Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy biscuit-style dumplings that steam right on top of a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this family-friendly dish is easy, affordable, and full of homemade flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cloves garlic – adds depth and aroma
- 1 yellow onion – provides natural sweetness
- 3 ribs celery – adds crunch and savory notes
- 1/2 lb carrots – adds color and sweetness
- 1 large chicken breast (about 3/4 lb) – tender, juicy protein
- 1 whole bay leaf – infuses herbal flavor
- 1 tsp dried basil – earthy seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme – enhances chicken flavor
- Black pepper – for balance
- 4 cups water – forms the base of the broth
- 1 tsp salt – to taste
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – base for dumplings
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder – helps dumplings rise
- 1/2 tsp salt – balances dumpling flavor
- 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley – adds freshness
- 6 Tbsp cold butter – for flaky, tender texture
- 3/4 tsp sugar – subtle balance
- 2/3 cup milk – binds dumpling dough
Instructions
- Mince the garlic, dice the onion, and slice the carrots and celery into small pieces.
- Add the garlic, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, basil, thyme, chicken breast, water, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in salt to taste.
- While the soup continues to cook on high, mix the dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, salt, parsley, and sugar in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then add milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the hot soup.
- Cover and cook on high for 20 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam until light and fluffy.
- Break dumplings slightly to let broth mix in, then serve hot.
Notes
- Keep the lid closed while cooking dumplings to retain steam.
- Ensure the soup is hot before adding dumpling dough for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Add peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For creamier texture, add a splash of cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low) + 20 minutes for dumplings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup soup + 1-2 dumplings)
- Calories: 439
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1057mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, chicken stew, crockpot chicken, comfort food, easy slow cooker recipe, fluffy dumplings, chicken soup, cozy dinner