Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (Easy & Nourishing)

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is an easy, comforting dinner made completely from scratch. This nourishing slow cooker recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy days and cozy nights.

There is just something about a recipe you can throw in a slow cooker and have a delicious food ready by dinner time. This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is one of those cozy recipes you will want to have in your pocket. It is full of flavor and so simple with just a few simple steps throughout the day and by dinner time you’ll be scooping out deliciousness into everyone’s bowl. With simple pantry ingredients this recipe is perfect for a busy day or when you just want a cozy, comfort meal. I hope you give this one a try and love it as much as my family does!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken (thighs or breasts) – Provides protein and becomes incredibly tender as it slow cooks, making the base of this hearty, nourishing meal.
• Chicken broth – Creates a rich, flavorful base; homemade broth adds extra nourishment, but store-bought works beautifully.
• Butter – Adds richness and depth, giving the stew that classic comforting flavor.
• Milk – Makes the broth creamy and satisfying without being heavy.
• Onion, carrots & celery – Simple, wholesome vegetables that build flavor and add gentle sweetness.
• Garlic – Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Sea salt & black pepper – Brings all the flavors together and allows the ingredients to shine.
• Dried thyme & parsley – Add a cozy, classic chicken-and-dumplings flavor.
• Flour – Naturally thickens the broth for a comforting, stew-like consistency.
  
  For the Dumplings
• Flour – Forms the base of the fluffy, tender dumplings.
• Baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
• Salt – Balances the richness and enhances flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and softness to the dumplings.
• Milk – Keeps the dumplings moist and tender.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.

Step 2: Shred & Thicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Whisk the milk with the flour until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker, then cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, until the broth thickens.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the hot stew. Space them out slightly so they have room to puff up. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep the steam inside.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Gently stir, taste for seasoning, and serve warm. This dish is especially cozy with sourdough bread or a simple side salad.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Flavor Tip: This dish is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm in deep bowls with plenty of broth and a fluffy dumpling in every scoop.
• Pair with crusty sourdough or homemade biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
• Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.
• Top with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
• Enjoy as a one-bowl dinner on busy or cozy nights—no sides needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is cozy, nourishing comfort food made completely from scratch. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, flavorful broth and is finished with fluffy homemade dumplings—an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:8 hours hrs

Total Time:8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Slow Cooker

Keyword: slow cooker chicken and dumplings

Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

• slow cooker

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps butter melted
• ½ cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Whisk the milk with the flour until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, until the broth thickens.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk just until combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the hot stew.
7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Do not lift the lid during this time.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Notes

• Chicken thighs provide the most tender result, but chicken breasts work well too.
• Do not overmix the dumpling dough—this keeps them light and fluffy.
• Keep the slow cooker lid closed while the dumplings cook so steam can help them rise.
• This dish is even better the next day as leftovers.