Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty bowl of Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. This slow-cooked classic transforms simple pantry ingredients into a creamy, flavorful stew topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish is both nourishing and indulgent.

The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of tender chicken, sweet carrots, savory celery, and herbs simmered slowly to develop deep flavor. The dumplings, light and pillowy, soak up the broth, creating a creamy, comforting bite in every spoonful.

This slow cooker method ensures minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a homemade meal without standing over the stove.

Ingredients

Chicken & Stew Base
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk (adjust for consistency)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prep Chicken and Vegetables
In the slow cooker, place chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Cook in Crock Pot
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Shred Chicken
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Thicken the Stew
In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in 2 tbsp flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually stir into the slow cooker. Let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until stew thickens.
Prepare Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk to form a soft dough.
Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering stew in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve & Garnish
Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Even Cooking: Ensure dumplings are evenly spaced so they cook thoroughly.
Adjust Thickness: Add more broth if you prefer a soupier version, or reduce liquid slightly for thicker stew.
Vegetable Variations: Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare the stew base a day ahead; add dumplings just before serving.

Variations

Cheesy Dumplings: Stir ¼ cup shredded cheddar into the dumpling batter.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or tarragon to the stew for extra depth.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
One-Pot Stove Version: Cook stew on the stovetop and add dumplings directly to simmering broth.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Chicken and dumplings originated in the southern United States as a hearty, inexpensive comfort food. Traditionally made with leftover chicken, the dumplings served as a way to stretch a meal while delivering satisfying, filling bites. Slow cooker versions modernize the dish, allowing for hands-off preparation while maintaining the cozy, home-cooked essence.

The dumpling topping is a nod to rustic European culinary traditions, where simple doughs were cooked in stews to provide nourishment and texture. This recipe bridges the traditional and modern, making it accessible for today’s busy kitchens.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Dumplings are best eaten fresh; reheated dumplings may be slightly denser.