Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender slow-cooked chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings. This easy, hands-off meal delivers homemade flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Free: The slow cooker does all the work for you!
- Rich & Creamy: A thick, flavorful broth with tender chicken.
- Fluffy Dumplings: Soft biscuit-style dumplings cook right in the crockpot.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Customizable: Add veggies or use homemade dumplings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken & Broth:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
- Onion (diced)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter
For the Dumplings:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dumplings)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Place chicken, broth, cream of chicken soup, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Add butter for extra richness.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the bay leaf. Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
Step 2: Add the Dumplings
- Prepare the Biscuits:
- Cut refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces (about 1-inch squares).
- Add to the Crockpot:
- Stir the biscuit pieces into the broth, spreading them evenly.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are soft and fully cooked. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7-8 hours
Variations
- Homemade Dumplings: Use a simple dough made with flour, baking powder, butter, and milk instead of biscuits.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Creamier Version: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make gluten-free dumplings.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months without the dumplings. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Add pre-cooked shredded chicken in the last hour of cooking.
What’s the best way to thicken the broth?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in before adding the dumplings.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer everything in a pot for about 1 hour, then add dumplings and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
How do I prevent dumplings from getting soggy?
Don’t over-stir after adding the dumplings, and cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
A side salad, roasted veggies, or warm biscuits complement this dish well.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Increase cooking time by about 1 hour for frozen chicken.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and a substitute for cream of chicken soup, like a coconut milk-based alternative.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then manually release and add the dumplings, cooking for another 5 minutes.
What’s the best type of biscuit dough?
Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits work best, but homemade is always a great option!
Can I add cheese to the dumplings?
Yes! Mix shredded cheddar into homemade dumpling dough for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this dish is easy, delicious, and always satisfying. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, homemade classic!
Description
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—juicy shredded chicken, rich creamy broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for a cozy, hands-off meal!
For the Chicken & Broth:
For the Dumplings:
1. Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
2. Shred the Chicken & Add Veggies:
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in milk and frozen vegetables.
3. Add the Dumplings:
- Cut biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces and toss them lightly in flour to prevent sticking.
- Drop biscuit pieces into the crockpot, making sure they rest on top of the liquid.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Stir gently and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or black pepper for extra flavor.
Notes
- Want a thicker broth? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the crockpot before adding dumplings.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version—just cook everything for 3-4 hours instead of 6-7.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.