There’s nothing quite like the cozy, hearty goodness of Chicken and Dumplings, and when you can make it in your slow cooker, it becomes even better. This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory sauce — all with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of Sunday dinners and family gatherings. I once tried adding a splash of cream and a handful of fresh herbs at the end, and it took this dish from classic to restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food made easy. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, yet requires little more than layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. The chicken turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, the dumplings soak up all that delicious broth, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or craving something warm and homey, this dish never disappoints.
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Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
- Total Time: 7 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers classic comfort with minimal effort. Tender chicken, creamy broth, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmer together in a slow cooker for a warm, satisfying meal that tastes like home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add frozen peas and stir to combine (if using).
- Place biscuit dough pieces on top of the mixture in an even layer. Gently press them down so they touch the liquid but don’t stir.
- Cover and cook on high for another 1 hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Stir gently to mix the dumplings with the sauce. Add butter for extra richness if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a homemade touch, you can use scratch-made dumplings instead of biscuits.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or mushroom for a flavor twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time — just add it during the final hour of cooking.
- Pair with a side of biscuits or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 7 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs: The base of the dish — boneless, skinless chicken cooks perfectly in the slow cooker and shreds easily.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, giving it depth and warmth.
Onion: Chopped onion provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory flavor.
Celery: Adds freshness and texture to balance the richness.
Carrots: For color, flavor, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Infuses a deep, aromatic layer to the broth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the flavors together.
Thyme and parsley: Add a touch of freshness and herby aroma to the finished dish.
Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut for soft, fluffy dumplings that cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Butter (optional): Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Directions
Lightly grease your crock pot or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the top, then gently stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them evenly over the top of the mixture. Press them gently into the broth so they cook through. Cover and cook on high for another 1 hour, stirring once halfway through, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked in the center.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving and enjoy a steaming bowl of creamy, hearty comfort.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 hours (depending on setting)
Total time: About 7–8 hours
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without dumplings) for up to 2 months — just thaw and add fresh biscuit dough when reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Homemade Dumplings: Replace biscuit dough with homemade dough made from flour, butter, and milk for a classic touch.
Creamy Herb Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in a splash of heavy cream and a handful of fresh herbs before serving.
Vegetable-Packed Version: Add green peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Southern Style: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.
Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra richness.
Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-sodium broth for a lighter meal.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce cook time by half.
Garlic Butter Twist: Stir in melted garlic butter at the end for a deeper, savory flavor.
Thick and Hearty Style: Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last hour of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Bacon Chicken and Dumplings: Add crumbled cooked bacon just before serving for smoky flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and better texture.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of 6–7 hours on low.
What kind of biscuits should I use?
Refrigerated biscuit dough works best for easy, fluffy dumplings.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) near the end of cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and add more flavor to the dish.
Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, use a homemade version made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
How do I keep dumplings from becoming soggy?
Avoid stirring too often and make sure the lid stays closed while they cook.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk or dairy-free soup alternatives.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze the chicken and sauce (without dumplings) for best results. Add fresh dough when reheating.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe takes everything you love about the classic dish and makes it simple enough for busy days. Tender chicken, rich broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings come together to create a bowl of pure comfort. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re craving a taste of home, this slow cooker version delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to comfort food recipe for every season.
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