Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food — tender shreds of chicken swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth, topped with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that savory goodness. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to develop into something rich and soul-warming without constant tending. Each spoonful delivers a mix of succulent chicken, sweet carrots, soft celery, and a pop of fresh parsley, wrapped in a creamy broth that’s thickened just enough to coat the spoon.

The dumplings are the crowning glory — light yet satisfying, they gently steam on top of the soup until cooked through, creating that irresistible, home-style feel. It’s a dish that smells like home, tastes like a hug, and works just as well for a lazy Sunday dinner as it does for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Soup:

  • 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 3 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried parsley (plus more fresh parsley for garnish)

  • ½ tsp dried rosemary

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • ½ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prep the Soup Base

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add broth, water, cream, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, and butter. Give it a light stir to combine the seasonings.

2. Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

3. Shred & Return

Remove chicken from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot, stirring gently into the creamy vegetable broth.

4. Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and parsley until a soft dough forms.

5. Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1–2 tablespoons each) directly on top of the simmering soup in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

6. Serve

Ladle soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a dumpling or two. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

The Comfort Food Connection

Chicken & dumplings have deep roots in Southern and Midwestern American cooking, often served at family gatherings and Sunday suppers. The slow cooker version preserves that nostalgic flavor while making the process hands-off and foolproof.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Set It & Forget It: Slow cooking develops deep flavor with minimal effort.

  • Pillowy Dumplings: Steamed directly over the soup for tenderness.

  • Creamy but Not Heavy: The balance of broth and cream keeps it rich yet fresh.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Keep the lid on while cooking dumplings — lifting it releases the steam they need to cook properly.

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and extra tenderness.

  • Add peas in the last 10 minutes for extra color and sweetness.

Variations

  • Herb Boost: Add fresh dill or chives to the dumpling dough.

  • Vegetable Twist: Stir in corn or green beans for variety.

  • Lighter Option: Swap cream for evaporated milk.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: Prep vegetables and seasonings the night before, store in the fridge, and dump into the slow cooker in the morning.

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze soup without dumplings for up to 2 months; thaw, reheat, and add fresh dumplings when serving.

Serving Ideas

Pair with:

  • A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette.

  • Warm buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread.

  • A simple fruit salad for a light finish.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, a creamy, herb-rich broth, and soft dumplings that feel like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make all winter long — and maybe even when it’s not winter at all.