Name: Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. leftover turkey, shredded or cubed (about 3-4 cups); 6 cups turkey or chicken broth (can use leftover turkey drippings that have been degreased); 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 celery ribs, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried; 1 tbsp. fresh sage chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried (can substitute with oregano); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp. baking powder; ½ tsp. salt; 1 cup whole milk; 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe, especially on those chilly days when you want to cozy up with food that feels like a warm hug. I love how easy this recipe is to throw together, especially if you have leftover turkey hanging out in the fridge. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting those delicious flavors meld slowly, turning simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal.

If you’re anything like me and enjoy a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (because it has!), you’ll appreciate this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even when you have company and want to serve something hearty without hovering over the stove. Plus, the fluffy dumplings are the real showstoppers — they soak up the broth and add that perfect doughy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create a rich, tasty soup without any fuss. You’ll notice I like using fresh herbs whenever I can—they really brighten up the turkey and vegetables and make the broth sing. Also, using leftover turkey or broth is a great way to reduce waste and add extra flavor.

Leftover turkey: Shredded or cubed, this adds tender, hearty protein. Leftovers work perfectly here—no need to cook fresh!
Turkey or chicken broth: This is your soup’s base. I recommend using homemade or leftover turkey drippings that have been degreased for best flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
Carrots: Sliced for natural sweetness and texture.
Celery ribs: Provide an earthy balance and that classic soup aroma.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the soup with warmth and flavor.
Fresh thyme: If you can get fresh, I say go for it—it brings an irresistible herbaceous note.
Fresh sage: Adds a savory, slightly peppery edge. Oregano is a fine substitute if you don’t have sage.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning to taste—essential for bringing all the flavors together.
All-purpose flour: The base of your dumplings, helps give them that fluffy, tender texture.
Baking powder: This little leavener is what makes the dumplings puff up beautifully.
Salt (for dumplings): Enhances flavor in the dough.
Whole milk: Keeps the dumplings moist and tender.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the dumpling dough for richness and flavor.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe my own by switching up herbs or adding extra veggies. Feel free to get creative—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal touch.

Vegetable overload: I sometimes add peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition. It makes the soup feel even more like a complete meal.
Spicy twist: Love a little kick? Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving. It wakes up the flavors and pairs wonderfully with the mild broth.
Gluten-free option: You can make gluten-free dumplings using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—just note texture might be a bit different but still delicious.
Herb swaps: Don’t have sage? Thyme and oregano are great fallbacks. Rosemary can be bold but works if you’re a fan.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load up your slow cooker with flavor

Start by tossing your shredded turkey, broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs right into the slow cooker. I like giving everything a good stir to mix those delicious flavors early on. This step sets the stage, so don’t skip on seasoning the broth well with salt and pepper—it makes a big difference as the soup cooks.

Step 2: Let the magic happen on low or high heat

Cover it up and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The long cook time lets your veggies soften and the turkey soak in all those herbs and aromatics. It smells incredible around your house during this part, trust me. If you’re pressed for time, high works, but slow low cooking really builds flavor.

Step 3: Whip up your dumpling dough

About half an hour before the cooking time is done, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, gently stirring until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix—it should be slightly sticky. I find this creates the fluffiest dumplings that cook up perfectly on top of the soup.

Step 4: Add dumplings and finish cooking

Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly onto the soup’s surface. I like pushing them down just a bit so they’re submerged in the broth—this helps them cook through and puff up nicely. Cover and cook on HIGH for another hour with the lid on. Avoid lifting the lid here; dumplings need that consistent heat to cook perfectly.

Step 5: Stir gently and serve

Once your dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy, give the soup a gentle stir to distribute them without breaking them up. Then it’s time to ladle into bowls and enjoy! You’ll love how those tender pieces of turkey and pillowy dumplings are perfectly balanced by the savory broth.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with shredded light beige chicken mixed with small yellow pieces sits in the center on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the bowl are fresh ingredients: a small bunch of green thyme sprigs on the left, a whole round light brown onion below the thyme, a pile of chopped green celery pieces next to the onion, and three whole bright orange carrots on the right. Two small white bowls hold dry white flour and a square piece of light yellow butter, placed towards the bottom right. Another small white bowl containing pale yellow liquid is positioned near the flour. The colors are fresh and natural, with soft lighting and clear details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the whole bowl. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice if I want to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe is hearty on its own, but I love serving it alongside some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this soup in oversized bread bowls—it’s a fun, rustic twist that makes the meal feel extra cozy and festive. You can also top it with crispy fried sage leaves or a swirl of cream for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings soak up a lot of broth over time, so the soup thickens nicely. Before reheating, I usually add a bit of extra broth or water to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing the broth and turkey separately from the dumplings if you can. Dumplings can become a bit mushy after freezing. When I do freeze them together, I thaw slowly and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps prevent it from getting too thick. This slow reheating keeps the dumplings tender and the flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey for this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use fresh turkey breast or thighs cut into cubes. Just add it to the slow cooker at the start and cook until tender before adding the dumplings. Keep in mind fresh turkey may need a bit longer on low heat to become tender.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time for this recipe?

I recommend making the dumpling dough fresh about 30 minutes before you want to cook them in the slow cooker. Dumplings taste best when cooked immediately and can suffer in texture if made too far ahead.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Definitely! Chicken works just as well and will produce a similarly delicious result. Just use shredded cooked chicken in place of the leftover turkey and follow the same cooking steps.
How can I prevent the dumplings from sticking together in the slow cooker?

To avoid dumplings sticking, make sure to drop them evenly spaced on the soup’s surface and don’t stir after adding them. Cooking with the lid on and keeping the slow cooker at the correct temperature helps them cook through properly without merging.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make gluten-free dumplings by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Be aware that the texture might not be identical, but it’s still tasty and comforting!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe has become one of my trusted go-to meals whenever I’m craving something that’s both satisfying and easy. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and smart cooking — all you do is prep, set the slow cooker, and come back to a meal that feels homemade and special. Next time you have leftover turkey or just want a soothing soup without fuss, I encourage you to try it out. I’m betting it’ll become a kitchen favorite for you too.