Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe For Cozy Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about sinking your spoon into a warm bowl of crockpot chicken dumplings after a busy day. This crockpot chicken dumplings recipe brings together tender chicken simmered slowly in a creamy broth with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort food that’s effortless to prepare and perfect for any season.

this Recipe

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this crockpot chicken dumplings recipe will quickly become a favorite. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax, and you end up with a rich, hearty dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off slow cooking lets you set it and forget it.
• The dumplings come out fluffy and tender every time.
• Comforting creamy broth with perfectly cooked chicken.
• Family-friendly meal that’s great for casual dinners.
• Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the best crockpot chicken and dumplings. Everything combines beautifully for a rich and satisfying dish.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (high) or 6 hours 20 minutes (low)
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

How to Make Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food with Tender Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings

1. Place the chicken thighs, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a thick dough forms.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir well.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Do not stir after adding dumplings.
7. Cover and cook on high for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
8. Optionally, if you prefer a thicker broth, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the crockpot 15 minutes before adding dumplings.
9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Don’t stir after adding dumplings to keep them light and fluffy.
• Make sure the crockpot lid fits tightly to trap steam for perfect dumplings.
• Prepare the dumpling dough just before adding, as it can dry out quickly.
• For extra veggies, add chopped celery or mushrooms along with peas and carrots.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb some broth as they sit, so the dish may thicken.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the texture. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their higher fat content and tenderness, which keep the dish moist during slow cooking.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be firm to the touch and no longer doughy inside. Cooking them for 45 minutes to 1 hour on high usually ensures they are fully cooked.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to add the dumpling dough fresh during the last step to maintain fluffiness. Pre-made dumplings may become dense or soggy.

Is it possible to freeze crockpot chicken and dumplings?

Yes, freeze the stew without the dumplings for best results. Dumplings can be made fresh when reheating to preserve their texture.