Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

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There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Fluffy biscuit-like dumplings float on a bed of creamy chicken stew, filled with tender shredded chicken, sweet peas, and soft carrots. The slow cooker transforms humble ingredients into a hearty dish with rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it perfect for cozy dinners or chilly nights.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity. With minimal prep, the crockpot handles the heavy lifting—infusing the stew with depth over hours while the dumplings steam gently to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a nostalgic bite, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Effortless Comfort Food: The crockpot does most of the work—no babysitting the stove or multiple pans required.
• Perfect for Cold Days: Rich, savory, and hearty—it’s the ultimate dish to warm you up from the inside out.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the soft dumplings and tender chicken.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To get the best results with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): This is the heart of the recipe. It allows flavors to meld over hours and cooks the chicken to a fall-apart tenderness. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for prepping vegetables like carrots and celery quickly and safely.
• Mixing Bowl: Used to prepare the dumpling batter or to stir the ingredients before they go into the slow cooker.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key to achieving the right consistency in your dumplings and stew base.
• Two Forks or Tongs: These are helpful for shredding the cooked chicken before adding the dumplings.
• Ladle or Serving Spoon: You’ll need this for scooping generous portions of stew and dumplings into bowls.

Each tool supports a smooth cooking process, allowing you to focus more on flavor and less on fuss.

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Preparation Tips

• Pre-chop Vegetables: Save time by chopping your carrots, onions, and celery ahead of time. You can even do this the night before.
• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer richer flavor and tenderness, but breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.
• Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Overworking the dough can make your dumplings dense. Stir just until combined.
• Thicken the Broth: If you like a thicker stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving.
• Add Peas Last: Peas cook quickly—add them during the final 10-15 minutes to preserve their bright color and texture.
• Use Cold Butter for Dumplings: This helps create tender, fluffy dumplings with a slight buttery bite.

Preparing properly ensures your chicken and dumplings come out just as comforting and delicious as they’re meant to be.

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Ingredients for This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting classic to life:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

These pantry-friendly ingredients combine to create a deeply flavorful, homey meal that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.

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Step 1: Load the Crockpot

Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then top with small cubes of butter. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

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Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred. Avoid lifting the lid during this process to retain heat and moisture.

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Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine.

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Step 4: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then mix it into the crockpot. Let it cook for 10–15 more minutes to thicken.

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Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly. Pour in the milk and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

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Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot

Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the surface of the hot stew. Aim for roughly 2-tablespoon-sized mounds, spaced slightly apart. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam and become fluffy.

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Step 7: Finish with Peas and Serve

In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and gently stir around the dumplings without disturbing them too much. Once everything is heated through and the dumplings are firm and fluffy, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

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Notes

• Dumpling Texture: For lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough and make sure the batter is moist. It should be sticky but not runny.
• Butter Substitution: You can use margarine in a pinch, but butter adds a richer flavor to both the stew and dumplings.
• Milk Options: Whole or 2% milk works best for creaminess, but unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used for dairy-free versions.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to toss in chopped mushrooms, green beans, or even corn based on your preferences.
• Rotisserie Shortcut: If you’re in a rush, you can use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the cook time accordingly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Lifting the Lid While Dumplings Cook: Avoid peeking! Removing the lid lets out steam, which can cause your dumplings to become dense or undercooked.
• Overcrowding Dumplings: Space the dough drops apart so they have room to puff up properly.
• Overcooking Chicken: Especially on high heat—chicken breasts can dry out if left too long. Use a timer and check for tenderness.
• Skipping the Butter in the Stew: Those small cubes of butter melt slowly and enrich the broth—don’t leave them out.
• Forgetting to Season: Layering salt, pepper, and herbs early ensures your broth is flavorful all the way through.
• Adding Peas Too Early: They’ll turn dull and mushy. Wait until the final minutes for best results.
• Using Too Much Flour in Dumplings: Pack your flour when measuring, and the dough can turn dry. Spoon it in loosely and level off.
• Neglecting to Stir After Shredding: Once the chicken is shredded and returned to the pot, give everything a good mix before adding dumplings.

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What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a satisfying dish on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some favorites that balance the richness and add extra texture or flavor contrast.

8 Recommendations

1. Simple Garden Salad
   A crisp mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
2. Steamed Green Beans
   Lightly seasoned with salt and a touch of garlic butter, these provide a snappy, fresh side.
3. Buttered Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn complements the creamy stew and adds a burst of natural sweetness.
4. Garlic Bread or Biscuits
   Perfect for mopping up the creamy broth. Go with fluffy dinner rolls or toasted garlic bread.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Their caramelized edges and slightly bitter flavor contrast nicely with the rich stew.
6. Apple Walnut Slaw
   A cool, crisp slaw with apples and nuts offers a tangy-sweet counterpoint to the warm dumplings.
7. Pickled Beets or Onions
   These punchy sides cut through the richness and add a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
8. Light Sparkling Lemonade or Iced Tea
   For drinks, something slightly tart or citrusy pairs beautifully with this hearty meal.

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Storage Instructions

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead or leftover meal.

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, often tasting even better the next day.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stew portion (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Dumplings don’t freeze well—they tend to become soggy when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk or broth if the stew has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 6)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 670mg

Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?

Yes! Canned biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut. Just cut them into quarters and drop them on top of the stew about an hour before serving. They puff up nicely in the crockpot.

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2. Can I cook this recipe on high the whole time?

You can. Cooking on high for 3–4 hours works well, but the chicken may be slightly less tender than the low-and-slow method. Make sure it’s fully cooked and easy to shred.

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3. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

No, it’s not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw chicken completely before cooking.

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4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. Also check labels on broth and seasonings.

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5. Can I add potatoes?

Absolutely. Add peeled and diced potatoes at the beginning with the other vegetables. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and add extra heartiness.

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6. Can I skip the milk?

You can use a dairy-free milk alternative, like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Or replace it with more broth, though it will be less creamy.

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7. My dumplings are doughy inside—what went wrong?

This usually happens if you lift the lid or don’t cook them long enough. Make sure the lid stays closed and cook on high for at least 1 hour once dumplings are added.

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8. How do I make this more flavorful?

Consider sautéing the vegetables briefly before adding to the crockpot, using fresh herbs, or adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy stew, and soft, fluffy dumplings—all made with ease in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish delivers both nostalgia and nourishment in one bowl. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your cozy meal rotation.

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