Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Fall

Southern kitchens celebrate this hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe as a comfort classic that warms hearts instantly.

Grandmothers have perfected this slow-cooked marvel through generations of love and careful seasoning.

Tender chicken melts into a rich, creamy broth that hugs each tender dumpling with incredible depth.

Pillowy dough clusters nestle among savory meat chunks, creating a rustic feast that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients become something magical with minimal effort.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor in this soul-satisfying meal that promises to become your new go-to dinner solution.

Grab a spoon and prepare for pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fun Ways To Change Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Herbaceous Herb Garden Chicken: Swap out thyme and parsley for fresh rosemary, sage, and chopped chives to create an aromatic herb-infused version that brings bright, garden-fresh flavors to the classic dish.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to transform the recipe into a zesty southwestern-inspired meal with a kick of heat and bold southwestern character.
  • Mediterranean Comfort Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that adds tangy and rich Mediterranean notes to the traditional comfort food.
  • Creamy Mushroom Lovers Edition: Mix in sautéed fresh mushrooms, use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup, and sprinkle with dried porcini powder to create an earthy, umami-rich version for mushroom enthusiasts.

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Questions Answered

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They’ll shred easily and give you the same delicious flavor.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?

No pre-cooking needed. The slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with amazing flavors.

  • What if I don't have poultry seasoning?

No worries! You can substitute with a mix of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary to create a similar flavor profile.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or dumplings to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Why Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Make Dinner Easy

  • Unlock Effortless Comfort: This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe transforms complex cooking into a simple, hands-off meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy households, this dish requires minimal prep time and creates a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents.
  • Versatile Slow Cooker Magic: Designed for convenience, the recipe allows you to toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, making it ideal for working parents, busy professionals, or anyone seeking delicious home-cooked meals without constant supervision.
  • One-Pot Wonder Meal: By combining protein, vegetables, and dumplings in a single pot, this recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup, reducing kitchen stress and maximizing mealtime enjoyment.

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender, juicy protein that forms the base of the comforting dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding.
Soup Base and Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth, Cream of Chicken Soup, Milk: Create a rich, creamy liquid that helps cook and flavor the chicken. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of salt levels.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory background flavor to the dish. Fresh ingredients preferred over dried.
  • Thyme, Parsley, Poultry Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile. Fresh herbs can provide more vibrant flavor.
Dumpling and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Biscuit Dough, Flour: Provide soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth. Use pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.
Vegetable Add-ins:
  • Frozen Vegetables: Add nutrition and color to the dish. Mixed vegetable blends work well for variety and ease.

Steps To Make Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Start by transforming your crockpot into a magic flavor cauldron. Gently place these delightful ingredients into the pot:
  • Whole chicken pieces
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Savory chicken broth
  • Creamy chicken soup
  • Fragrant thyme
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Poultry seasoning

Seal the lid and let the slow cooker work its culinary wizardry. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes mouthwateringly tender.

Step 2: Break Down the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, lovingly shred the meat into delectable pieces. Return the shredded chicken to its brothy home and stir in:
  • Smooth milk
  • Colorful frozen vegetables

Mix everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Dumplings

Time to add some cloud-like goodness! Take refrigerated biscuit dough and:
  • Slice into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticky situations
  • Gently drop the dough pieces on top of the chicken mixture
  • Ensure the dough sits prettily on the liquid surface

Cover and cook on HIGH for one hour until the dumplings transform into puffy, golden pillows of deliciousness.

Step 4: Serve with Love

Give the dish a gentle stir, allowing all the flavors to mingle and dance. Ladle into warm bowls and sprinkle with:
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra ground black pepper

Invite your loved ones to dive into this ultimate comfort food that hugs you from the inside out!

Helpful Tips For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful result, ensuring even cooking and easy shredding.
  • Prevent Soggy Dumplings: Lightly coat biscuit dough pieces in flour to help them maintain structure and absorb less liquid during cooking.
  • Vegetable Versatility: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce like carrots, peas, or celery to customize the dish and boost nutritional value.
  • Quick Thickening Trick: If the sauce seems too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamier consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply add dumplings and cook when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Avoid freezing, as the dumplings may become soggy and lose their delightful fluffy consistency.
  • For best quality, consume within 2-3 days of preparation and always check for signs of spoilage before reheating.

Best Sides For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Pairing: Bright, zesty white wine cuts through the creamy chicken dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors.
  • Rustic Sourdough Companion: Crusty, tangy bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious, savory broth, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
  • Roasted Seasonal Salad Side: A light, crisp green salad with roasted vegetables adds freshness and balances the creamy texture of the chicken and dumplings.
  • Chilled Apple Cider Complement: Sweet, slightly tart apple cider creates a delightful harmony with the savory chicken, bringing a homey, autumnal touch to the meal.
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Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern comfort “Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings” delivers hearty, creamy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Tender chicken nestles with fluffy dumplings, promising warmth and satisfaction in every comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Liquid and Soup Base:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (16 ounces/454 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough

Herbs, Seasonings, and Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base by combining chicken, aromatic seasonings, and liquid components in the crockpot. Layer onions and garlic for foundational flavor, ensuring even distribution of herbs and broth.
  2. Slow cook the chicken until it becomes exceptionally tender and easily separates, allowing the proteins to absorb the surrounding herbal and savory notes.
  3. Carefully extract the chicken and transform it into delicate shreds using two forks, maintaining its moisture and texture.
  4. Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the cooking liquid, creating a rich and cohesive mixture that will serve as the foundation for the dish.
  5. Incorporate frozen vegetables, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the creamy base.
  6. Prepare the dumpling pieces by cutting biscuit dough into bite-sized morsels, lightly dusting with flour to prevent potential clumping.
  7. Delicately place dumpling pieces atop the chicken mixture, ensuring they rest on the surface without completely submerging.
  8. Continue cooking on high temperature, allowing the dumplings to transform into fluffy, pillowy clusters that absorb the surrounding flavors.
  9. Once dumplings reach perfect consistency, softly fold the components together to create a harmonious blend.
  10. Plate the comforting meal, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of ground pepper to enhance the visual and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Chicken selection matters: opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to ensure tender, easy-to-shred meat with maximum flavor absorption.
  • Vegetable versatility allows customization by swapping frozen mixed vegetables with seasonal fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or chopped bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
  • Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by using gluten-free biscuit dough or replacing biscuits with cauliflower dumplings for a low-carb alternative.
  • Seasoning enhancement happens by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of herbs like rosemary or sage to elevate the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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