When the temperatures drop and the evenings grow longer, there’s nothing quite like a bubbling pot of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings waiting to greet you at dinner time. This hearty, comforting dish brings together succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and pillowy dumplings in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug from your favorite sweater. It’s one of those meals that practically cooks itself—15 minutes of hands-on prep in the morning, a slow simmer throughout the day, and then you have 7 hours of transformative magic unfolding in your slow cooker. By the time you’re ready to gather around the table, the kitchen is filled with savory notes of garlic and thyme, and the dumplings have puffed into fluffy clouds that soak up every drop of that luscious broth. Whether you’re easing into a busy weeknight or winding down after a long weekend, this easy recipe is the embodiment of comfort food, perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike.
My family has coveted this recipe for years—Sunday afternoons, potluck dinners, impromptu gatherings—all made memorable by that first spoonful of creamy chicken and tender dumplings. The best part is the simplicity. Beginner cooks will feel like pros once they lock the lid on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. There’s no need for tedious stirring or constant monitoring: just a quick toss of boneless chicken breasts, aromatic onion, savory broth, a can of cream-of-chicken soup, frozen veggies, and a shower of herbs and spices. Add the biscuit nuggets toward the end, and suddenly you’re serving up a family favorite that clocks in at roughly 450 calories per serving. It’s an easy dinner solution for busy weeknights, laid-back weekend feasts, or whenever you crave that signature slow-cooker comfort. Get cozy, dig in, and prepare to fall in love all over again with slow-cooked goodness.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s break down the star players that make this dish so irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own personality—and together, they create that signature creaminess and depth of flavor you’ll be coming back to time and again.
- Chicken breasts
Lean and tender, these boneless, skinless cuts soak up all the savory broth and spices. Shredded later, they form the hearty protein base of this dish.
- Onion
Finely chopped for quick melting, it adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the creamy broth and balances the richness of the soup.
- Chicken broth
The liquid backbone, infusing every spoonful with umami depth. It thins out the cream soup and ensures the vegetables and herbs mingle in a flavorful bath.
- Cream of chicken soup
This canned shortcut brings luscious creaminess and concentrated chicken flavor, creating a velvety sauce without the fuss of roux or heavy cream (though a splash of cream is always welcome).
- Frozen mixed vegetables
A colorful blend of carrots, peas, and corn adds texture, sweetness, and nutrients. They freeze all the freshness of summer veggies into an easy, no-prep component.
- Garlic powder
Intensifies the savory profile without the risk of burning fresh garlic. It pumps up the flavor in every bite.
- Onion powder
Complements the fresh onion with a deeper, lingering sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
- Salt
Enhances and balances the flavors, making sure each ingredient shines without getting lost in the creamy sauce.
- Black pepper
A pinch of warmth and subtle heat keeps things lively, cutting through the richness with a gentle bite.
- Dried thyme
Earthy and slightly minty, this herb pairs perfectly with chicken, adding depth and an herbal brightness.
- Dried parsley
Lightly bitter and grassy, parsley rounds out the herb profile and adds a dash of color.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
The secret to those fluffy, golden dumplings. These little dough nuggets expand and steam to perfection right in the slow cooker.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Time to roll up your sleeves and let the slow cooker work its magic! In a few simple stages, you’ll transform pantry staples into a soul-warming feast that’s perfect for dinner, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly and absorb all the surrounding flavors.
2. Add the chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and frozen mixed vegetables.
Pour everything around and over the chicken, making sure each piece is nestled in the creamy broth.
3. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley over the top.
Season generously to build layers of flavor right from the start.
4. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Low heat gives you melt-in-your-mouth results, while high is great if you’re short on time.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together.
This step ensures every shred is coated in that creamy sauce.
6. Open the can of biscuit dough, separate each biscuit, and cut each into four pieces.
These bite-sized nuggets will puff up into fluffy dumplings.
7. Drop the biscuit pieces into the crockpot, covering the chicken mixture.
Nestle them gently on top to ensure even cooking.
8. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30–60 minutes, or until the biscuit dough expands and is cooked through.
Keep an eye on them so they rise to golden perfection without overcooking.
9. Once the dough is cooked and fluffy, gently stir to ensure even distribution.
Break up any large clumps so every spoonful has a bit of dumpling.
10. Serve hot, garnished with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley.
That final touch of green adds brightness and a hint of freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
After all that slow-cooked goodness, you’ll want to present your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in ways that highlight its creamy texture and homey appeal. Whether you’re dishing up for family night, a neighborly potluck, or just treating yourself, these serving ideas will take your bowlful from comforting to unforgettable. Pairing the stew with complementary sides and garnishes not only adds visual contrast but also layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a balanced celebration of savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings.
- Serve in rustic bowls with a swirl of heavy cream: Ladle the stew into deep, earthenware bowls and drizzle a spoonful of heavy cream on top for extra richness. The contrast between bright white cream and golden biscuits makes every bowl look as cozy as it tastes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and herbal brightness, while freshly cracked black pepper brings a gentle kick that cuts through the creaminess.
- Accompany with crusty artisan bread: Offer slices of warm, crusty bread or a baguette on the side. Dunking into the thick, savory broth is an irresistible way to soak up every last drop.
- Present alongside a crisp side salad: Balance the hearty stew with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The acidity and crunch provide a refreshing counterpoint to the velvety dumplings.
HOW TO STORE CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Leftovers of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are just as delightful as the initial serving—sometimes even better after flavors have had time to meld. Whether you want to stash away a portion for tomorrow’s lunch or prep a big batch for future easy meals, proper storage keeps everything tasting fresh and comforting. The key is to cool the dish quickly, use airtight containers, and reheat gently so the dumplings stay tender and the broth remains creamy. Follow these tips to preserve texture and flavor, and you’ll enjoy the same homey satisfaction every time you reheat.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers: Once cooled to room temperature (about 5 minutes), transfer the stew to sealed, microwave-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze in portion-sized bags: For longer storage, divide the cooled stew into freezer bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat over low heat: Whether on the stovetop or in the microwave, warm the stew gently to prevent the dumplings from becoming gummy. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the mixture seems too thick.
- Store dumplings separately (optional): If you want to preserve maximum fluffiness, remove the dumplings from the broth before storing. Reheat the dumplings on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven until warmed through, then add them back to the stew.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you drop those seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot to the final spoonful of creamy chicken and dumplings, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a soul-satisfying dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking—six to eight hours on low or three to four on high—you can walk away and return to a bubbling pot of soft vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and golden dumplings. The addition of a pinch of dried thyme and parsley, along with garlic and onion powders, ensures that every bite is infused with layers of savory depth. At around 450 calories per serving and categorized as a beginner-level dinner, it’s a practical, no-fuss solution for busy weeknights, leisurely weekends, or anytime you need a big scoop of comfort. Don’t forget to let it rest for about five minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle and thicken slightly—then dive in.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later reference—whether you’re planning a family meal, hosting friends, or simply craving that classic slow-cooker comfort. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to answer any extra questions that might pop up. If you try the recipe, experiment with homemade biscuit dough, or add a bay leaf for extra aroma, I’d love to hear about your experience. Drop a comment with your feedback, ask any questions you might have, or share your favorite twist on this beloved classic. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken in a creamy, savory broth, topped with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for cozy nights, it's a classic favorite that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
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Add the chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and frozen mixed vegetables.
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Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley over the top.
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Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together.
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Open the can of biscuit dough, separate each biscuit, and cut each into four pieces.
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Drop the biscuit pieces into the crockpot, covering the chicken mixture.
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Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the biscuit dough expands and is cooked through.
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Once the dough is cooked and fluffy, gently stir to ensure even distribution.
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Serve hot, garnished with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Note
- For a creamier consistency, you can add a half-cup of heavy cream before adding the biscuit dough.
- You can use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned for a personal touch.
- Adding a bay leaf during cooking can enhance the aroma; just remember to remove it before serving.
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a more tender and flavorful result.
