Some dinners just wrap you in a warm hug, and slow cooker chicken and dumplings is exactly that kind of meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the scent of simmering herbs and savory broth, promising comfort before the first bite.

I remember one chilly evening when the sky had turned a soft shade of twilight blue, and the first hints of rain tapped gently on the windowpane. The slow cooker had been humming quietly all afternoon. When I finally lifted the lid, steam rose in gentle clouds, carrying the rich aroma of tender chicken mingling with earthy carrots and celery. The dumplings, light and fluffy, floated like little pillows atop the creamy broth. Sitting down to that meal, spoon in hand, I felt the tension of the day melt away, replaced by a cozy satisfaction that only a homemade meal can bring.

Hands-off cooking lets you focus on your day while flavors develop slowly.
The creamy broth balances savory chicken and soft vegetables with delicate herbs.
Fluffy, tender dumplings add just the right amount of indulgence without heaviness.
Perfect for feeding a family or having comforting leftovers ready to reheat.
Simple ingredients come together in an unexpectedly elegant dish.

If you’re worried about the time, the slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to relax or tackle other tasks. Plus, the result feels like a special occasion without any fuss.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in a creamy broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the broth and vegetables.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Add 3/4 cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the flour mixture and stir until just combined to form a sticky dough.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker, spacing them evenly.
Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, just add extra cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the dumplings.

What can I do if my dumplings aren’t fluffy? Make sure not to overmix the dough and drop spoonfuls gently onto the simmering broth. Cooking on high with the lid on helps them rise properly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can substitute milk and butter with your preferred plant-based alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly.

How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

When the evening calls for something warm and hearty, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is ready to answer.