This easy slow cooker shredded chicken and dumplings recipe is the perfect comforting meal for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth come together effortlessly. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a warm and hearty dish that’s great for busy days. Swap chicken thighs for breast if preferred!

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Recipe Ingredients

• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cups (244g) sliced carrots
• 2 cups (202g) sliced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth/stock
• 2 lbs (908g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 tsp Old Bay or poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (64g) plain/all-purpose flour, mixed with ½ cup (120ml) water

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup (125g) plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp (28g) butter
• ½ cup (120ml) milk

How To Make Slow Cooker Easy Shredded Chicken And Dumplings

1. Cook the chicken: Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, water, broth, chicken, bay leaf, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to your 6-quart (6L) slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
2. Shred the chicken: Remove the bay leaf and take out the cooked chicken. Using two forks, shred the chicken—this is easy as the chicken will be very tender. Stir the flour mixture and shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles crumbs, then stir in the milk.
4. Cook the dumplings: Using a measuring cup, drop scoops of the dough into the soup mixture. If cooking on low, switch your slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 1 more hour until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: They stay juicy and tender, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
• Don’t skip the flour mixture: This helps thicken the broth and gives the dish a rich, creamy texture.
• Drop dumplings gently: Don’t stir them into the soup—just place them on top so they cook properly and stay fluffy.
• Turn to high for dumplings: If cooking on low, switch to high before adding the dumplings to ensure they cook through in 1 hour.
• Season to taste at the end: The flavors develop as the soup cooks, so adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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