Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic

Few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort like Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a creamy, savory broth, topped with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the rich flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or a simple family dinner, this dish is not only satisfying but incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the slow cooker. Here’s how to make this timeless comfort food step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Broth:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons butter

For the Dumplings:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional: finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In the crockpot, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.
Pour the chicken broth over everything. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged for even cooking.

Tip: For added flavor, you can sear the chicken lightly in a pan with a little olive oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional but adds depth to the broth.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables soft.