Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Grandma’s Hug in a Pot

Cozy crockpot chicken and dumplings, just like Grandma's! Easy slow cooker dinner with tender chicken & fluffy dumplings. Get the recipe now!

May 29, 2025
By Sandra.
Updated May 30, 2025

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Alright, gather 'round, folks! who else craves a hug in a bowl after a long day? honestly, nothing beats the comfort of crockpot chicken and dumplings .

This recipe isn't just food; it's a nostalgic trip back to grandma's kitchen, but with a little less elbow grease.

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings: Your Easiest Comfort Meal Yet

This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe brings together tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. it is all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth.

This dish is a variation of a southern classic. it's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for those chilly evenings.

Plus, it's one of those amazing easy crockpot dinners you can prep and forget about.

This recipe is surprisingly easy. i mean, we're talking minimal effort for maximum flavour! you'll need about 20 minutes of prep time.

After that, the crockpot does all the hard work. it simmers away for 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.

This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Grandma’s Hug in a Pot Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:360 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides. This adds flavour but can be skipped.
• Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with minced garlic.
• Place the seared (or unseared) chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour in chicken broth. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked all the way through.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 2 tablespoons each) into the simmering broth, spacing them evenly apart.
• Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Gently stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the broth. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:500

Fat:22.5g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Dish

One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs.

Using a variety of different ingredient options, the possibilities are endless. i love that it allows me to play around with different veggies and spices.

This recipe is a winner for a few reasons. first, it's packed with protein from the chicken, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy dinner recipes chicken .

Second, it's perfect for a sunday supper or a potluck. finally, what makes this recipe truly special is the homemade dumpling recipe .

They are so light and fluffy, soaking up all that delicious broth. plus, it’s way easier than you think! it's like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside, which, let's be honest, we all need sometimes.

Now, let's talk ingredients. it's all pretty straightforward stuff you can find at any supermarket. i've even got some sneaky substitutions for those days when you're missing a key ingredient or just fancy a little twist.

Let's dive in!

Okay, right then! let’s talk ingredients for crockpot chicken and dumplings . it's proper lush. we're talking proper comfort food, yeah? it's one of those easy crockpot dinners that just screams "grandma’s cooking".

Ingredients & Equipment

This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is surprisingly simple. I’m not kidding! It's dead easy, even if you're a bit rubbish in the kitchen like I sometimes am, lol.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are best. They stay nice and moist, unlike chicken breast. Chicken breasts can be used, mind. But watch that they don't dry out.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Quality indicators? Nah, just use whatever's in the cupboard, yeah?
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (946ml) , low sodium if you're watching the salt.
• Thyme: 1 tsp dried.
• Rosemary: 1/2 tsp dried.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp , or to taste.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) , optional but makes it proper creamy!
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Cold Water: 1/4 cup

Seasoning Notes

The thyme and rosemary are key. it's that proper warming flavour you need. a pinch of dried sage? that would be blinder! don't go overboard with the rosemary though.

It can be strong and smack you in the face!

If you’re a bit fancy, a bay leaf chucked in there whilst cooking would add some depth. And always taste and season at the end. Just like Bake Off, yeah?

Equipment Needed

You don't need a Mary Berry kitchen.

• Slow Cooker: a 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker. That's your crockpot .
• Large Skillet: (optional) for searing chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: because.
• Pastry Blender: or a fork, for making the dumpling dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: obvs!

This is one of my favourite crockpot dishes and makes one of the best healthy dinner recipes chicken , especially when you make it at home.

This dumpling recipe goes really well. it is one of the great crockpot recipes slow cooker meals.

And there you have it! All the bits you need for cracking dinner recipes crockpot , especially chicken crockpot recipes ! Enjoy this and other great vegetarian recipes dinner options.

Okay, lets dive right into this! i'm super excited to share my take on crockpot chicken and dumplings . honestly, it's one of my go-to easy crockpot dinners when i need something comforting, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s a major crowd-pleaser.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Grandma's Hug in a Pot (with a Modern Twist)

This isn't your fancy restaurant fare, you know? this is good, honest grub. we're talking fall-off-the-bone chicken, creamy, flavourful broth, and fluffy dumplings that just melt in your mouth.

This recipe is like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for those "ugggh" kind of days. it will become one of your favorite crockpot dishes !.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , baby! this means getting everything prepped before you even turn on the crockpot.

Chop those veggies – onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic. measure out your spices. trust me, it saves a ton of time later on.

Safety reminder: Raw chicken can be nasty, so wash your hands and surfaces after handling.

Step-by-Step: Easy as Pie (Almost)

1. Sear chicken to add flavour. Heat oil. Brown all sides.
2. Veggies in the crockpot recipes slow cooker first – onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
3. Nestle the chicken on top of the veg.
4. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow cook that baby on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken done when you can shred it with a fork.
6. Shred chicken. Return to pot.
7. Make dumpling dough. Do not overmix!
8. Drop dough spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Cook on high for 15- 20 minutes , until they are puffed up.

Pro Tips: The Secret Sauce

Here's a life hack i learned the hard way: don’t overmix the dumpling dough! you'll end up with hockey pucks, not fluffy clouds.

Just mix until it barely comes together. the dumplings become a real dumpling recipe .

Another mistake I made was opening the lid all the time when the dumplings are cooking. Don't do it! Keep the lid closed to have them cook properly.

This recipe can be also adapted into Vegetarian Recipes Dinner !

Easy crockpot dinners are not only a lifesaver, but can easily provide a healthy dinner recipes chicken meal that everyone will love.

There are many dinner recipes crockpot , but nothing can compare to the classic. don't hesitate to make it one of your go-to chicken crockpot recipes .

Okay, let's dive into some extra tidbits for this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe! you know, the stuff that goes beyond the basic instructions to really make it sing .

Honestly, easy crockpot dinners like this are all about the details.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Crockpot Dishes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Right, so you've got this bubbling pot of goodness. time to make it look pretty! honestly, presentation matters. ladle the crockpot chicken and dumplings into a bowl.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. a single sprig of thyme? chef's kiss!

Pair it with a simple side salad for freshness. got some crusty bread? perfect for sopping up that delicious broth.

I love serving mine with a glass of cold apple cider. it gives a bit of a sweet vibe.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dumpling recipe keeps pretty well.

Pop the crockpot chicken and dumplings into an airtight container. store it in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, microwave it or simmer on the stove. freezing? not ideal for the dumplings. they can get a bit mushy.

But the chicken and broth freeze well for up to 2 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding freshly made dumplings later. If you happen to freeze it.

Variations: Tweak It Your Way

Want to mix things up? Cool! For a vegetarian recipes dinner version, swap the chicken for chickpeas. Use veggie broth, too. Easy peasy!

Got a gluten thing going on? No worries! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. Chicken crockpot recipes adapt so well.

Seasonal swaps? Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes are delish with this in the fall. It could give it a sweet edge.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't health food, but it's wholesome comfort. This healthy dinner recipes chicken is packed with protein. And the veggies offer some vitamins.

Each serving is around 450-550 calories. It varies on the ingredients and servings.

This dinner recipes crockpot is perfect for a cozy night in. Or as a crockpot recipes slow cooker meal.

So, there you have it. All the tips and tricks to make your crockpot chicken and dumplings amazing. Don't be afraid to experiment. Most importantly, enjoy!