Slow Simmered Comfort: Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings by Chef Ed
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings—comfort food at its finest. Chef Ed’s hearty version is packed with savory flavor, tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a nutritious blend of veggies. This slow-cooked Southern classic is ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when your soul just needs a little TLC.
Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
For the Soup Base:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (low-fat preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Build the Base
Place the chicken, broth, cream of chicken soup, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf into your crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
2. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
3. Prepare the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in parsley if using. The dough will be thick and sticky.
4. Shred and Stir
Remove the bay leaf. Take out the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in the frozen peas.
5. Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 1–2 tbsp each) directly into the hot broth. They’ll float and expand as they cook. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, or until dumplings are puffed and fully cooked through.
6. Serve It Hot
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley or black pepper if desired.
Health Benefits
Protein-Packed:
Chicken thighs and breasts are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and immune function.
Gut-Supporting Veggies:
Celery, carrots, onions, and garlic add flavor and antioxidants. Garlic in particular contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties.
Fiber-Rich Dumplings (Optional Tip):
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and keep you fuller longer.
Low Sodium Control:
Using low-sodium broth and cream of chicken soup lets you regulate your salt intake while still getting rich flavor.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices:
Thyme and parsley offer subtle anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, while also enhancing the dish’s aroma.
Chef Ed’s Note:
“Chicken and dumplings remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen. I’ve made this one healthier without losing that old-fashioned flavor. The slow cooker does all the work—so you can focus on what matters most: good company and a warm bowl in hand.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (including dumpling time)
Total Time: 8 hours
Servings: 6–8
References:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). The Nutrition Source – Protein.
- National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Garlic: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- USDA FoodData Central. Nutritional Profiles.
