Few dishes capture the heart of comfort food quite like Chicken and Dumplings. There’s something magical about tender pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth topped with soft, pillowy dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that soothes your soul, warms your belly, and fills your home with the aroma of love and nostalgia.
With this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you can enjoy all that homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does the work for you — gently cooking the chicken until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavor. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, family-friendly meal that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: Let your slow cooker handle the cooking while you go about your day.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: A velvety sauce coats every tender piece of chicken and dumpling.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick prep, simple cleanup, and big rewards at dinnertime.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore its cozy, homemade taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🐔 For the Chicken Base
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
🥣 For the Dumplings
Option 1 — Quick & Easy:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
Option 2 — Homemade:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- ½ cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place your chicken (whole) in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, peas and carrots (if using), and all the seasonings. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the mixture so that the shredded chicken gets evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Dumplings
If you’re using refrigerated biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into small, bite-sized pieces. Drop them gently into the crockpot, spacing them out so they don’t clump together.
If you’re making homemade dumplings, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the hot soup mixture.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often — the steam is what helps the dumplings cook to fluffy perfection.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are ready, give everything a gentle stir. Ladle the creamy mixture into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or even a dash of paprika for color.
Serve warm and watch it disappear in minutes — it’s that good.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Thicken the broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The extra steam release helps the sauce thicken naturally.
- Go all dark meat: Using chicken thighs adds extra richness and flavor.
- Add veggies: Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, corn, or green beans for more texture and color.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for an ultra-smooth finish.
Flavor Variations
- Herb Lovers: Add a teaspoon of rosemary or sage for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Southern Style: Add ½ cup of frozen corn and a dash of hot sauce for that Southern warmth.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for extra richness.
How to Serve
Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with:
- A side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of creamy broth.
- A fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- Or simply enjoy it as is — it’s hearty enough to stand alone.
For cozy nights, this dish pairs beautifully with a glass of sweet tea or a warm slice of cornbread.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheat Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking — it saves time and still tastes amazing.
Do I need to cook the dumplings before adding them?
No. They cook directly in the crockpot steam, absorbing all that delicious flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup or substitute coconut milk for a rich alternative.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy dumplings?
Make sure not to overcrowd them — drop them in gently and don’t stir too much while they cook.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the definition of comfort food made easy. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s — only this time, your slow cooker does the hard work.
It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with homemade flavor — everything you could want in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just craving something cozy, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
So grab your slow cooker, set it, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of this timeless dish. Dinner’s never been this easy — or this satisfying.
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