Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Comfort arrives with this hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft, pillowy dumplings swimming in a rich, creamy broth.

Weeknight dinners become magical when you can walk into a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this classic southern-inspired comfort dish.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe invites you to savor each delectable bite.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of slow cooking begin.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Hearty and Homely

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with minimal chopping and mixing, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious kitchen time.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a warm, hearty meal that wraps you in nostalgia with tender chicken, soft dumplings, and rich, creamy broth perfect for satisfying hunger.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with mild flavors and soft textures that appeal to both children and adults, making dinnertime smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, offering a complete meal in a single pot that minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken and Dumplings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken cuts that provide the primary protein base for this comforting dish.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful foundation for the chicken and dumplings.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Celery Soup: Add creamy texture and enhance the overall savory profile of the recipe.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that contribute depth of flavor and nutritional value.
  • Peas: Sweet green vegetables that add color and a light, fresh element to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide a well-rounded and balanced taste to the chicken mixture.
Dumpling Ingredient:
  • Biscuit Dough: Pre-made dough that transforms into soft, pillowy dumplings when cooked in the crockpot.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Guide

Step 1: Layer Chicken in Slow Cooker

Place whole chicken breasts directly into the crockpot, creating an even base layer for your hearty meal.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream of celery soup.

Gently mix these ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables and Seasonings

Incorporate these ingredients into the liquid:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, pull the cooked chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces throughout the liquid.

Step 6: Add Sweet Green Peas

Stir in frozen green peas, distributing them evenly across the chicken mixture.

Step 7: Create Fluffy Dumplings

Tear refrigerated biscuit dough into small, rustic pieces and gently place them on top of the chicken mixture.

Step 8: Final Cooking Stage

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1-1.5 hours, allowing dumplings to steam and become puffy and fully cooked.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm, creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately for a satisfying, homestyle meal.

Tips to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
  • Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the broth for an extra layer of richness and complexity.
  • Swap or add different vegetables like celery, parsnips, or leeks to customize the nutritional profile and taste.
  • Replace cream soups with homemade versions or gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free biscuit dough for sensitive diets.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and intensify before adding dumplings.

Creative Twists on Chicken and Dumplings

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace cream soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use gluten-free biscuit dough or almond flour dumplings.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream soups with dairy-free cream alternatives and use coconut milk for added richness.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Replace thyme with rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning blend for a different aromatic profile.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add additional vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings directly from the crockpot for a rustic, homestyle presentation that invites everyone to gather around.
  • Comfort Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh contrast to the warm dish.
  • Bread Basket Bonus: Offer warm crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the delicious broth and complete the comforting meal experience.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish.

Storing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain the dish's texture.
  • Pack the meal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring the container is completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Are the chicken breasts cooked from frozen or thawed?

Use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and to prevent food safety issues. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential bacterial growth.

  • Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade biscuit dough works perfectly. Just ensure the dough is similar in texture and thickness to canned biscuits for consistent results.

  • How can I make the dish healthier?

Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, use reduced-fat cream soups, and add more vegetables like celery or spinach to increase nutritional value.

  • What if I don't have cream of celery soup?

Substitute with additional cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. The goal is to maintain the creamy consistency and flavor profile of the original recipe.

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Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern-style crockpot chicken and dumplings simmer with comfort and warmth, promising hearty satisfaction. Home cooks discover classic flavors that wrap families in delicious nostalgia while creating memorable meals effortlessly.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Liquids and Other Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of celery soup
  • 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
  2. Pour chicken broth and creamy soups over the chicken, whisking to create a smooth, uniform liquid.
  3. Sprinkle in finely chopped onions, sliced carrots, aromatic garlic powder, delicate thyme, and season with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
  4. Allow chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until meat becomes tender.
  5. Using two forks, carefully pull apart chicken into soft, shredded pieces throughout the cooking liquid.
  6. Incorporate sweet green peas, stirring gently to distribute evenly across the mixture.
  7. Carefully tear refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized morsels, arranging them delicately across the chicken surface.
  8. Cover and continue cooking on high heat for 1-1.5 hours, ensuring dumplings transform into fluffy, fully cooked pillows.
  9. Ladle the steaming, comforting mixture into deep bowls, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for deeper, richer flavor and more tender meat.
  • Use gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade alternatives to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Enhance herb profile by adding fresh rosemary or parsley during the last hour of cooking for vibrant, garden-fresh taste.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and soups, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 318 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 940 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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