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Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with Dumplings

Hearty slow cooker chicken casserole with fluffy dumplings
Recipes
  • Picture of Jennifer Scott Jennifer Scott
  • August 30, 2025

why make this recipe

Slow cooker chicken casserole with dumplings is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any family dinner. This dish allows the chicken to cook slowly, making it tender and flavorful while the dumplings add a satisfying touch. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, so clean-up is a breeze!

how to make Slow cooker chicken casserole with dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 600g/1lb 5oz large waxy potatoes, peeled, cut into chunks
  • 3 carrots, peeled, cut into chunks
  • 2 parsnips, peeled, cut into chunks
  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 200ml/7fl oz hot chicken stock (made with 1 stock cube)
  • 500ml/18fl oz dry cider
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 200g/7oz self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 100g/3½oz suet, shredded
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage leaves)

Directions:

  1. Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and fry for 6-8 minutes until golden-brown.
  4. Turn the chicken over and fry for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  5. Place the sliced onions, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat the veggies.
  6. Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in the hot chicken stock and cider, then stir in the wholegrain mustard.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4½ hours.
  8. About 4 hours into cooking, make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour, suet, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Make a well in the mixture and slowly pour in 125ml/4fl oz of cold water, stirring until you get a soft, squidgy dough.
  10. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 pieces, rolling them into balls.
  11. When the casserole is ready, remove the lid and skim off any fat on the surface. Arrange the dumplings on top of the casserole.
  12. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings puff up.
  13. Serve the casserole and dumplings with steamed kale, shredded cabbage, or green beans.

how to serve Slow cooker chicken casserole with dumplings

You can serve the chicken casserole with the dumplings right from the slow cooker. It’s best to have bread or a green side dish like kale or beans to balance the richness. This meal is perfect for sharing and can be plated individually or served family-style from the pot.

how to store Slow cooker chicken casserole with dumplings

If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where they will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions of the casserole. Just make sure to store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Slow cooker chicken casserole with dumplings

  • For extra flavor, you can add garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • If you want to reduce fat, use skinless chicken thighs.
  • Adjust the thickness of the casserole by adding more or less stock, depending on your preference.
  • Make sure to check the dumplings towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from overcooking.

variation

You can change up the vegetables based on what you have at home. Adding peas or corn can give a nice sweetness to the dish. For a healthier twist, you can use wholegrain flour for the dumplings.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
    Yes, but chicken breasts might dry out more than thighs. It’s best to cook them only until they are no longer pink.

  2. What if I don’t have dry cider?
    You can substitute the cider with more chicken stock or even apple juice if you need a non-alcoholic alternative.

  3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes! Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant and replace chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can also omit the dumplings or make them with plant-based alternatives.

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Jennifer Scott

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