Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Few dishes bring as much comfort as a warm bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, savory chicken stew loaded with tender vegetables and topped with fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes it even better because the flavors slowly develop throughout the day while you go about your routine, filling your home with the most irresistible aroma.

This recipe takes a classic Southern-inspired dish and makes it easy, fuss-free, and hands-off. Imagine tender shredded chicken, rich broth, hearty veggies, and pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavor—it’s a hug in a bowl!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting—no standing over the stove required. You get to enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade dish that tastes like you spent hours tending to it, but really, the slow cooker makes it almost effortless.

It’s also versatile—you can use fresh or frozen chicken, add extra veggies, or adjust the dumplings to your preference. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor, and feel nourished, body and soul.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If there’s one dish that defines comfort in a bowl, it’s Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe is a must-try because it combines everything people love in a hearty home-cooked meal—juicy chicken, wholesome vegetables, rich broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings. Each spoonful delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia.

1. Effortless Cooking: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
2. Hearty & Satisfying: The chicken and dumplings make this dish filling enough to serve as a complete meal—no extra sides required.
3. Family-Friendly: Kids love the fluffy dumplings, and adults appreciate the richness of the broth. It’s a dish that everyone at the table can enjoy.
4. Perfect for All Seasons: While it’s a classic winter comfort food, it’s just as satisfying on a rainy spring day, a crisp fall evening, or anytime you crave something warm and cozy.
5. Customizable: You can adjust it to your taste—make it creamier, add more vegetables, spice it up, or keep it simple. No matter how you prepare it, it always delivers.

Prep & Cook Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6–7 hours (hands-off)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~400–450 kcal

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course, Comfort Food
• Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (for extra creaminess, optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup milk

(Shortcut: Use refrigerated biscuit dough if you want quick dumplings.)

For Finishing:

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and broth to the crockpot. Stir in cream of chicken soup if using.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
3. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
4. Stir in heavy cream (optional) for a creamy texture.
5. Make the dumpling dough: whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in milk until dough forms.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the hot chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour until dumplings are cooked through (they should be firm and fluffy).
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients: Chop vegetables, mince garlic.
2. Load crockpot: Add chicken, veggies, herbs, broth, and soup (if using).
3. Cook: Low 6–7 hrs / High 3–4 hrs.
4. Shred chicken: Remove, shred, and return to pot.
5. Enrich broth: Stir in cream (optional).
6. Make dumpling dough: Mix dry ingredients → cut in butter → stir in milk.
7. Cook dumplings: Drop dough on top of stew, cover, and cook 1 hr on high.
8. Serve: Garnish with parsley, ladle into bowls, enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve hot in bowls with dumplings on top.
• Pair with a light salad or roasted veggies for balance.
• Add a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking—steam is essential for them to rise.
• For thicker broth, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) before adding dumplings.
• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and tenderness.
• If using biscuit dough, cut into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Variations

• Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, corn, or green beans in the last 30 minutes.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Dumplings: Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into dumpling dough.
• Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or chives into dumpling mix.
• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour biscuits as dumplings.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken mixture without dumplings for up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in microwave; add a splash of broth if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Ladle

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the definition of cozy comfort food. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that warms you inside and out. Easy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you want to serve something that feels extra comforting to your family. It’s a must-try classic that you’ll come back to again and again.