Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food made easy in a slow cooker. Tender chunks of chicken are cooked with vegetables in a savory broth, then topped with fluffy, homemade dumplings that cook right in the crockpot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner when you want something warm and satisfying with minimal effort.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

I love making chicken and dumplings in the crockpot because it’s such a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a rich, flavorful broth, and the dumplings cook to perfection on top of the chicken mixture, absorbing all the delicious flavors. It’s the perfect dish for those cooler months when you crave something hearty and cozy, but it’s also a great recipe to pull out year-round. Serve it with a side of Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe for a complete, comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a great choice for busy days.
• Comforting and Hearty: Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth create the ultimate comfort food.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Minimal Prep: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have this delicious meal cooking away in no time.

Main Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Tender, juicy chicken that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker.
2. Chicken Broth – Creates a flavorful, savory base for the chicken and dumplings.
3. Vegetables – Carrots, celery, and onion add flavor and texture to the dish.
4. Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess to the broth and helps thicken the base.
5. Biscuits or Homemade Dumplings – Fluffy dumplings that cook on top of the chicken mixture.
6. Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme add depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Here’s how to make this comforting and hearty dish step by step:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a slow cooker, add 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) along with 1 cup of sliced carrots, 1 cup of sliced celery, and 1 diced onion. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
   • Tip: You can also add a bay leaf for extra flavor, just remember to remove it before serving.
2. Add the Broth and Soup: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of cream of chicken soup over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine the ingredients.
   • Pro Tip: For a richer broth, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with cream or half-and-half.
3. Cook in the Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   • Tip: If you want a quicker option, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours and still get great results.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces right in the slow cooker.
   • Pro Tip: If you prefer chunkier pieces of chicken, you can cut the chicken into cubes before adding it to the slow cooker.
5. Prepare the Dumplings: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your dumplings. If using refrigerated biscuits, cut them into quarters. If making homemade dumplings, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in a bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup of milk until a dough forms.
   • Tip: For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling dough.
6. Add the Dumplings: Once the chicken is shredded, drop the dumpling dough (or biscuit pieces) on top of the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 1-2 hours, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
   • Pro Tip: For a crispier top on the dumplings, you can transfer the slow cooker insert to the oven and broil for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
7. Serve: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
   • Serving Idea: Serve this comforting dish with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Extra Tips and Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream soup and dumpling recipe to make this dish dairy-free.
• How to Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• How to Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken and broth (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the dumplings fresh before serving.

Health Benefits of Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a balanced meal. You can also make this recipe lighter by using low-sodium broth and a lower-fat cream of chicken soup, reducing the overall fat and sodium content.

• High in Protein: Chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, helping with muscle repair and energy.
• Rich in Vitamins and Fiber: The vegetables in this dish offer essential vitamins and fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Customizable for Healthier Options: You can reduce the fat and sodium content by using low-fat and low-sodium ingredients.