Go Back

Dairy-Free Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Jessica Tran
Welcome to a heartwarming dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked together in a crock pot! This delightful Dairy-Free Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you're in need of some cozy comfort food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Bowls
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

Herbs:

  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves

Broth:

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Dairy-Free Ingredients:

  • 1 can coconut milk for creaminess
  • 2 tbsp non-dairy butter or olive oil

Dumplings:

  • 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free milk alternative like almond or coconut milk

Optional:

  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Set Up the Crock Pot:

  • Place the chicken, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the crock pot.

Add the Broth:

  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Cook:

  • Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
  • If using peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Make the Dumplings:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the dairy-free milk and stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Add Dumplings:

  • Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the chicken mixture in the crock pot.

Steam the Dumplings:

  • Cover the crock pot again and let the dumplings steam on High for about 30 minutes, until fluffy and cooked through.

Check for Doneness:

  • Ensure the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable.

Video

Notes

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish
Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired for the broth before adding the dumplings.
Avoid Lifting the Lid: Keep the lid closed to maintain cooking temperature and steam for the dumplings.
Extra Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or greens like spinach toward the end of the cooking time for added nutrition.
Serving and Storing
Serve with: Ladle generous portions into bowls garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread.
Storing Leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the dumplings and prevent them from drying out.
Variations
Experiment with different herbs and spices like curry powder or Italian seasoning for unique flavors.
Adjust the veggies and proteins based on your preferences—chickpeas or tofu can substitute chicken for a plant-based version.