There are few dinners as comforting as a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings come together in a meal that tastes like it has been simmering all day—which, thanks to the slow cooker, it practically has.
This is the kind of recipe that makes a busy day easier. Add the chicken and flavorful ingredients to the crockpot, let everything cook until tender, then finish it with homemade dumplings. Before you know it, dinner is ready.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is a true comfort-food classic for several reasons:
- The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Carrots and celery add flavor and texture.
- The creamy broth is rich and satisfying.
- Homemade dumplings make the dish feel extra special.
- It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
If you’d rather save time, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used instead of homemade dumpling dough.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
1. Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic around the chicken.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until mostly smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle the thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.
2. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
For a quicker option, cook on HIGH for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Try to keep the lid closed during cooking. Opening it frequently allows heat to escape and can extend the cooking time.
3. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker.
Place it on a plate and shred it with two forks. You can make the pieces as large or small as you prefer.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy broth and vegetables.
4. Prepare the Dumplings
While the chicken is finishing, make the dumpling dough.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Add the milk and melted butter. Stir gently until the ingredients form a soft dough.
Don’t worry if the dough isn’t perfectly smooth. In fact, it’s better not to overmix it. Too much stirring can lead to heavier, tougher dumplings.
5. Add the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop portions of dough over the surface of the hot chicken mixture.
Leave a little space between each dumpling so steam can circulate around them.
Cover the slow cooker and switch it to HIGH. Cook for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
Most importantly, keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook. The steam trapped inside the crockpot helps them become soft and fluffy.
How Do You Know When the Dumplings Are Done?
Dumplings should look puffed and feel cooked rather than wet.
If you’re unsure, carefully cut one open. The center should no longer look like raw dough.
If the middle is still doughy, cover the crockpot and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes before checking again.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Choose the Right Chicken
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be especially juicy and flavorful, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
This is one of the most important dumpling tips. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overworking the dough can make the dumplings dense.
Don’t Make the Dumplings Too Large
Large dumplings can take longer to cook in the center. Medium-sized spoonfuls are easier to cook evenly and give you plenty of fluffy dumpling bites.
Resist the Urge to Peek
Once the dumplings go into the crockpot, keep the lid on. Steam is essential for cooking them properly.
Adjust the Broth
If the finished dish is thicker than you prefer, stir in a little extra chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Easy Recipe Variations
Add Peas
Frozen peas are a simple way to add color and sweetness. Stir them in during the final portion of cooking so they don’t become overly soft.
Add More Vegetables
You can bulk up the recipe with mushrooms, corn, or additional carrots and celery.
Use Biscuit Dough
For the easiest version, use refrigerated biscuits. Cut each biscuit into smaller pieces and arrange them over the chicken mixture before cooking until they’re puffed and cooked through.
Finish With Fresh Parsley
A little chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over each serving adds a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is already a hearty meal, so you don’t need much alongside it.
If you’d like to add a side dish, consider:
- Steamed green beans
- A simple garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Buttered peas
- Cucumber salad
- Crusty bread
A fresh vegetable or light salad works particularly well because it balances the richness of the creamy chicken and dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice and can give the dish an especially rich flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For slow-cooker recipes, it’s safest to use thawed chicken rather than putting frozen chicken directly into the crockpot. This allows the chicken to reach a safe cooking temperature more reliably.
Why are my dumplings tough?
The dough may have been overmixed. Mix the flour, baking powder, milk, and butter only until they come together.
Why are my dumplings still raw inside?
They may need additional cooking time, especially if they’re large. Keep the lid closed and continue cooking until the centers are fully cooked.
Can I make this with refrigerated biscuits?
Absolutely. Refrigerated biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut when you want homemade-style chicken and dumplings without making dough from scratch.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
The chicken mixture generally freezes well, but dumplings can change texture after freezing and reheating. For the best results, make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve the reheated chicken mixture.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the leftovers cool and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.
When reheating, warm the chicken and dumplings gently. The sauce will usually thicken as it sits, so adding a splash of chicken broth can help bring it back to a creamy consistency.
The dumplings may be softer the next day, but the flavors often become even more comforting.
The Perfect Cozy Crockpot Dinner
When you want a dinner that’s warm, filling, and wonderfully old-fashioned, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is hard to beat. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy broth, and soft dumplings with very little hands-on work.
It’s the sort of meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a relaxed Sunday dinner, or any night when you want something comforting waiting for you at the end of the day.
Serve it piping hot, grab a spoon, and enjoy every cozy bite.