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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » Chicken Recipes » Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings + How to Freeze

    Published: Apr 3, 2018 · Modified: Sep 29, 2022 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings + How to Freeze

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    This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings satisfies all your cravings for comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, it couldn't be easier or more delicious! Make a batch now and one for later, perfect for those busy nights or weekends!I am not saying it's a good thing, or even a bad thing but these are not your Grandma's traditional chicken and dumplings. However,  I can guarantee you these Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings are easy. And delicious.slow cooker chicken and dumplings in white bowl with white and blue napkin

    In hardly any time at all, the prep work will be done for this filling and satisfying meal. This is sure to please everyone in the family,  even the pickiest kids! It will feel awesome knowing you have another meal ready in the freezer for next time you have a craving for comfort food!

    slow cooker chicken and dumplings in white bowl

    Interested in saving time in the kitchen? Try these simple and delicious freezer meal ideas!

    • Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
    • Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna
    • Freezer: Make-Ahead Italian Meatballs

    My little secret here is that instead of actually making dumplings I just opened a package of gnocchi and dumped it in the slow cooker. EASY!! Once they cooked long enough and became fluffy and absorbed the flavors of the sauce they were perfect.

    I started out by prepping all the veggies. This is fun because it's a good way to sneak in some extra vegetables to your family's diet... especially if this is a challange. I used the opportunity to throw in some parsnips since they are a favorite of mine!Left hand shot is chopped mushrooms, onion, carrots and parsnips. Right hand shot is all ingredients in a baggie ready for the freezer.You will assemble the prepped veggies, chicken thighs, seasonings and some flour in each baggie. This will all go into the freezer and the bulk of your work is done. So simple! The ingredient list I give you makes enough for two meals that will each serve about four (all four of us had enough for two bowls).

    When you are ready to make this just thaw your frozen bag overnight in the fridge and in the morning it will be so quick to pour it into the slow cooker along with a carton (4 cups) of chicken broth. That's it!!!

    Less than 60 seconds and you know you will have a warm and healthy meal to feed the gang when you get home. Even if you have a busy sports night it will still be faster than going through the drive thru!

    slow cooker chicken and dumplings in white bowl

    Here are some of my favorite kitchen tools used when making this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:

    1. 5 quart slow cooker
    2. veggie peeler
    3. My favorite knives
    4. Freezer bag holders
    slow cooker chicken and dumplings in white bowl with white and blue napkin

    Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

    Jennifer Draper
    This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings satisfies all your cravings for comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, it couldn't be easier or more delicious! Make a batch now and one for later, perfect for those busy nights or weekends!
    4.56 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time 8 hrs 50 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 large servings (4 servings per bagged meal)
    Calories 574 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • 1 ½ cups mushrooms cut to bite size pieces
    • 1 ½ cups carrots peeled and cut to bite sized pieces
    • 1 ½ cups parsnips peeled and cut to bite size pieces
    • 1 ½ cups yellow onion cut to bite size pieces
    • 1 ½ cups corn I used frozen
    • 1 ½ cups peas I used frozen
    • ½ cup flour
    • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 2 tsp dried parsley
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 ½ tsp pepper
    • 4 cups chicken broth (for later) used to make one meal
    • ½ cup heavy cream (for later) used to make one meal
    • 1 lb dried gnocchi (purchased at Target, 17.6 oz, for later) used to make one meal
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2TBSP of water, for later (optional)) used to make one meal

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare 2 gallon size freezer bags by labeling and propping open
    • Cut chicken into bite sized chunks or leave whole and shred after cooking
    • Add 1 pound of chicken to each freezer bag
    • Add ½ of each vegetable, ¼ cup of flour, and half of each seasoning to each bag
    • Seal and remove all air and shake to coat flour on ingredients evenly
    • Place in fridge for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 6 months
    • To prepare as a meal thaw one freezer bag overnight
    • Place thawed contents in slow cooker along with with chicken broth
    • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
    • Shred chicken if desired
    • Stir in cream, gnocchi and cornstarch mixture
    • Cover and continue heating on high for 15-30 minutes or until gnocchi is cooked tender and cream is heated through and sauce is to desired thickness

    Notes

    5 quart crockpot used.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 574kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 32gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 1671mgPotassium: 912mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4765IUVitamin C: 37.5mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 6.9mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
    Important nutritional disclaimer

     

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    Comments

    1. Pat Williams says

      October 17, 2021 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      Hubby loves it he ate 2 nights in a row. He usually doesn’t eat “leftovers.”
      Glad I have that 2nd bag in the freezer!

      Reply
    2. Judith Molder says

      December 11, 2019 at 10:48 am

      4 stars
      I would like to try this for a small group of family friends , however one is lactose intolerant. Is there a substitute for the cream

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 11, 2019 at 1:02 pm

        I haven't tested it yet, but you could try canned coconut milk.

        Reply
    3. Jenna says

      December 08, 2016 at 4:59 am

      I would like to give this delicious looking recipe a try today. Wondering if I could substitute boneless/skinless chicken breasts for the thighs with the same result? Weather is deterring me from heading to the grocery store but I have everything else on hand. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 09, 2016 at 2:46 pm

        Hi Jenna! Yes, you won't yield the amazing added flavor of the chicken thighs, but in this recipe you can swap out breasts and they will still be tender and delicious.

        Reply
    4. Chantal Anderson says

      December 06, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! One of my favorites!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 07, 2016 at 7:14 am

        Thanks Chantal! Glad you love it!

        Reply
    5. Chiquita Pierce says

      December 29, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      If I want to make the full amount at one time then do I need to double the cream, chicken broth, etc. I have a large family with hearty appetites.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 30, 2015 at 9:50 am

        Yes! Everything from the broth on down would need to be doubled. You will also need either a very large (maybe 8 quart?) slow cooker or two slow cookers to fit it all. Let me know how it turns out!!

        Reply
    6. Tamara says

      October 05, 2015 at 7:42 pm

      I'm wanting to try this meal, it looks delicious! I'm having a hard time understanding the step by step instructions... Can u take some time to explains a little better, I'm lost after adding all the spices... I would very much appreciate it, thank you.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 05, 2015 at 8:02 pm

        Tarara! So sorry, yikes! I was converting some recipes earlier today and this one clearly got goofed up without me noticing. I'm going back to fix it all right now.

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          October 05, 2015 at 8:12 pm

          Okay, check it out now and if anything still doesn't make sense please let me know!!

          Reply
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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
    • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
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    • Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

    As seen on...

    Simple Seasoning Blends

    Make these simple homemade seasoning blends using spices you probably have on hand! Use their amazing flavors in many of my delicious and easy recipes!

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