Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving some cozy, homey goodness that practically melts in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it turns an all-time comfort classic into a hands-off, slow-cooked masterpiece that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. You’ll find that the tender chicken, fresh veggies, and pillowy dumplings all join together in a silky broth that’s just perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a meal that feels like a warm hug.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that rich, flavorful broth and those melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. The chicken broth and half-and-half build a creamy base while the fresh veggies add sweetness and texture. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic and herbs—that’s where the magic happens!

• Carrots: I always use fresh and peeled carrots for a subtle sweetness that perks up every bite.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a nice earthy, aromatic undertone that balances the richness.
• Potatoes: Starchy potatoes hold up well during slow cooking and give a lovely heartiness.
• Onion: Use a finely chopped medium onion to build savory depth in the broth.
• Frozen peas: Peas add pops of color and sweetness at the end without getting mushy.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential—never use pre-minced for this recipe, trust me!
• Salt and herbs (parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning): These keep the flavors balanced and bright throughout.
• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless to keep it lean and easy to shred.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the dish—low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
• Half-and-half: This adds creaminess without being too heavy, but you can swap with whole milk if needed.
• Cornstarch: It’s my secret weapon for thickening the gravy just right.
• All-purpose flour & baking powder: For the homemade dumplings that cook right in the crockpot gravy.
• Milk: For mixing the dumpling dough to get that perfect fluffy texture.
• Oil: Helps give a light tenderness to the dumplings before they cook.

Variations

I love how versatile this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is—once I got comfortable with the basic version, I started experimenting and found some fun ways to change it up without losing that classic soul-warming vibe.

• Using Rotisserie Chicken: I sometimes swap the raw chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken for an ultra-quick version that saves hours on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with veggie broth and add hearty mushrooms to keep things savory—just skip the chicken and toss in some plant-based protein if you want.
• Herb Variations: Summer means experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives instead of dried for brighter taste notes.
• Dumpling Alternatives: For a gluten-free twist, try using gluten-free flour blends and adjust baking powder accordingly; it’s a little different but still yummy!

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by peeling and chopping those carrots and potatoes into roughly ½ inch pieces so they cook evenly in the crockpot. Finely chop your celery and onion, and mince the garlic—fresh garlic here is key for flavor. Then place all those veggies in the bottom of your slow cooker along with the chicken breasts. Season everything lightly with salt, dried parsley, thyme, and pepper right away so those herbs really get to know the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Add Broth & Let It Slow Cook

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over your ingredients, cover the crockpot, and set it on low for about 6 hours. Patience is your friend here — I discovered that letting it cook low and slow means the chicken turns incredibly tender and the veggies soak up all those lovely broth flavors. Plus, the slow simmer builds the base for your dumplings’ perfect gravy.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the chicken and veggies are cooking, mix together your dumpling ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, Italian seasoning, milk, and oil. I like to whisk the dry ingredients first to make sure the baking powder spreads evenly, then slowly stir in milk and oil until the dough just comes together—it should be soft but not sticky. This dough will be gently dropped into the crockpot to cook through after the chicken is done.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Dumplings

Once your chicken is fork-tender (yay, that hallmark of success!), shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. I always save this step until now so the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out from overcooking. Quickly toss in the frozen peas for a bright finish. Then spoon your dumpling dough, in spoonfuls, over the top. Cover and let the dumplings steam and puff up for about 30-40 minutes more.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Before serving, whisk together the half-and-half with cornstarch until smooth and then stir it into the crockpot. This step is what gives your broth that silky, luscious texture that makes this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe truly special. Cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens up beautifully—don’t skip this or your dumplings might float in a thin broth!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that lightens the rich flavors. Sometimes I add a tiny dash of cracked black pepper right on top to give my family a little kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a surprising treat if you want to brighten the whole bowl before eating.

Side Dishes

Since this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is such a hearty, complete meal on its own, I usually keep sides simple. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green veggies like broccoli pairs beautifully without overwhelming the dish. For a bit of crunch, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, I’ve found serving it in individual rustic bowls topped with a sprig of fresh thyme makes it feel extra cozy and fancy. A dash of smoked paprika or a swirl of cream over the dumplings before serving adds some gourmet flair. For kids, I once made mini dumpling bites on skewers to serve as appetizers — they loved the fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the gravy since dumplings tend to soak it up, ensuring it stays creamy and luscious.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is totally doable but I like to freeze before adding the dumplings—dumplings don’t always keep their texture well after freezing. Freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in broth, then add freshly made dumplings when reheating. That way, you get the best texture from each part.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a little milk or broth if needed to thin out the gravy and stir in fresh dumplings if you have any on hand to refresh the meal. Microwave works but stovetop is best for even heating and maintaining texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to whenever I want real comfort food without the hassle of standing over a stove for hours. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, and the result is that unbeatable rich flavor, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings that remind me of cozy family dinners growing up. I can’t recommend this recipe enough if you want something warm, hearty, and totally satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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