This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is pure comfort food. Tender chicken, creamy broth, vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings come together in the slow cooker for an easy, hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions
1. Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. Add the Creamy Broth
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Add the thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a little salt.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the frozen peas.
5. Make the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix.
6. Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the hot chicken mixture.
Cover the slow cooker immediately.
Cook on HIGH for about 45–60 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
Avoid lifting the lid too often while the dumplings cook, as this allows heat and steam to escape.
7. Serve
Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, gently stir the chicken mixture around them.
Serve hot with plenty of the creamy broth and tender vegetables.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken thighs make the dish especially tender and flavorful.
- Don’t overwork the dumpling dough or the dumplings can become dense.
- Keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook.
- If the broth is too thick, add a small amount of warm chicken broth before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of poultry seasoning to the chicken mixture.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of hearty, old-fashioned comfort food that makes an ordinary dinner feel special. Tender shredded chicken, creamy savory broth, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings make every spoonful warm and satisfying.