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A delicious slow-cooked chicken and dumplings dish in a white ceramic bowl.

Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

This classic comfort food dish features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The low and slow cooking method ensures the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender while the dumplings soak up all the rich, savory flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Peeler
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, and sage in a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the top of the chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use a lighter, more delicate dumpling dough rather than a thick, biscuit-like consistency. This ensures the dumplings steam to a fluffy, light texture that complements the tender chicken. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.