Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings the Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Nans Secret Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Easy Comfort

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 12, 2025

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5.00 (2 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving Comfort?

Ever get that hankering for something utterly comforting? This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is exactly that! We are talking creamy, savoury, and utterly soul satisfying comfort chicken .

It's like a warm hug from your nan.

A Taste of Home

Chicken And Dumplings Recipe is traditionally American, deeply rooted in Southern cuisine. It's basically chicken stew topped with doughy dumplings.

This version uses a slow cooker for extra easiness! This Easy Chicken and Dumplings takes about 3 hours 50 minutes - 8 hours 20 minutes depending on your cooker setting.

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cosy night.

Why You'll Love This

Honestly, what's not to love? This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings is packed with protein from the chicken and veggies. It’s brilliant for a cold winter's evening or when you just need a pick-me-up.

The fluffy dumplings makes this dish special and it is an One-Pot Chicken Dinner dish.

Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need to get started making some Homemade Chicken Dumplings !

Ingredients & Equipment

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings the Ultimate Comfort Food Classic presentation

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings masterpiece. Seriously, this Chicken And Dumplings Recipe is so easy, even my mate Dave could make it.

And trust me, that's saying something. It's a proper Comfort Chicken dish.

What Goes Into This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs (900g) . Use boneless, skinless ones. They're more forgiving than chicken breast. Quality wise, look for ones that are pink and plump.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any decent brand will do.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g), chopped. Don't stress if it's not perfect.
Carrots: 2 (about 1 cup/120g), peeled and chopped.
Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup/100g), chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred stuff is fine in a pinch, but fresh is better, innit?
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low-sodium is my preference.
Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
Dried Rosemary: ½ tsp .
Black Pepper: ¼ tsp , freshly ground.
Salt: ¼ tsp , or to taste.
Frozen Mixed Veg: 1 cup (240ml) (peas, carrots, corn). Added later.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) (optional). This makes it proper creamy.

Get Your Seasoning On: Adding that Extra Oomph

Thyme and rosemary? Absolute musts for that classic Easy Chicken and Dumplings flavour. Don't skip them. For a little something extra, a bay leaf added to the slow cooker and removed before serving adds a subtle depth, you know? You can sub dried herbs for fresh, just use about three times the amount.

Tools You'll Need

Right, here's the kit you'll be needing:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart is perfect.
Large Skillet: For searing the chicken.
Mixing Bowls: For the dumplings.
Measuring Cups and Spoons .
Wooden Spoon or Spatula.
Meat Thermometer: Essential. Chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) , yeah?

Don't have a fancy skillet? A regular frying pan will do! If you're missing a rolling pin, a wine bottle does the trick for rolling out dumplings! Honest.

Making Homemade Chicken Dumplings this way means less washing up. You'll have more time to relax with a One-Pot Chicken Dinner that's both filling and soul satisfying.

This Best Slow Cooker Recipes is going to become a staple.

This Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup will become your favorite.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Nan's Comfort Food, Simplified

Honestly, who doesn't love Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings ? It's the ultimate comfort chicken dish, like a warm hug from your Nan! This recipe is super easy, even if you're not a pro.

Seriously, I once nearly set fire to toast, and I can make this. We're talking minimum effort for maximum flavour.

Let's dive in!

Prep Like a Boss: Your Mise en Place Must Haves

First, essential mise en place . Roughly chop your onion, carrots and celery. Mince the garlic. Measure out your spices. Have your chicken broth ready to roll.

This setup saves you time and keeps things organized. For time saving organization tips , chop all your veggies at once and store them in a container.

It also helps to have your butter ready to go for the dumplings! Honestly, prepping is half the battle!

step-by-step Guide to Chicken and Dumpling Heaven

Right, let's get cooking! This is the Chicken And Dumplings Recipe your family will love.

Sear chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown on both sides. (Flavour town, here we come!).
Sauté 1 chopped onion , 2 chopped carrots , 2 chopped celery stalks in the same pan. Add 2 minced cloves garlic at the end.
Chuck everything (chicken and veggies) into your slow cooker.
Pour over 4 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp rosemary, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp salt.
Cook on Low for 6- 8 hours or High for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Shred the chicken. Return it to the pot.
Make the dumplings (see below!).
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the slow cooker and cook for 30 minutes , covered.

Dumplings: Fluffy Clouds of Joy

For the fluffiest fluffy dumplings in your Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings :

Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
Cut in ¼ cup cold butter.
Gradually add 1 cup milk. Don't overmix!

Pro Tips for that "Nan's Secret" Touch

Want that extra somethin' somethin'? Add 1 cup frozen mixed veggies and ½ cup heavy cream (optional) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Don't lift the slow cooker lid too often. Lifting releases heat and extends cooking time. This is an Easy Chicken and Dumplings meal that's also a One-Pot Chicken Dinner , so less washing up! For a Homemade Chicken Dumplings experience try making the dough a day ahead.

Cover and chill.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a winner, every time. This isn't just food, its a trip down memory lane, a plateful of warmth, and a hearty portion of love, all simmered to perfection.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Right, so you're about to make some proper Comfort Chicken . This Chicken And Dumplings Recipe is a belter, honestly. But before you dive in, let's cover some bits and bobs to make sure it's a roaring success.

These are a few things that'll help you create your best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings yet, just like my nan used to make.

Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Fancy it up a bit, yeah? A nice big bowl of Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup is always welcome. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look all fancy pants.

Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dunking. A side salad, maybe a simple green one, can cut through the richness.

Some folks swear by a pint of real ale with this; it is proper comfort food, after all!

Storing Your Delicious Leftovers (Storage Tips)

If you've got any left, lucky you! Honestly... let it cool down completely. Then, bung it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days , tops. For freezing, it's best to freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings, as the dumplings can get a bit mushy.

Reheat gently on the hob, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it's too thick.

Twists and Turns (Variations)

Want to mix it up a bit? Go on, be adventurous! If you're avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.

Honestly, there are some great ones out there now. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for milk. You know? You can even add some extra veggies - some chopped potatoes or swede would be lush.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty (Nutrition Basics)

Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad, is it? But it's still got some good stuff in it. We're talking protein from the chicken, plus some vitamins from the veggies.

It's hearty, filling, and good for the soul, you know? Roughly, you're looking at around 450-550 calories per serving, but that's just a rough guide.

I've always said that the Best Slow Cooker Recipes don't have to be the healthiest, as long as they make you feel good.

This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings recipe is a hug in a bowl. It's easier than you think to whip up some proper Homemade Chicken Dumplings .

So get in the kitchen, have a go, and enjoy! It's the perfect One-Pot Chicken Dinner . You'll soon get the hang of making Fluffy Dumplings .

And remember, even if it's not perfect, it'll still taste blummin' delicious! Now go get your bake on!

Creamy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time? I'm proper knackered after work!

You can certainly prep some components in advance! The chicken and broth base can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to make the dumplings fresh just before you're ready to cook them, as they can get a bit soggy if they sit for too long.

Think of it as prepping your Sunday roast on a Saturday, but holding off on the Yorkshire puds till the day!

My dumplings always turn out doughy! What am I doing wrong with my Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?

Doughy dumplings are a common woe! Make sure your slow cooker is actually simmering not just staying warm when you add them. Also, resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid releases heat and extends the cooking time, which can result in undercooked dumplings.

Remember the saying 'a watched pot never boils'? The same applies here!

Is there anything I can add to my Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings to give it a bit more "oomph"?

Absolutely! A few simple additions can really elevate the flavour. Try adding a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers, remembering to remove it before serving, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. For a fresher, brighter flavour, stir in some chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving.

These little touches will have your guests saying 'that's champion'!

Can I freeze leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings? I always make too much!

Freezing is a great way to save leftovers, but the dumplings might lose a bit of their texture. Freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings, if possible. When reheating, you can either add the dumplings to the broth while it's simmering on the stove, or bake them separately to crisp them up a bit.

Consider it a 'bodge job', but still tasty!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier, any tips for lightening up this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe?

You can definitely make some swaps to reduce the fat and calories. Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, trim off any excess fat before cooking, and use low-sodium chicken broth. You could also replace the heavy cream with milk or a light cream alternative.

For the dumplings, try using whole wheat flour for a fibre boost! Small changes can make a big difference, keeping it lush but not too naughty!

I don't have any chicken thighs; can I use chicken breasts for the Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts! Just be aware that they tend to dry out faster than chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Keep an eye on them and reduce the cooking time if needed. You might also want to shred them a little earlier to prevent them from becoming too dry.

A meat thermometer is your best mate here to avoid overcooking!