Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – Best Kid-Approved Dinner

cozy slow cooker chicken and dumplings - featured image
Print Recipe

A soul-hugging, creamy chicken and dumplings recipe made in the slow cooker with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds (about 1.5 cups)
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (cold)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the browned chicken thighs on top. Sprinkle dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper over everything. Nestle the bay leaf in the center. Pour chicken broth around the sides (not directly over the chicken).
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) until chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Carefully remove chicken thighs to a cutting board. Discard the bay leaf. Shred the chicken with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in butter and milk. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together cold milk and beaten egg. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir with a fork just until combined. Dough will be sticky and shaggy—do not overmix.
  8. Drop dumpling dough by rounded tablespoons onto the surface of the hot broth. Do not submerge. Leave space between each dumpling. You should get about 12-14 dumplings.
  9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 25-30 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. Dumplings are done when puffed up, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Turn off the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Ladle into bowls, ensuring each serving gets broth, chicken, vegetables, and a couple of dumplings.

Notes

For best results, do not skip browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables—this builds flavor. Keep dumplings on top of the broth and do not lift the lid during the final 25-30 minutes of cooking. Use cold butter and milk for the dumpling dough. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk. Freeze the chicken and broth base (without dumplings) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken and dumplings, easy chicken and dumplings, comfort food, kid-friendly dinner, family dinner, creamy chicken and dumplings

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-dumplings-best-kid-approved-dinner/