Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a light, herb-infused broth for ultimate comfort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 90 minutes pairs chicken thighs, carrots, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a slow cooker. Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced onion. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth.
  2. Step 2: Cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, shred meat, and return to the slow cooker. Discard bones.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup milk until a soft dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering broth. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Chicken and Dumplings with Fresh Herbs?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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