Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty soup with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, ideal for cozy evenings. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs (skin-on, bone-in) chicken thighs, (julienned) carrots, (julienned) celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 500g chicken thighs, 1 cup diced onion, 2 cups julienned carrots, 2 cups julienned celery, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried thyme into a slow cooker. Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth.
  2. Step 2: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is falling-off-the-bone tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup frozen dumpling mix and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and the broth has thickened slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken thighs, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup?

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 (julienned) carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup?

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-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Cooker Chicken & Dumpling Soup?

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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