Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a slow cooker version of a classic comfort food! Tender chicken, loads of veggies, and fluffy homemade dumplings are simmered in a thick and flavorful gravy.

Love dumplings? Try my Drop Dumplings for Soup in this Chicken Dumpling Soup, too!

We love comfort foods at our house. Mac and cheese, chicken parmesan, chicken pot pie, and of course this crockpot chicken and dumplings!

I love this recipe because not only is it a hit with the kids, but it’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs. Plus, it’s made in the crockpot so the prep is quick and easy and the rest is mostly hands-off!

Working with less time? Check out my instant pot chicken and dumplings instead!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings ingredients and substitutions:

For the chicken stew:

• Chicken Broth: I use low sodium chicken broth. If you’re using regular broth you may want to adjust the amount of salt you use.
• Chicken Breasts: use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will also work, if preferred.
• Carrot, Onion, and Celery: a “mirepoix” which is a trio of veggies used in cooking to add flavor, color, and texture.
• Potatoes: you can use 2 medium-sized potatoes cut into 1/2-inch pieces or 10 baby potatoes, quartered.
• Frozen Peas: add a pop of texture in each bite. You can use thawed peas as well, you will just want to add them right before you add the dumplings instead of adding them with the chicken and other veggies.
• Minced Garlic: adds a kick of nutty flavor.
• Salt, Dried Parsley, Dried Thyme, and Black Pepper: a simple spice blend that gives the gravy an earthy, slightly sweet, herbaceous flavor.
• Cream and Cornstarch: makes up a cornstarch slurry which helps thicken the gravy.

For the dumplings:

• All-Purpose Flour: you can also use whole wheat flour, if preferred.
• Baking Powder: helps the dough rise as it cooks so that the dumplings are light and fluffy.
• Salt and Italian Seasoning: gives the dumplings just the right amount of earthy, sweet, peppery flavor.
• Milk: adds moisture to create that dough-like texture. Any milk will work. You can even use an unsweetened plant-based milk for a dairy-free option!
• Canola Oil: keeps the dough from becoming too sticky and adds flavor depth.

How to make slow cooker chicken and dumplings

1. Add carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, peas, garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and pepper to a 3-6 quart crockpot and stir well.
2. Place chicken breasts on top and add broth.

3. While the chicken mixture is cooking, stir together flour, baking powder, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Add milk and canola oil and stir until combined. The mixture should be thick. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to add it to the slow cooker.
4. When the cook time is up, remove the chicken, place on a cutting board, and shred.

5. Whisk together the cream and cornstarch and stir that into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.
6. Turn the crockpot to high, and use two tablespoons of the dumpling mixture to form rough dough balls and place them on top of the stew.

7. Cover with the lid and cook on high for another 1-2 hours or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

How long should dumplings cook?

In the slow cooker, the dumplings should take anywhere from 60-90 minutes to cook fully.

I recommend cooking at least one hour, and if your filling hasn’t quite thickened there’s no problem in letting everything cook a little longer.

Why are my chicken and dumplings mushy?

If the dumplings ended up mushy, chances are they’re undercooked. This might have something to do with the temperature they’re cooked at. Be sure that you switch the crockpot from LOW to HIGH after you cook the chicken and veggies and before you add the dumplings.

If the dumplings still aren’t quite done after they’re cooked on high for the full hour, your crockpot may just run a little cooler than some and you can add time as needed.

How to shred chicken

There are a couple of super easy ways to shred chicken:

1. With two forks: hold one fork in each hand and use them to pull the chicken apart. Alternatively, use one fork to hold the chicken down and use the other to pull it apart.
2. With a mixer: you can use either your stand mixer or hand mixer to easily shred chicken. Simply place the cooked chicken in a bowl and mix on low until shredded.

Can you make chicken and dumplings without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can either check out my instant pot chicken and dumplings recipe or follow these simple stovetop instructions:

1. Combine chicken broth, chicken breasts, carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, peas, garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and pepper in a large stockpot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
3. While that mixture is simmering, make your dumplings by combining flour, baking powder, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Add in milk and oil, then stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate.
4. When the broth mixture is done simmering, remove and shred the chicken, then stir that back into the pot. Whisk together the cream and corn starch and add that as well.
5. Portion the dumpling dough out into balls using 2 tablespoons of dough for each, then add that into the broth. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Serving suggestions

This chicken and dumplings recipe contains protein, veggies, and carbs which I would say is a pretty darn complete meal.

However, if you do want to bulk your meal up a bit, try serving it alongside a simple green salad, dinner rolls, or roasted potatoes and carrots.

How to store leftover chicken and dumplings

Leftovers will last in an airtight container or ziplock baggie in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of cream to thin, if necessary.