Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic

When the weather turns chilly or when you just need a warm, soothing meal, few dishes hit the comfort-food sweet spot like Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This timeless recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken, creamy broth, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings—all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. The beauty of this dish is not only in its taste but also in its simplicity: you can set it and forget it, letting the crockpot do all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for creamier texture)
2 tablespoons butter

For the Dumplings:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Base

Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken.
Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
Dot the top with butter for extra richness.

Tip: You can add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of chicken bouillon for deeper flavor.