If you’re craving a heartwarming, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, then you absolutely need to try Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe. This classic Southern comfort food brings together tender chicken, velvety dumplings, and a rich, savory broth that feels like a big, cozy hug. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, it’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers complex flavors that have been loved through generations. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe is pure magic in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe plays a unique role, from building flavor to adding texture and color—making this dish irresistibly delicious and effortless.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist during the slow cooking process.
- 4 cups water*: Creates the base for our broth, hydrating all flavors as they blend together.
- 4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base*: Intensifies the chicken flavor for a rich and savory broth.
- 5-10 carrots (peeled, cut into large chunks): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
- 2 cups celery (chopped): Brings a subtle earthiness and crunch that balances the dish.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Provides depth and a touch of sweetness to the broth.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses a gentle aromatic warmth that ties all the herbs together.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Classic blend that enhances the poultry and gives a comforting flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons dried parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and color.
- 1 teaspoon sage: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon pepper: Balances all flavors perfectly.
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The base for your dumplings, providing that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.
- 1½ teaspoons salt (for dumplings): Seasoning to enhance dumpling flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives dumplings their lovely rise and fluffiness.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley): Adds color and a hint of freshness to dumplings.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Gives the dumplings a subtle zing.
- 3 tablespoons cold butter**: Helps create tender, flaky dumplings.
- 3 tablespoons shortening**: Adds extra richness and tenderness to dumplings.
- 1½ cups buttermilk (cheat version is okay***): Adds tanginess and moisture for soft, flavorful dumplings.
- 2 cups cooking liquid (from the crock pot): Used to make the gravy for the final dish.
- ¾ cup cold water: Mixed with flour and seasonings to thicken the gravy.
- â…“ cup flour: Thickens the cooking liquid into a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: Boosts the chicken flavor in the gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the dish.
How to Make Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crock Pot Base
Start by adding the boneless skinless chicken thighs into your crock pot, followed by 4 cups of water and 4 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base. This trio forms the flavorful foundation of your broth, giving the chicken a chance to infuse the liquids with rich, savory goodness as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Chop Your Vegetables
Peel and chop your carrots into generous 3 to 4 inch chunks—you want a hearty, rustic feel here. I recommend using the higher end of the carrot count for that natural sweetness that really brightens the stew. Next, grab your celery and chop it into even ½ inch pieces to lend a subtle crunch and fresh flavor. Also, dice the large onion to bring that silky sweetness that makes the broth sing.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Toss the peeled and chopped carrots, celery, and onion into the crock pot. Now, add in your bay leaves which will slowly release their warm, aromatic oils. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, 1½ teaspoons parsley, sage, salt, and pepper. These seasonings are the real secret behind the comforting flavors that make this recipe a family favorite.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Gently stir everything together so the spices get evenly distributed. Cover your crock pot and cook on high for about 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 7 hours if you prefer a longer, more hands-off approach. Just be careful not to leave it too long—overcooked chicken can lose its lovely flavor, and you want that perfect tender bite.
Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough
While your chicken simmers away, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, parsley, and pepper in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because it ensures your dumplings are tender and flaky rather than dense. Finally, stir in the buttermilk to bring everything together into a soft dough that’s easy to drop into the broth later.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken thighs are fully cooked and tender, remove them from the crock pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded meat back into the pot and discard the bay leaves. This step ensures every bite is full of chicken flavor and ready to mingle with those heavenly dumplings.
Step 7: Drop the Dumplings into the Crock Pot
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot again and cook on high for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dumplings will puff up and soak up that rich chicken broth, becoming soft pillows of deliciousness.
Step 8: Prepare the Gravy
To finish, whisk together the â…“ cup flour and 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base with the cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the cooking liquid into a luscious, creamy gravy. Add salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another 10 minutes until perfectly thickened.
How to Serve Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top is a wonderful way to add a pop of color and brighten the hearty flavors of the dish. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy dumplings.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a one-pot meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans can add fresh texture and lightness. Cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits also make delightful companions, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that gorgeous gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve your chicken and dumplings in rustic individual bowls or even small cast iron skillets for a charming Southern touch. You can also ladle it over mashed potatoes for a twist that’s every bit as comforting but offers a fun variation on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making it an ideal hearty lunch or quick dinner when you need a little comfort on a busy day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best texture, freeze before adding the dumplings and thaw them separately, then prepare fresh dumplings when reheating. This avoid sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit of water or broth if it seems too thick. If you froze the dumplings separately, drop fresh ones in the hot broth and cook until fluffy before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, but keep in mind chicken thighs stay moister and tender after long cooking. Breasts can dry out faster, so reduce cooking time slightly if using breasts.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken base. The dumplings can remain the same for a delicious meatless twist.
What can I use if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?
Chicken bouillon cubes or a good quality chicken broth work fine as substitutes. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch without shortening?
Yes, butter alone can work, but shortening adds a lightness and flakiness that’s characteristic of these dumplings. Using both is worth it if you want that perfect texture.
How thick should the final gravy be?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, once you make Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe, it becomes one of those dishes you keep coming back to. It’s pure comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum flavor—a true family classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings and gathering around the table. So, grab your crock pot and get ready to enjoy a big bowl of homemade love!
Print
Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours total (4-5 hours initial slow cook + 30-40 minutes dumpling cook time)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A comforting and hearty slow-cooked classic, Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth, topped with soft, flaky dumplings made from scratch. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this crock pot dish delivers homestyle goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups water*
- 4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base*
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 5–10 carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 cups celery (chopped into 1/2 inch chunks)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
Dumplings
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (OR 2 tablespoons fresh parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons cold butter**
- 3 tablespoons shortening**
- 1 & 1/2 cups buttermilk (cheat version is ok***)
Thickening the Broth
- 2 cups cooking liquid (from crock pot)
- 3/4 cup COLD water
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the chicken thighs, water, and chicken base to a large crock pot to start building a rich broth.
- Add vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots into large 3-4 inch chunks, then add to the crock pot along with coarsely chopped celery and chopped onion.
- Season the broth: Add bay leaves, poultry seasoning, dried parsley, sage, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine ingredients.
- Slow cook the chicken and vegetables: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for about 7 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Create the dumpling dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking powder, parsley, and pepper. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Discard bay leaves from the broth.
- Thicken the broth: Measure 2 cups of cooking liquid into a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk together cold water, flour, and chicken base to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the saucepan, whisking constantly, and cook over medium heat until the broth thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add shredded chicken and dumplings: Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and pour in the thickened broth. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the top of the mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for tender, flavorful meat that holds up well during slow cooking.
- The amount of carrots can be adjusted to your preference; they do shrink during cooking.
- Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base is a concentrated broth paste that enhances flavor but can be substituted with chicken broth cubes or stock if needed.
- Cold butter and shortening are key to flaky dumplings.
- The ‘cheat version’ of buttermilk can be made by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 & 1/2 cups milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Do not overcook the chicken beyond recommended times to prevent loss of flavor and dryness.
- Ensure dumplings are dropped gently and spaced adequately to avoid them sticking together.
