If you’re craving comfort food that warms you from the inside out, look no further than Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style) Recipe. This classic Southern dish is a cozy hug in a bowl, featuring tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich, savory gravy—all slowly simmered to perfection in your crock pot. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special family gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and love to create an unforgettable meal that feels like it’s been passed down for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. From the hearty chicken thighs to the fresh herbs and flaky dumplings, everything works in harmony to deliver that true Southern comfort food experience.
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy, tender chicken that stays moist throughout the slow cooking process.
- 4 cups water: Forms the flavorful base for the broth when combined with chicken base and seasonings.
- 4 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: Concentrated flavor enhancer that develops a rich, savory broth.
- 5–10 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
- 2 cups celery, chopped into ½-inch chunks: Offers a subtle bitterness and crunch that balances the dish.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the broth with its mellow aroma after slow cooking.
- 2 bay leaves: Classic aromatic leaves that subtly lift the broth’s flavor.
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning: A blend that brings warm, savory notes tying the whole dish together.
- 1½ tsp dried parsley: Gives a fresh herby dimension and a slight pop of color.
- 1 tsp sage: Adds earthiness and a gentle herbaceous bite.
- 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (dumplings): The base of the fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 1½ tsp salt (dumplings): Ensures your dumplings aren’t bland and complement the savory chicken.
- 1 tbsp baking powder (dumplings): The magic that makes dumplings light and tender.
- 2 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, dumplings): Freshness and color to brighten up the dumplings.
- ½ tsp pepper (dumplings): A subtle kick to balance the dough’s richness.
- 3 tbsp cold butter (dumplings): Creates that deliciously tender, flaky texture.
- 3 tbsp shortening (dumplings): Works with butter to give dumplings lightness and flakiness.
- 1½ cups buttermilk (dumplings): Adds tang and moisture, making dumplings fluffy and flavorful.
- 2 cups cooking liquid from slow cooker (gravy): The base for a luscious gravy, enriched with slow-cooked flavors.
- ¾ cup cold water (gravy): Helps to thin out and perfect the gravy’s consistency.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (gravy): Thickens the gravy to just the right silky texture.
- 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (gravy): Boosts the gravy’s savory depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste (gravy): Fine-tune the seasoning for a well-balanced finish.
How to Make Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by placing your chicken thighs into the slow cooker, followed by water and the Better Than Bouillon chicken base to build a rich broth. Add carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, and your carefully measured seasonings for that soulful Southern flavor. Cover and set the cooker on Low, allowing everything to mingle and slow-cook for 6 to 7 hours. This long simmering tenderizes the chicken and infuses the broth with layers of savory goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Dumpling Dough
While your chicken is getting perfectly tender, it’s time to prepare those heavenly dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, parsley, and pepper to create a fragrant base. Then, cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture reaches a crumbly texture—this step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth flakiness. Finally, stir in the buttermilk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, so your dumplings stay light and tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Dumplings
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the pieces from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and broth. Now comes the fun part: drop spoonfuls of your dumpling dough evenly over the savory chicken mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Seal the slow cooker lid and switch to High, letting the dumplings steam and cook through for about 1 hour. During this time, they puff up and soak in all the aromatic flavors, turning irresistibly fluffy and light. Your kitchen will start to smell like pure heaven as these comforting dumplings finish cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Gravy
While the dumplings finish cooking, transfer 2 cups of the cooking liquid from your slow cooker into a saucepan and add cold water. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the flour and extra chicken base slurry slowly until the mixture thickens into a velvety gravy. Adjust with salt and pepper to fit your taste buds perfectly.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Spoon the chicken and dumplings into cozy bowls and drizzle the homemade gravy over the top to bring everything together. This rustic, hearty meal is now ready to be savored, just like Grandma Georgia used to make.
How to Serve Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a bright pop of color and herbaceous freshness that complements the savory richness beautifully. A small drizzle of melted butter over the top can also enhance that homemade appeal, making each bite even more luscious.
Side Dishes
This comforting dish pairs perfectly with crisp, fresh green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the hearty dumplings. For a true Southern feast, serve with creamy coleslaw or buttery cornbread to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and dumplings in bread bowls made from hollowed-out round loaves, allowing guests to dig right into a delicious edible bowl. Or plate the dumplings separately as oversized biscuits alongside the chicken stew with a ladle of gravy on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful if not more so the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the components separately—store the chicken and vegetables in one container and the dumplings in another. This way, you can reheat everything without the dumplings becoming soggy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the mixture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can substitute chicken breasts, thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during long slow cooking. Breasts can dry out and may not give the same rich flavor to the broth.
Are the dumplings gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend and possibly adjust the baking powder amounts—experimenting is key!
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Absolutely! Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and simmer the ingredients gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, adding the dumplings towards the end and cooking until fluffy and cooked through.
How can I make the dumplings more flavorful?
Try adding fresh herbs like chives or thyme, or even a dash of garlic powder to the dumpling dough for an extra flavor boost. Just mix them into the flour before adding wet ingredients.
What if my dumplings don’t cook through?
If the dumplings are still doughy after cooking, cover and let them cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on High, checking periodically. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as steam helps them cook perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience pure comfort food at its finest, there’s just no beating Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style) Recipe. This dish combines timeless flavors with ease of preparation, making it a must-make for anyone who loves hearty, soul-satisfying meals. Give it a try and enjoy a bowlful of warmth and nostalgia that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, slow-cooked Southern classic made with tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings. This crock pot style recipe infuses rich flavors over several hours and finishes with a smooth, savory gravy, making it the perfect soul-warming meal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups water
- 4 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 5–10 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 cups celery, chopped into ½-inch chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1½ tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For the Dumplings
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh parsley)
- ½ tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp cold butter
- 3 tbsp shortening
- 1½ cups buttermilk
For the Gravy
- 2 cups cooking liquid from the slow cooker
- ¾ cup cold water
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: Place the chicken thighs, water, chicken base, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Make the dumpling dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, parsley, and pepper. Cut in cold butter and shortening until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the buttermilk and mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add dumplings to the slow cooker: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture. Cover and cook on High for 1 hour or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Prepare the gravy: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of cooking liquid from the slow cooker and cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and chicken base into a smooth slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering liquid. Cook until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and top with the warm gravy. Garnish as desired and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- To avoid overmixing dumpling dough, mix until ingredients are just combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
- Adjust vegetable quantities to your preference or what you have on hand.
- Make sure the dumplings cook fully by giving them the full hour on High in the slow cooker.
- Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if desired before making the gravy for a lighter dish.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted for dried parsley in both dumplings and chicken mixture for a fresher flavor.
