Dinner

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 ½ 1 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough; Homemade dumplings

September 2, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty, and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in one pot. The slow cooker makes this recipe almost effortless, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. The result? A rich, filling meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

This dish has Southern roots, where chicken and dumplings are a staple of family dinners, church gatherings, and cozy nights in. Using the crockpot makes it even more accessible for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without standing over the stove.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s nostalgic, satisfying, and so simple to make. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, turning basic ingredients into a wholesome meal that’s perfect for the whole family. The creamy broth is deeply comforting, and the pillowy dumplings soak up all the rich flavors, making every spoonful heavenly.

It’s also a recipe that never fails to impress—it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, most of the work is hands-off. Perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or when you just need a cozy pick-me-up.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Effortless cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic.
Comfort in a bowl: Rich, hearty, and soul-warming.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients.
Versatile: Easy to customize with veggies, herbs, or even different dumpling styles.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~400–450 per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired comfort food)
Course: Main Dish / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, like Pillsbury Grands) or
Homemade dumplings (1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup milk, 2 tbsp melted butter)

Simple Cooking Directions

Place chicken, veggies, seasonings, soup, and broth in the crockpot.
Cook until chicken is tender, then shred.
Add peas and dumplings (biscuit dough or homemade) on top.
Cook until dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Load the Crockpot

Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth into the crockpot.

Step 2: Slow Cook

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

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Dumplings

If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into 4–6 small pieces and place on top of the soup.
If using homemade dumpling batter, drop spoonfuls of dough on top of the soup.

Step 5: Cook Until Dumplings Are Fluffy

Cover and cook for an additional 1 hour on HIGH (without lifting the lid) until dumplings are cooked through.
Stir in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve warm in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad.
Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley or thyme for a fresh touch.
Pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of white wine.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking—they need the steam to puff up.
For richer flavor, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in butter before adding them to the crockpot.
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier broth.

Variations

Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh parsley or chives to dumpling dough.
Cheesy Dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar into biscuit dough.
Vegetable Boost: Add green beans, corn, or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken and broth base (without dumplings) for up to 2 months. When reheating, add fresh dumplings.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (crockpot)
Cutting board & sharp knife
Mixing bowl (if making homemade dumplings)
Forks for shredding chicken

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect mix of convenience and comfort. It’s hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming, with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that taste like home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly Sunday afternoon, this recipe delivers cozy comfort in every bowl. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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