Summary:
Warm, hearty, and utterly comforting, Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate slow-cooker meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers with vegetables in a creamy broth while fluffy dumplings cook on top, creating a cozy, soul-satisfying dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley

For the Dumplings:

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup milk

Instructions

Prepare Crock Pot Base: Place chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and onion in the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Make Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Serve: Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has fluffy dumplings and plenty of creamy broth. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Uniform Veggies: Dice vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.
Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Makes the stew creamy and ensures every bite has chicken.
Cover Crock Pot During Dumpling Cooking: Keeps steam trapped for perfectly cooked dumplings.
Optional Creaminess: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before adding dumplings for an extra rich base.

Variations

Herb Twist: Add rosemary or sage for deeper flavor.
Cheesy Dumplings: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar to the dumpling dough.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas or corn in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main course with a side of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
Ideal for family dinners, cold weather meals, or meal prep for busy nights.

Fun Facts / Cultural Context

Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food dating back to the 19th century. The dumplings were originally a way to stretch a hearty stew, providing warmth and sustenance. Using a crock pot modernizes the process, making it accessible for today’s busy lifestyles while preserving that nostalgic, comforting flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain dumpling texture.
Avoid microwaving dumplings directly; they may become dense.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 650mg