The Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the very definition of hearty comfort food. Succulent, slow-cooked chicken is paired with a medley of carrots, potatoes, peas, and celery—all swimming in a rich, savory gravy made even silkier with a touch of cream. Topped with herb-flecked homemade dumplings that puff up to pillowy perfection, this dish brings warmth to every bite.
This is the kind of meal that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies the soul as much as the stomach. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend evening, this crockpot classic lets you set it, forget it, and come back to a dinner that feels like a warm hug. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread and you’ve got a one-pot masterpiece.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken Stew:
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3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 ribs celery, chopped
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½ medium onion, finely chopped
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2 medium potatoes (or 10 baby potatoes), cut into ½-inch pieces
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½ cup frozen peas
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
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1 cup half and half
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ cup milk
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2 tablespoons canola oil
Directions:
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In a 4–6 quart slow cooker, combine carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, peas, garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and pepper. Stir well.
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Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and pour in the chicken broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
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While the stew cooks, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Add milk and oil, stirring until a thick dough forms. Cover and refrigerate.
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Once chicken is done, remove it, shred using forks, and return to the slow cooker.
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Whisk together half and half with cornstarch and stir into the stew.
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Switch slow cooker to high.
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Drop tablespoons of dumpling dough over the top of the stew, forming rustic dumpling shapes.
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Cover and cook on high for 1–2 more hours until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
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Serve hot with extra parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 4 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
Kcal: 413 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comfort of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Few dishes evoke the same warm, nostalgic comfort as a bowl of chicken and dumplings. This classic comfort food, made effortlessly in a slow cooker, brings tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings together in a rich and creamy broth. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply want a meal that fills your home with cozy aromas, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate recipe to rely on.
While the traditional method of making chicken and dumplings may involve several pots and lots of hands-on cooking, using a crockpot simplifies the process dramatically. With just a bit of prep, you can set it and forget it — and return hours later to a dish that’s deeply satisfying and ready to serve.
Why Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is So Loved
There are a few key reasons why this dish has remained a staple across generations. First, it’s the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, and nourishing, with a flavor that feels like home. The chicken is slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, mingling beautifully with vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and creating a robust base for the fluffy dumplings that rest on top.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly practical. It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and is very budget-friendly. It’s a complete meal in a single pot, which means less clean-up, too — something any home cook can appreciate.
Third, it’s incredibly versatile. From ingredient swaps to cooking times, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what’s in your fridge. And thanks to the magic of the slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy households, especially on chilly nights when you want something hot and hearty without the extra effort.
A One-Pot Wonder: Balanced and Filling
One of the standout features of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is that it’s a full meal on its own. The slow-cooked chicken offers plenty of protein, while the vegetables bring color, texture, and nutritional value. The dumplings — soft and savory with a gentle seasoning — add satisfying carbs that make this dish extra filling. You don’t need a side to go with it, but if you want to stretch the meal or add a touch of freshness, a simple green salad or steamed green beans are great companions.
This balanced profile makes it ideal for families or anyone who prefers to prep dinner in one go and not worry about multiple components. The dumplings cook right on top of the stew, soaking up the flavors of the chicken and broth below, which makes every bite a comforting blend of soft dough and rich gravy.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Using a crockpot for this dish does more than simplify cooking — it transforms the ingredients. As the chicken slowly simmers, it becomes tender and juicy, infused with the flavor of the broth and herbs. The vegetables cook evenly, breaking down just enough to enhance the stew without losing their integrity.
Slow cooking also allows for layers of flavor to develop over time. Garlic, thyme, parsley, and black pepper all meld into the broth, creating a rich and aromatic base. And unlike stovetop versions that may require constant stirring or adjusting heat, the crockpot provides a “set it and forget it” convenience that’s invaluable on busy days.
The timing is also forgiving — the stew can simmer for a little longer if needed without compromising texture. Once the dumplings are added near the end of cooking, the high heat of the crockpot helps them rise and puff up beautifully while absorbing the savory broth.
Texture: A Key to Success
The appeal of chicken and dumplings isn’t just in the flavor — it’s also in the texture. The stew should be thick, creamy, and hearty. The dumplings, meanwhile, must be light and fluffy — not too dense, and never undercooked.
This recipe achieves that perfect texture through a few thoughtful steps. The cornstarch and cream slurry, added after the chicken is shredded, helps thicken the broth into a creamy gravy that coats each bite. The dumpling dough, made simply with flour, baking powder, milk, and oil, is refrigerated before being dropped onto the stew. As it cooks in the steam of the crockpot, it becomes tender and pillowy, absorbing just enough broth to flavor it while keeping its integrity.
Tips for Best Results
If you’re preparing this dish for the first time or want to elevate your next batch, here are a few expert tips:
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Use chicken thighs for richer flavor. While chicken breasts are lean and tender, thighs provide a deeper, more savory taste and remain juicy even after hours of cooking.
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Don’t over-stir once dumplings are added. Once the dumplings are cooking, it’s best to leave the lid on and avoid lifting it too often. The steam is essential for the dumplings to cook properly.
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Taste and adjust seasonings after cooking. Because the ingredients sit in the pot for several hours, flavors can mellow. Taste the broth before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
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Add peas or fresh herbs near the end. If you’re using delicate veggies like peas or fresh parsley, stir them in after the dumplings have cooked to preserve their texture and color.
Making It Your Own
The base of this dish is simple enough to welcome a variety of twists. Here are some ways to customize it:
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Dairy-free version: Use unsweetened plant-based milk and a dairy-free cream alternative.
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Gluten-free dumplings: Swap the flour for a gluten-free baking mix and check that all other ingredients (like broth) are certified gluten-free.
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Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, green beans, or corn make excellent additions.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer a slight kick.
This kind of flexibility makes Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings an excellent go-to recipe that you can reinvent again and again based on your mood or pantry contents.
A Dish for All Seasons
Although chicken and dumplings are often associated with fall and winter — and for good reason — it’s truly a dish that fits every season. In colder months, it’s warm and hearty, perfect for cold evenings. In warmer seasons, it’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed without turning on the oven or stove.
It also scales easily for gatherings. You can double the recipe in a large slow cooker for a crowd, or refrigerate and freeze leftovers for future meals. The flavors often deepen the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Storing and Reheating
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply place leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm on the stove over medium-low heat. If the gravy thickens too much, a splash of cream or broth will bring it back to the desired consistency.
It also freezes beautifully, though the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the dumplings and prepare a fresh batch when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe — it’s a tradition. It’s the dish you turn to when you want to slow down, eat well, and nourish both body and soul. With its balance of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, flavorful dumplings, it brings everything you want in a comforting meal together in one pot.
Its ease of preparation, flexible ingredients, and satisfying nature make it a favorite across generations. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish deserves a place in your regular meal rotation. Serve it with love, and it will never disappoint.
