Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

A Cozy, Homestyle Classic Made Simple

Few meals deliver the same kind of cozy satisfaction as a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. This beloved American comfort food—believed to have originated in the rural kitchens of the South—combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, soft vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. It’s hearty enough to feed a family, yet gentle and soothing, making it a favorite for chilly nights or when you just need a little taste of home.

Traditionally, chicken and dumplings are prepared on the stovetop, with hours of simmering to develop deep flavor and hand-rolled dumplings that require careful attention. But with today’s busy lifestyles, spending an entire afternoon in the kitchen isn’t always possible. Enter the crockpot (slow cooker)—your secret weapon for achieving the same homestyle flavor with a fraction of the effort.

This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe takes all the classic elements of the dish and transforms them into a set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few hours of slow cooking, you’ll create a warm, hearty dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a bowl of comfort, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get to the ingredients, let’s talk about what makes this crockpot version so special:

• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken and vegetables with rich, savory flavor while you go about your day.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Cooking the chicken breasts low and slow guarantees perfectly moist meat that shreds effortlessly.
• Homemade Dumplings: No need for canned biscuits—these simple dumplings are made from scratch in just minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors, creamy texture, and fluffy dumplings make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this meal is easy on the wallet but big on taste.

Ingredients

Everything you need for this hearty dish is likely already in your kitchen. Here’s the complete list:

For the Chicken and Broth

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that stays tender during slow cooking.
• 3 cups chicken broth – Forms the flavorful base of the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Adds creamy richness and body to the broth.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Provides a sweet and savory aromatic base.
• 3 medium carrots, sliced – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 3 celery stalks, sliced – Lends earthy flavor and texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds fresh, herby brightness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional) – Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half – Makes the broth luxuriously creamy.

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation for fluffy, tender dumplings.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the dumplings their light, airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Seasons the dough and balances flavors.
• 1/2 cup milk – Brings the dough together with a gentle richness.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – Adds flavor and tenderness to the dumplings.

Step-by-Step Method

Making chicken and dumplings in a crockpot is delightfully straightforward. Just follow these steps to achieve perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In the crockpot, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the soup and broth are fully blended. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture, making sure they’re partially submerged in the liquid.

Tip: If you prefer even more flavor, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for 5 minutes before adding them to the crockpot. This step lightly caramelizes the vegetables, adding an extra layer of richness.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the aromatic flavors of the broth while staying moist and juicy.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

About 45 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough (about a tablespoon each) directly onto the surface of the hot chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high heat for 30–45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for perfectly cooked dumplings.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Peas

Once the dumplings are done, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the frozen peas (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to heat the cream and peas through before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful accompaniments:

1. Freshly Baked Bread: Serve with warm biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
2. Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Add a tray of oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
4. Pickles or Relish: A small side of pickles or relish can add a delightful tangy bite to balance the richness.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Dumplings: Stir just until the dough comes together to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
• Control the Salt: If using regular (not low-sodium) chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, reduce added salt and adjust at the end.
• Thicker Broth Option: For a thicker base, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the broth before adding the dumplings.
• Add Extra Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of chives can brighten the finished dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture the night before and refrigerate it in the crockpot insert. In the morning, simply place it in the base, turn on the cooker, and let it work its magic.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approx. per serving)

Based on 6 servings, including dumplings

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg

(Nutritional values vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re more forgiving than breasts and remain exceptionally tender after slow cooking.

2. Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, you can substitute refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the crockpot during the final 30–45 minutes of cooking.

3. How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be firm and fluffy on the outside but soft and cooked through in the center. To test, insert a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream. For the dumplings, substitute dairy-free milk and vegan butter.

5. Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?

While the chicken and broth freeze well, dumplings can become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider freezing the chicken mixture separately and making fresh dumplings when reheating.

6. How long will leftovers last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the mixture has thickened.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough. Double all ingredients and allow for slightly longer cooking times, especially for the dumplings.

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Conclusion

This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy the soul-warming comfort of this beloved dish. With tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, a creamy broth, and fluffy homemade dumplings, it delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every spoonful.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal for a busy day, or a classic dish to share with family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Set it, forget it, and return to a house filled with the delicious aroma of simmering chicken and herbs. One bowl of this crockpot classic is all it takes to remind you why some recipes never go out of style.