There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings simmering away in your kitchen. This hearty, slow-cooked classic combines tender chunks of chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth – all made effortlessly in your crockpot. Perfect for chilly evenings, it's the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season of life when I needed dinner to cook itself while I focused on other things. One bite and I was hooked – the blend of textures and flavors felt like a hug in a bowl. Now it’s a staple in our house, especially when we’re craving something cozy and stress-free.

Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your go-to for satisfying, low-maintenance meals.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Get ready to fall head over heels for this ultra-comforting dish. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of recipe that practically makes itself, and it always hits the spot.

First, this recipe is effortlessly easy. With just a few minutes of prep, your crockpot takes over, cooking everything to perfection while you go about your day. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t feel like standing over the stove.

Second, the flavors are absolutely irresistible. Tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings soak up every bit of seasoning, creating a meal that’s rich, savory, and satisfying.

Third, it’s incredibly family-friendly. Picky eaters? No problem. This dish appeals to everyone, from kids to grandparents, making it a dinner table favorite.

Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. You can tweak it with different seasonings, veggies, or even a shortcut dumpling method to suit your preferences. No two pots need to taste the same, and they’re always delicious.

Ready to start? Let’s look at the ingredients that make this recipe shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, working together to create a harmonious and hearty meal.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best choices for this dish. They cook up tender and shred easily. Thighs add a slightly richer flavor, while breasts keep things lighter – both work beautifully.

Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of diced carrots, celery, and onions forms the flavorful base. You can also add frozen peas, corn, or green beans toward the end for extra color and nutrition.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple is the secret to achieving a luscious, creamy broth. If you prefer a scratch-made alternative, you can use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream thickened with a roux.

Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme enhances the dish’s flavor. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking or add a touch of paprika for warmth.

Dumplings: You can make homemade dumplings from scratch, but refrigerated biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut. Simply cut the biscuits into smaller pieces before adding them to the crockpot.

For equipment, you’ll need a 6-quart crockpot to accommodate the ingredients comfortably. A pair of tongs or forks for shredding the chicken and a ladle for serving round out the essentials.

How To Make This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Creating this comforting dish is as easy as layering, waiting, and enjoying. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Prepare the Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Scatter the diced onions, carrots, and celery on top. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme over everything.
Add the Liquids
Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the soup and broth, but don’t worry about mixing everything perfectly – the flavors will meld as they cook.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, use tongs or two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Add the Dumplings
If using refrigerated biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into four pieces. Place the pieces on top of the broth mixture, ensuring they’re spaced apart so they can puff up. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for another 1-1.5 hours, until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Stir gently to combine the dumplings with the chicken and vegetables. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

The total time for this recipe is about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, making it perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them for maximum enjoyment later.

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the chicken and broth (without dumplings) in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating for best results.

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Swap the Protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving twist, or substitute turkey for a post-Thanksgiving makeover.
Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh parsley, dill, or chives at the end for a burst of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits or make dumplings from a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup for a meatless alternative.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s the beauty of this forgiving, delicious dish.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any day you need a little extra coziness. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your home. So grab your crockpot, and let’s get cooking!