Tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a creamy broth come together slowly for a cozy meal that feels homemade without extra effort.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
For the dumplings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the butter in small pieces over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-size pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently.
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter just until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering stew. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, keeping the lid closed so the dumplings steam and set properly.
Nutrition Facts (approx, per serving)
Calories: 390
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 20g
Quick Facts
• slow cooker meal
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• freezer friendly
Tips
Chicken thighs stay moist during long cooking, but chicken breasts can be used if added during the last hour to avoid drying out.
Keeping the slow cooker lid closed while the dumplings cook is essential, as trapped heat allows them to puff up and become tender.
If a thicker broth is preferred, stir in a small cornstarch slurry before adding the dumplings.
Variations
For a richer finish, a small amount of heavy cream can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking. This softens the broth and gives the dish a more indulgent, classic comfort texture without overpowering the dumplings. For another creamy and satisfying dish, you might enjoy this Creamy Garlic Chicken.
To add color and balance, frozen peas can be folded into the slow cooker just before serving. They warm quickly, stay tender, and bring a light sweetness that complements the creamy base. Looking for more cozy, all-in-one meals? Try this flavorful One-Pan Chicken Skillet.
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top at the end. This simple addition brightens the flavor and adds contrast without changing the cooking process.