This Slow Cooker Southern Dumplings recipe shows soft, chewy dumplings cooked in a warm, creamy chicken broth with shredded chicken. It’s a classic Southern comfort food made simple because the slow cooker does most of the work.
Warm, creamy chicken broth holds tender shredded chicken and soft dumplings. Made in a slow cooker, this easy recipe fills your home with cozy smells and makes a hearty meal. Children and adults will love the pillowy dumplings that soak up the savory broth—perfect for cold days or family dinners.
Ingredients
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For the chicken and broth:
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700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
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1 onion, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 carrots, chopped
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1.2 litres (5 cups) chicken stock
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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For the Southern dumplings:
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2 cups self-rising flour
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¼ cup shortening or lard
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¾ cup boiling water
Slow cooker Southern Dumplings: Directions
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Put the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
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Put the chopped onion, celery, and carrots around the chicken.
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Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over everything.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is soft and cooked through.
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Take the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into pieces.
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Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir it well with the broth.
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To make dumplings, put the self-rising flour into a large bowl and cut in the shortening or lard with a fork or your fingers until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
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Slowly add the boiling water while stirring with a fork until a soft dough forms.
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a little bit until smooth.
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Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into small squares or strips.
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Turn the slow cooker to high, add dumpling pieces one by one into the hot broth, and gently press them under the liquid.
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Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through and soft. Stir gently once or twice so they do not stick.
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Taste the broth. Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs more flavor.
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Serve into bowls, making sure each bowl has lots of chicken, dumplings, and broth.
These soft, pillowy Southern dumplings soak up all the rich, savoury broth for a warm, hearty meal that tastes just like a home-cooked Sunday dinner.