Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a flavorful broth topped with fluffy, homemade dumplings. This easy slow cooker recipe lets you come home to a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker insert. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir to combine evenly.
2. Step 2: Secure the lid and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded.
3. Step 3: Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and discard the bay leaf.
4. Step 4: Stir the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the slow cooker mixture until well combined.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and whole milk, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in fresh parsley if using, taking care not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew in the slow cooker, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Step 7: Replace the lid and switch the slow cooker to high. Cook for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are puffed, cooked through, and tender.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme and parsley.
• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
• To make the dumplings gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
• Add frozen peas or corn to the stew during the last hour for added texture and color.
• Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Dumplings may become denser after reheating, so add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking, but breasts are a leaner option.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to add and cook the dumplings fresh in the slow cooker for the best texture. Making them ahead can cause them to become dense or soggy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 190 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cozy days. Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs, enriched with cream and butter. Fluffy homemade dumplings cooked directly in the stew add satisfying texture and warmth, creating a classic, one-pot dish.

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Ingredients

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Stew Base

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Dumplings

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients: Place the diced chicken, yellow onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
2. Initial Simmer: Secure the slow cooker lid and set to ‘low’ for 5 hours to allow the chicken and vegetables to cook until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred and Return Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and discard the bay leaf.
4. Enrich the Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the stew until fully combined, creating a rich, creamy broth.
5. Prepare Dumplings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and whole milk, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Fold in fresh parsley if using, being careful not to overmix to keep dumplings tender.
6. Add Dumplings to Stew: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew inside the slow cooker. Space the dumplings apart to allow them room to expand as they cook.
7. Cook Dumplings: Place the lid back on and switch the slow cooker to ‘high’ heat. Cook for an additional 1 hour until the dumplings are fully cooked, puffed, and tender.
8. Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for moister, more flavorful results, or breasts for a leaner dish.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough to ensure light, fluffy dumplings.
• Fresh parsley in the dumplings adds a nice herbal brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
• The slow cooker settings and times may vary depending on your model; check tenderness accordingly.
• Leftovers reheated gently will maintain the dumpling texture best.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker chicken dumplings, slow cooker recipes, chicken stew, comfort food, one pot meal, homemade dumplings