Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Fluffy Dumplings – A Cozy, Diabetes-Friendly Meal
- Eliane Muskus
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
Easy, Healthy, and Low-Sodium Chicken Stew Made in the Crockpot – Perfect for Balanced Blood Sugar and Effortless Cooking.
A Cozy, Diabetes-Friendly One-Pot Meal for Effortless Cooking
If you're looking for a nutritious, diabetes-friendly slow cooker meal, this Chicken Stew with Parsley Dumplings is the perfect comfort food. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a flavorful, low-sodium broth—ideal for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Best of all, your slow cooker does all the work, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights. The light, fluffy dumplings absorb the savory broth, creating a satisfying, wholesome dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
✔️ Diabetes-Friendly: Uses wholesome, slow-digesting carbs and lean protein to help maintain blood sugar balance.
✔️ Easy & Hands-Off: Prep in minutes, set it, and forget it—your slow cooker does the rest!
✔️ Low-Sodium & Heart-Healthy: Made with reduced-sodium broth and no refined sugars.
✔️ Rich & Hearty: A thick, satisfying stew with naturally sweet carrots, celery, and tender chicken.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for easy, healthy meals all week.
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: LOW: 6–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
Additional Time for Dumplings: 40 minutes on HIGH
Total Time:
✔️LOW Setting: ~7 hours 15 minutes
✔️HIGH Setting: ~4 hours 15 minutes
This makes 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
1 kg/2lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, dice into medium-sized uniform cubes to ensure consistent cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 ¾ cups low-sodium, chicken broth (homemade or store bought)
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried marjoram
½ tsp dried sage
½ cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Parsley Dumplings:
1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
½ cup reduced-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lower-carb option)
2 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stew
1. (Optional but recommended) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side to enhance flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, 2 ¾ cups broth, tomato paste, thyme, marjoram, and sage to the slow cooker. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Parsley Dumplings
4. About 45 minutes before serving, prepare the dumpling dough:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the butter or olive oil using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in milk and parsley to form a soft, sticky dough.
Step 3: Add the Dumplings
5. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the stew, spacing them evenly.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 40–45 minutes. Do NOT lift the lid—this ensures the dumplings cook properly.
7. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through.
Step 4: Final Touches & Serving
8. Check the dumplings—they should be firm on the outside but soft and fluffy inside.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot and enjoy a nourishing, hearty meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
✔️ For a thicker stew: Remove ½ cup of broth before adding dumplings, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir in 30 minutes before serving.
✔️ Want even more flavor? Brown the chicken before slow cooking—it adds a rich depth of flavor!
✔️ For meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
✅ Low in refined carbs: Uses whole wheat flour and fiber-rich veggies to support stable blood sugar levels.
✅ Packed with lean protein: Chicken breast keeps you full and supports muscle health.
✅ Naturally low in sodium: Made with low-sodium broth and fresh herbs instead of processed seasonings.
✅ No sugar spikes: Balanced with slow-digesting, fiber-rich ingredients.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Parsley Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food made healthy. It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and nourishing for everyone, especially those looking for diabetes-friendly meal options. With simple, wholesome ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
🔥 Ready to try it? Let me know how it turns out!
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