Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Stew

Meet Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Stew, the coziest comfort meal you’ll ever make. Simple, creamy, and completely effortless, this hearty dish fills your home with that slow-cooked, homemade aroma that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day.

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If you haven’t tried a proper chicken and dumpling stew before, you’re in for something special.

This recipe takes the classic comfort of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and creamy broth and turns it into the easiest one-pot meal. I had to share a slow cooker version because it’s perfect for busy days when you still want a meal that tastes like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a meal that cooks itself and still tastes amazing. This Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Stew checks every box for flavor, comfort, and ease.

Comfort in a bowl: The stew turns rich and creamy as it simmers, filling each bite with cozy warmth.

Fluffy dumplings: They soak up all that savory broth, staying soft and tender on the inside.

Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Perfect for cold days: It’s hearty enough to warm you up, yet light enough to enjoy any time.

Family favorite: Everyone loves the mix of juicy chicken, soft dumplings, and flavorful broth.

Make-ahead friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing texture.

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
  
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
  
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  
• 4 cups chicken broth
  
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  
• ¾ cup milk
  

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn
  
• A pinch of smoked paprika for depth
  
• Fresh herbs for garnish
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until slightly softened. Stir in garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.

2. Add the Chicken and Seasonings

Place the chicken pieces over the veggies, then sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a gentle stir. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

3. Make the Dumpling Batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. It should be thick but scoopable, not runny.

4. Thicken the Stew

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk flour and cream together to form a smooth paste. Stir it into the slow cooker to make the broth creamy. Then, shred the cooked chicken right in the pot using two forks.

5. Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dough gently over the stew’s surface. Cover the lid and let them cook for another 25–30 minutes on high without lifting the lid. The steam will make them puff up and cook through perfectly.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked inside, stir in peas or corn if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Make it extra creamy: Swap half of the broth for milk or cream for a richer texture.
• Boost flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a bit of Dijon mustard before slow cooking.
• Shortcut version: Use refrigerated biscuit dough for quick dumplings when you’re short on time.
• Add veggies: Green beans, mushrooms, or potatoes fit right in for a heartier stew.
• Thick or thin: Adjust the broth based on how creamy or soupy you prefer your stew.
• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Stew is cozy enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth or a fresh salad to lighten the meal.

For an extra cozy touch, I sometimes make it with roasted garlic bread or a side of mashed potatoes to double up on comfort. It’s perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

If you’re serving guests, a sprinkle of chopped herbs or grated Parmesan on top makes it look extra inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw?

Yes! Just reduce the cooking time by 2 hours and add the shredded chicken near the end to keep it tender.

How do I know the dumplings are done?

They’ll look puffed up and soft. You can poke one with a toothpick, if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Of course. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream, and swap butter for olive oil.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make it in a Dutch oven or large pot. Just simmer the stew on low heat for about 1½ hours, then add dumplings and cook covered for 25 minutes.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though dumplings can get softer after thawing. If freezing, make the stew first and add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Can I thicken the broth more?

Definitely. Mix an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Stew feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The mix of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings makes it one of those timeless meals that never disappoints.

What I love most is how little effort it takes for something that tastes so comforting. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with warmth and always brings everyone to the table happy. However you serve it, plain, herbed, or loaded with veggies, it’s pure, homemade comfort from the slow cooker.