Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need an easy, hands-off dinner. This recipe combines savory chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth with the added delight of soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.

Whether you’re new to using a slow cooker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into the crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and watch as the magic happens. This meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or serving to guests for a comforting and filling dish.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just add your ingredients to the crockpot, set it, and let it do all the work. No need to spend hours in the kitchen.

2. Comforting and Hearty

The combination of tender chicken, a creamy broth, and soft dumplings makes this dish the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and satisfying.

3. Family-Friendly

This recipe is perfect for feeding the entire family. Kids and adults alike will love the flavors, and it’s an easy way to get everyone to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

4. Versatile

You can adjust the recipe to your preferences by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery. It’s an easy dish to customize based on what you have on hand.

5. Minimal Prep

There’s very little prep required—just chop a few ingredients and let the crockpot handle the rest. Perfect for busy days or when you want a no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Small white onion (diced)
Minced garlic
Salt

Black pepper
Chicken broth
Milk

Cornstarch

For the Dumplings:

All-purpose flour
Salt

Baking powder
Milk or buttermilk
Melted butter

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or celery to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to infuse additional flavor into the dish.
Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier broth, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream or use a combination of milk and cream.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir to combine.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the broth.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the milk (or buttermilk) and melted butter, stirring until a thick batter forms.

Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot

Once the chicken is shredded, spoon the dumpling batter on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the broth and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked and the broth has thickened to your liking, serve the chicken and dumplings hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred the Chicken Well: Shredding the chicken ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the broth and dumplings, creating a more satisfying bite.
Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: When adding the dumpling batter to the crockpot, avoid overcrowding. Let the dumplings have enough space to expand and cook through.
Use Buttermilk for Richer Dumplings: If you want extra flavor in your dumplings, opt for buttermilk instead of regular milk. It adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.

Adjust Thickness of Broth: If you prefer a thinner broth, skip the cornstarch. If you want a thicker, stew-like consistency, don’t hesitate to add cornstarch to the broth.

How to Serve

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings can be served as a standalone meal or with a side of crispy bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or biscuits for an extra touch of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dumplings are fully cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin the soup. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.

2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them for an additional hour or so if you’re starting with frozen chicken.

3. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

The dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for easy assembly when you’re ready to cook.

4. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings will puff up and become firm. You can test them with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the dumplings are done.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.

6. What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickening agent. Use about double the amount of flour compared to cornstarch for a similar result.

7. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes, using heavy cream will give the broth a richer, creamier texture.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

9. Can I use a different type of flour for the dumplings?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture of the dumplings may change slightly.

10. Can I freeze the dumplings?

While the dumplings can technically be frozen, they may lose their fluffy texture after freezing and reheating. It’s best to make the dumplings fresh when preparing the dish.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With tender chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that everyone will love and can be customized to suit your preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish any time you need something warm, filling, and absolutely satisfying.