements (for you lot across the pond) and metric (for us sensible folks).

Honestly, sometimes i feel like translating for the whole world.

Main Ingredients

Okay, for the star of the show – the chicken and the flavour bomb that is the broth.

• Chicken & Broth:
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Quality Check : Go for chicken that's nice and pink, not grey or slimy. That's your sign it's fresh! Also a great addition to your Healthy Dinner Recipes Chicken .
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ).
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup / 120g ).
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 100g ).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth. I swear by a good quality one. Makes all the difference. This is a one-pot, Chicken Crockpot Recipes dream!.
  • 1 cup (237ml) milk or half-and-half. For that extra bit of creamy indulgence.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme.
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour. This is optional. If you need it gluten free, try alternatives!.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Because we're fancy like that.

Now, for the delightful, fluffy dumplings. These are the crowning glory, innit? Don't worry, it is a very Simple Dumpling Recipe , not a difficult one

• Dumplings:
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour.
  • 2 tsp baking powder.
  • 1/2 tsp salt.
  • 3/4 cup (177ml) milk.
  • 4 tbsp (57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. And I mean cold . Pop it in the freezer for a bit if you have to.

Seasoning Notes

Right, seasoning is where the magic happens.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Thyme and rosemary are your backbone here. They give it that classic, warm, comforting feel. I'm telling ya, it is great to make Dinner Recipes Crockpot .
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Don't underestimate the power of garlic and onion! They build a lovely base. Also consider, if you want to go nuts: add a bay leaf to the crockpot while its doing its magic, its worth the wait!.
• Quick Substitution Options: Don't have thyme? A bit of dried oregano will do in a pinch. Rosemary out? Sage is your friend. Just use half the amount, as sage can be a bit overpowering. For Vegetarian Recipes Dinner , consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Essential Tools Only:
  • A 6-quart slow cooker . The size matters!
  • A large skillet (for browning the chicken. It’s optional but so worth it).
  • A mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons. Because eyeballing doesn't always work, does it?
• Common Household Alternatives: No fancy skillet? A regular frying pan will do just fine. Don't have measuring spoons? Use a teaspoon and tablespoon from your cutlery drawer. We're not baking rocket science here. This is a perfect meal to make using Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker .

Honestly, this recipe is so forgiving. don't stress if you don't have exactly everything. just use what you've got. remember i once tried making this with coconut milk instead of regular milk? what a disaster! that didn't stop me from trying again though.

The important thing is to have a bit of fun and get stuck in. right, let's get cracking!

Right then, let's have a crack at this crockpot chicken and dumplings malarkey, shall we? honestly, nothing beats a bit of comfort food, especially when it's chuck-it-in-the- crockpot dishes kind of easy.

It's proper lush, this recipe is.

Cooking Method: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is so easy, it's practically criminal. Forget slaving over a hot stove. This is Sunday lunch sorted, the easy crockpot dinners way. It's a belter.

Prep Steps: Sorted!

First, mise en place , darling. chop your onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic. it takes about 20 minutes .

Saves a heap of time later. it's like getting your ducks in a row before a big race. essential!

Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy

Right, follow these steps:

1. Sear the chicken (optional). In a skillet, heat olive oil. Brown chicken thighs 3- 4 minutes per side.
2. Veggies in the pot: Onion, carrots, celery, garlic into the crockpot recipes slow cooker .
3. Chicken & broth: Chicken on top, then pour in chicken broth.
4. Season: Thyme, rosemary, pepper. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
5. Shred: Take out chicken. Shred it. Back in the pot!
6. (Optional) Thicken: Flour slurry (flour and water). Stir in. Cook on high 15- 20 minutes .
7. Dumplings: Flour, baking powder, salt. Cut in cold butter. Stir in milk.
8. Cook Dumplings: Spoonfuls into the dinner recipes crockpot . Cook on high 25- 30 minutes . NO peeking!

Pro Tips: Bob's Your Uncle!

Here's the skinny on making this ace:

• Sear the chicken, even though you don't have to. Honestly, it makes a difference.
• Don't overmix the dumpling dough! They'll be tough as old boots.
• Make it ahead? Prep the chicken crockpot recipes in the morning, add the dumplings later. Easy peasy.

Honestly, this recipe is wicked easy. i remember the first time i made this healthy dinner recipes chicken . i overmixed the dumplings, and they were proper chewy.

Live and learn, eh? but it tasted so good anyway, i've made it a million times since.

This is one of those dinner recipes crockpot that makes everyone happy, even my veggie mates! just swap the chicken with squash.

Now that is something you want when looking for vegetarian recipes dinner . or use gluten free flour for a friend!

And the best part? It's ready when you are. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday. I am sure you will be satisfied with my dumpling recipe .

Give it a bash. You won't regret it.

Right then, let’s dive into some essential bits for your soon-to-be-famous crockpot chicken and dumplings ! honestly, this is one of my favourite easy crockpot dinners .

You’ll be chuffed with how simple it is.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Proper Feast!

So, you've got this glorious pot of crockpot dishes , but what to serve it with? plating wise, think rustic charm.

Big, generous bowls are a must. a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bit of posh. as for sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness.

A hunk of buttered cornbread is a proper treat. if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled apple cider is a winner.

Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling

Got leftovers? lucky you! for refrigeration, pop the crockpot chicken and dumplings in an airtight container and it'll keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing is a bit trickier, as the dumplings can get a bit soggy. but, if you must, freeze in individual portions.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist. avoid the microwave if you can. a gentle simmer on the hob is much better.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Fancy a twist? for a vegetarian recipes dinner , swap the chicken for butternut squash. add some veggie broth. if you are watching your waist line, you can use a healthy dinner recipes chicken , reduce the quantity of butter and flour.

If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and thickening. seasonal ingredient swaps? in autumn, chuck in some chopped apples.

They work a treat.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

Alright, let's keep it simple. each serving clocks in at around 450 calories. you get a whopping 35g of protein.

Plus, you'll find about 20g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 3g of fiber. key health benefits? chicken is lean protein.

Carrots and celery add vitamins. just remember, it's all about balance, innit?

Honestly, making crockpot chicken and dumplings is easier than falling off a log. this dumpling recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinner recipes crockpot .

Enjoy this chicken crockpot recipes . have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment. now, get in that kitchen and whip up a storm with some crockpot recipes slow cooker .

You got this!