Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

The Coziest Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Southern comfort meets pure magic in this slow-cooked chicken and dumplings that brings warmth to every single bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe to create a soul-soothing meal.

Tender chicken melts into a creamy broth, while soft dumplings float like clouds across the surface.

Herbs and seasonings weave their flavor through each spoonful, promising a deeply satisfying experience.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that feels like a warm hug.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this timeless southern classic.

Tools to Simmer Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Crockpot: Large, slow cooker essential for this comforting dish.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Shredding Forks: Helps break down cooked chicken into tender pieces.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Prep Your Slow Cooker

Toss chicken into the crockpot with chopped onions and minced garlic. Layer in a splash of broth, cream of chicken soup, and sprinkle herbs for an instant flavor boost.

  • Set and Forget

Cover and let your crockpot work its magic on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become mouthwateringly tender and fall apart with just a gentle touch.

  • Shred and Season

Carefully remove chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the meat to the pot and stir in seasonings like thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to amp up the taste.

  • Create Dreamy Dumplings

Break refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and nestle them on top of the chicken mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of tender chicken and pillowy dumplings. This comfort food will warm hearts and satisfy hungry bellies in one delightful meal.

Tips to Upgrade Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Chicken Selection Magic: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful result; organic chicken can elevate the overall taste and texture.
  • Creamy Thickness Trick: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to create a richer consistency.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for dumplings to make this dish celiac-friendly.
  • Herb Boost Hack: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a different flavor profile, or add dried herbs like Italian seasoning for extra depth.
  • Veggie Power-Up: Toss in diced carrots, peas, or celery during the first hour of cooking to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the classic comfort dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Comforting Family Platter: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings in large, rustic bowls with extra fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
  • Cozy Side Companions: Pair the dish with warm buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add extra texture to the meal.
  • Veggie Fresh Boost: Add a simple green salad with crisp lettuce, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings, creating a well-rounded dinner experience.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to enhance the nutritional value and provide a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Storing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Made

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch and freeze half for quick future meals. Portion into airtight containers for grab-and-go comfort food during busy weeks.
  • Refrigerator Lifespan: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Keep the dish chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate chicken and dumpling mixture before freezing to prevent soggy textures. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Chop vegetables and measure seasonings in advance for faster morning preparation. Store prepped ingredients in separate containers to streamline your cooking process and save time during hectic weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7-8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

For Base of Dish:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty foundation, choose boneless skinless breasts for easy shredding.
  • Onion: Adds deep savory flavor, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic base note, opt for fresh cloves for most robust taste.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates rich moisture and deepens overall flavor, low-sodium varieties recommended for better control.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings creamy texture and additional chicken essence, select reduced-fat version for lighter dish.
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements chicken beautifully, fresh sprigs give more intense flavor than dried.
  • Parsley: Bright herb adding freshness and color, choose vibrant green leaves.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper, Poultry Seasoning: Classic seasoning blend that elevates the entire dish, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
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Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings deliver comfort from Southern kitchens with minimal effort. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a satisfying meal you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, or thighs)
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (237 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 can (16 oz or 454 g) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid foundation for the dish.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Scatter diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken, ensuring an aromatic base that will permeate the entire meal.
  3. Liquid Integration: Carefully pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup around the chicken, guaranteeing complete moisture and preventing dryness.
  4. Seasoning Fusion: Generously sprinkle thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning throughout the mixture, thoroughly coating the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Slow Cooking Process: Secure the crockpot lid and set to LOW temperature for 6-7 hours, allowing the chicken to become exceptionally tender and develop rich, deep flavors. Alternatively, use HIGH setting for 3-4 hours if time constraints exist.
  6. Meat Transformation: Once chicken reaches optimal tenderness, delicately shred the meat using two forks directly within the crockpot, incorporating it seamlessly into the developing sauce.
  7. Dumpling Integration: Gently drop prepared dumpling mixture onto the hot chicken surface, allowing them to cook and absorb the surrounding flavors for 30-45 minutes until they become perfectly fluffy and fully cooked.
  8. Serving Preparation: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and the sauce to reach an ideal consistency before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Select bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts to maintain moisture during slow cooking, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
  • Manage Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth quantity based on desired thickness; add extra broth if sauce becomes too dense or reduce liquid for thicker consistency.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs like thyme and parsley briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic profile and develop richer taste dimensions.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken soup with gluten-free version or homemade cream sauce for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining recipe’s creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 960 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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