Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot – Effortless Classic Comfort

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Introduction

Few dishes say “home” like a bowl of warm, creamy chicken and dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food—hearty, rich, and satisfying. And when you use a crockpot, it becomes one of the easiest ways to create a classic Southern favorite without hovering over the stove.

This slow cooker version takes all the traditional flavors—tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory, creamy broth—and transforms them into a low-effort, high-reward meal. Perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or cozy family dinners.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic taste or simply want a one-pot meal that makes your house smell amazing all day, this crockpot chicken and dumplings is the answer.

🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or pastry cutter (if making homemade dumplings)
  • Wooden spoon or ladle

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, added at end)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Dumplings (choose one):

Easy Biscuit Dumplings:

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count), cut into small pieces

OR

Homemade Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk

👨‍🍳 How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings in Crockpot

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crockpot

Place chicken (whole, raw), diced onion, carrots, celery, and bay leaf into the crockpot. Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir gently to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings

If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into quarters and place evenly on top of the soup. Gently press them down so they’re partially submerged.

If using homemade dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the soup.

Step 5: Cook Dumplings

Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dumplings are cooked through (firm and no longer doughy inside).

Step 6: Finish with Peas and Cream

In the last 10 minutes, stir in frozen peas and optional heavy cream. Cook until peas are tender and everything is heated through.

🔄 Variations

  • Cheesy Dumplings: Add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar to your homemade dumpling dough.
  • Herb Dumplings: Mix fresh chopped parsley or dried herbs into the dough.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced green chilies.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or flour mix for the dumplings.
  • No Cream Soup Version: Use extra broth + 1/2 cup sour cream instead of canned soup.

🍳 Cooking Note

  • The dumplings will puff up while cooking and may seem soft at first—test one by cutting into the center. If it’s cooked through, it’s ready.
  • Don’t lift the lid too often during the last hour, as it can affect the dumpling texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot, ladled into bowls with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs
  • Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans
  • Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread on the side
  • Great with sweet iced tea or a glass of white wine (for grown-ups)

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
  • Dice veggies evenly so they cook uniformly.
  • Add cream last to prevent curdling in long cooking.
  • Don’t overstuff with dumplings – give them room to puff.
  • Leftovers are even better the next day!

⭐ Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot

  • Start early to allow enough time for the dumplings to fully cook.
  • Cook on LOW if you have the time – it enhances flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for brightness.
  • Customize with whatever veggies you have—mushrooms, corn, or leeks work well too.
  • Taste and season after cooking. The soup base thickens, so adjust salt and pepper at the end.

⏱️ Prep Time:

15 minutes

⏱️ Cooking Time:

7–8 hours on LOW (or 4–5 hours on HIGH)

⏱️ Total Time:

8 hours 15 minutes

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

  • Calories: 460
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g

(Varies based on dumpling choice and ingredients.)

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, just skip the initial cook time. Add shredded cooked chicken and reduce the broth slightly.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Dumplings may soften slightly when reheated.

Q: Can I use canned biscuits?
Definitely! They’re quick, easy, and bake up fluffy on top.

Q: My dumplings are doughy—what happened?
They may need more time. Make sure they’re not sitting entirely on top—press gently into the broth.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream soup alternatives and skip the cream or use coconut cream.

✅ Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot is everything comfort food should be: warm, cozy, hearty, and made with love—without the fuss. This slow cooker version means you can set it and forget it, coming back to a house filled with the nostalgic aroma of a home-cooked classic.

Whether you’re feeding your family, delivering a comforting meal to a friend, or simply craving something soul-warming, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

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