Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Comfort Meal

cozy slow cooker chicken and dumplings - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe recreates a beloved diner classic with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth. It’s an effortless, pantry-friendly meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4–5 thighs)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Layer the aromatics: Place sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic over the top.
  2. Add the chicken: Nestle chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
  3. Season the broth: Pour in chicken broth and water. Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt over the top. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid. Stir gently.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is fall-apart tender.
  5. Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let rest, then shred with two forks. Discard bay leaves. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
  6. Make the dumpling batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and melted butter. Pour wet into dry and stir until just combined (lumps are fine).
  7. Drop and steam: Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the simmering broth (about 12-14 dumplings). Do not stir.
  8. Cover and wait: Cover and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes until dumplings are puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Do not lift the lid for the first 20 minutes.
  9. Finish and serve: If using, stir in heavy cream gently. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Don’t overmix the dumpling batter; lumps are fine. Keep the lid on while dumplings cook to retain steam. Season the broth in layers and adjust at the end. Use chicken thighs for best results. Leftovers thicken as they sit; add broth when reheating. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken and dumplings, comfort food, chicken stew, dumplings, easy dinner, winter meal

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-dumplings-easy-comfort-meal/