How To Make Chicken And Dumplings In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like chicken and dumplings. This classic American meal evokes memories of home-cooked warmth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings floating in a rich, savory broth. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, yet its traditional preparation can be time-consuming. Enter the slow cooker: a modern culinary marvel that transforms this labor-intensive classic into a set-it-and-forget-it delight. Using a slow cooker allows flavors to meld over hours, producing succulent chicken, tender vegetables, and dumplings that are soft yet hearty. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a weeknight dinner, or just craving a soul-soothing meal, slow cooker chicken and dumplings is the perfect choice.

How Long To Make Chicken And Dumplings In Slow Cooker

Timing is crucial for achieving the ideal texture of both the chicken and dumplings. Typically, the base of chicken and vegetables should cook in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. This allows the chicken to become tender enough to shred and the flavors to fully develop.

The dumplings, however, require careful timing. Adding them too early can cause them to dissolve into the broth, losing their shape, while adding them too late might leave them undercooked. Generally, dumplings are best added 30-45 minutes before the end of the cooking cycle, giving them enough time to cook through without becoming mushy. The exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of your dumpling dough and the size of your slow cooker.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining doneness goes beyond simply following the clock. For chicken and dumplings, look for the following signs:

1. Chicken Texture: The chicken should shred easily with a fork. Tough or stringy chicken indicates it needs more cooking time.
2. Dumpling Consistency: Dumplings should be fluffy and fully cooked through. A quick check involves inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should come out clean without raw dough.
3. Broth Thickness: The broth should be slightly thickened, not watery, and flavorful, infused with the essence of chicken and vegetables.
4. Overall Aroma: You’ll notice a rich, comforting smell indicating that flavors have melded properly.

If any component feels undercooked, extend the cooking time in increments of 15-30 minutes.

Ingredients Needed

For a classic slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you’ll need:

For The Base

• 2-3 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2-3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf

For The Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme)

How To Make Chicken And Dumplings In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare The Base

   • Add chicken, vegetables, garlic, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
   • Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

2. Shred The Chicken

   • Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to mix with the broth and vegetables.

3. Prepare Dumplings

   • In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in milk and melted butter to form a soft dough.

4. Cook Dumplings

   • Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering broth in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked. Resist lifting the lid too frequently, as this can extend cooking time.

5. Final Touches

   • Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

When Things Go Wrong

Even the best slow cooker recipes can encounter issues:

• Dumplings fall apart: Likely added too early or dough is too wet. Reduce liquid slightly or add them later next time.
• Broth too thin: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons water and stir in slowly, cooking for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
• Chicken undercooked: Increase slow cooker time and ensure temperature settings are correct; slow cookers can vary widely.
• Vegetables too soft or mushy: Cut them into larger pieces, or add half-way through cooking next time.

Expert Tips

• Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken that won’t dry out.
• Season in layers: Season chicken, vegetables, and dumplings separately for a richer flavor profile.
• Avoid opening the slow cooker too frequently; this can drop the temperature and affect cooking times.
• For extra creamy broth, stir in a half cup of cream or cream cheese just before adding dumplings.
• Freeze leftover broth and shredded chicken separately from dumplings for easier reheating.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! You can replicate slow cooker chicken and dumplings on the stovetop or in the oven:

• Stovetop: Simmer chicken, vegetables, and broth in a large pot for 45-60 minutes until chicken is tender. Add dumplings and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
• Oven: Use a Dutch oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1.5-2 hours covered, then add dumplings and bake another 20-30 minutes.

The key is low, slow cooking to meld flavors and achieve tender chicken.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Reheating in a slow cooker ensures the meal stays moist and flavorful:

1. Transfer leftovers to the slow cooker.
2. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if it has thickened.
3. Heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Avoid adding dumplings until the last 20-30 minutes if they were stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Chicken And Dumplings In A Slow Cooker?

To make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker, you will need chicken breasts or thighs, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, chicken broth, flour, baking powder, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. For the dumplings, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and egg.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken To Make Chicken And Dumplings In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker. However, you should check the cooking time, as it may need a bit longer than fresh chicken. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

How Long Should I Cook Chicken And Dumplings In The Slow Cooker?

Cooking chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker typically takes 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the dumplings should be light and fluffy.

Can I Make Chicken And Dumplings In A Slow Cooker Without Cream Of Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings without cream of chicken soup by using homemade chicken broth and adding a thickener like flour or cornstarch to achieve a creamy texture. You can also use a combination of milk and heavy cream for richness.

How Do I Prevent The Dumplings From Becoming Too Soggy In The Slow Cooker?

To prevent soggy dumplings, don’t stir the stew after adding the dumplings. Also, avoid overcooking them. When adding the dumplings, make sure they are placed on top of the stew and not submerged, as this can lead to sogginess.

Can I Add Vegetables Other Than Carrots And Celery To The Chicken And Dumplings?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as peas, green beans, corn, or potatoes. Keep in mind that some vegetables, like potatoes, may need to be cut into smaller pieces to cook evenly.

Can I Use Bone-in Chicken For This Recipe Instead Of Boneless Chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to remove the bones after cooking. Bone-in chicken can provide extra flavor to the broth. If you use bone-in chicken, the cooking time may be slightly longer.

How Do I Make The Broth Thicker In My Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings?

To thicken the broth, you can create a slurry by mixing flour or cornstarch with water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can add cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.

Can I Make The Dumplings Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. However, the texture may change slightly after being refrigerated. It’s recommended to make them fresh for the best results.

What Should I Do If My Dumplings Are Still Raw After The Recommended Cooking Time?

If the dumplings are undercooked after the recommended cooking time, try covering the slow cooker and cooking them for an additional 15-30 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooked by testing with a toothpick, which should come out clean.