Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe For Chilly Days

Comfort comes calling with this classic southern-style chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe that promises warmth in every single bite.

Tender chicken pieces slowly simmer alongside soft, pillowy dumplings, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dish, passing down treasured techniques through time.

Creamy and rich, the stew develops deep layers of flavor as it gently cooks throughout the day.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful delivers a comforting blend of savory broth, succulent chicken, and fluffy dumplings that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this soul-satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7-8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

For Chicken and Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the hearty foundation of the dish with tender, juicy meat.
  • Onion: Adds deep, sweet undertones and aromatic richness to the overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, zesty notes that enhance the savory complexity of the recipe.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a silky, flavorful liquid base that helps tenderize the chicken and build depth.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes creamy texture and additional chicken flavor to the sauce.
For Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty undertones that complement the chicken perfectly.
  • Parsley: Brings fresh, bright green notes and a subtle peppery hint to the dish.
  • Poultry Seasoning: Blends classic herbs to elevate the chicken's natural flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste.
For Dumplings and Finishing Touches:
  • Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Quick and convenient base for fluffy, comforting dumplings.
  • Flour: Helps prevent dumpling sticking and adds a light coating.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce together.
  • Frozen Vegetables: Introduces color, nutrition, and extra texture to the one-pot meal.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

Supplies To Make Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking chicken and creating a hearty one-pot meal.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for easily shredding tender chicken.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing biscuit dough pieces.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps cut biscuit dough into 1-inch chunks.
  • Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing biscuit pieces in flour.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the crockpot.

Easy Steps To Cook Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Prep the Flavor Base

Toss chicken, aromatic onions, and zesty garlic into your crockpot with a splash of savory broth and creamy chicken soup. Sprinkle in some herbal magic like thyme and parsley for depth.

  • Slow Cook to Tenderness

Let everything simmer on low heat for several hours until the chicken becomes wonderfully soft and easily falls apart. The kitchen will smell incredible during this process.

  • Transform the Protein

Pull out the chicken and shred it into delicate strands. Return the meat to the liquid and mix in some velvety milk and colorful frozen vegetables for extra nutrition.

  • Create Fluffy Dumplings

Slice premade biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces. Gently nestle these pillowy dough bits on top of the bubbling mixture. Allow them to steam and become light and puffy for about an hour.

  • Plate and Savor

Softly fold everything together and serve in warm bowls. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper to elevate the comfort food experience. Enjoy this hearty, soul-warming meal with loved ones.

Tips To Try For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Perfect Chicken Texture Tip: Pat chicken breasts dry before adding to crockpot to ensure maximum flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture during slow cooking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken mixture the night before and store in crockpot insert, then start cooking in the morning for a hassle-free dinner solution.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace cream of chicken soup with low-sodium or gluten-free versions for those with dietary restrictions, and use cauliflower or sweet potato instead of traditional vegetables for lower-carb options.
  • Herb Enhancement Trick: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken's richness.
  • Dumpling Variation: Substitute refrigerated biscuit dough with homemade buttermilk biscuit pieces or gluten-free baking mix for a personalized touch that caters to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions For Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Rustic Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy chicken stew.
  • Lunch Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for a delicious next-day meal that reheats perfectly, making busy weekday lunches a breeze.
  • Comfort Food Presentation: Ladle into deep bowls, letting the creamy sauce and fluffy dumplings create an inviting, home-style meal that warms the soul.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and dumplings stay moist and delicious.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Pack cooled chicken and dumplings in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for future quick meals.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Batch Cooking Strategy: Double the recipe and create multiple meal portions. Separate into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or busy weeknight dinners, saving time and reducing cooking stress.
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Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Southern-style crockpot chicken and dumplings deliver comfort in each spoonful of this hearty classic. Creamy chicken stew with fluffy dumpling pillows promises warmth and satisfaction when craving home-cooked goodness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cups (473 ml) mixed vegetables, frozen (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (16 oz/454 g) biscuit dough, refrigerated
  • 1 onion, small, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Combine chicken, seasonings, and broth in the crockpot, layering onions and garlic to create a robust aromatic base that infuses depth into the entire dish.
  2. Tenderization Process: Allow chicken to slow cook until incredibly soft, enabling proteins to absorb the herbal and savory essence of the surrounding liquid.
  3. Chicken Transformation: Gently shred the cooked chicken using two forks, preserving its moisture and creating delicate, tender pieces that will integrate seamlessly into the mixture.
  4. Liquid Integration: Return shredded chicken to the cooking liquid, creating a harmonious and rich base that will serve as the core of the comfort meal.
  5. Vegetable Incorporation: Fold frozen vegetables into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution and adding nutritional complexity to the dish.
  6. Dumpling Preparation: Cut biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces, lightly coating with flour to prevent sticking and create a light, airy texture.
  7. Dumpling Placement: Strategically position dumpling pieces on top of the chicken mixture, allowing them to rest without fully submerging, which ensures optimal cooking and texture.
  8. Final Cooking Stage: Continue cooking on high temperature, transforming dumplings into fluffy, pillowy clusters that absorb the surrounding flavors and blend perfectly with the chicken mixture.
  9. Harmonization: Gently fold all components together, creating a cohesive and comforting one-pot meal that melds all flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Chicken Quality Check: Select bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for richer flavor and more tender meat, ensuring the protein remains juicy during slow cooking.
  • Prevent Soggy Dumplings: Avoid lifting the crockpot lid frequently, as steam escape can disrupt cooking temperature and lead to dense, undercooked dumplings.
  • Thickness Control: Adjust broth consistency by mixing cornstarch or flour with cold water before adding to create a perfectly creamy, not watery texture.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Substitute regular biscuit dough with gluten-free alternatives or use cauliflower dumplings for low-carb versions, maintaining the dish’s comforting essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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