Our Favorite Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a meal that simmers away, filling your home with comforting aromas, and delivering a hug in a bowl. Our favorite chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe does just that! It’s a dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich, savory broth, and fluffy, homemade dumplings, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both rustic and refined. This hearty classic truly embodies the warmth and love that a home-cooked meal should always have.

I remember countless chilly afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, watching her stir a pot on the stove, the scent of herbs and simmering chicken promising a cozy dinner. While her stovetop version was wonderful, my own journey in the kitchen led me to discover the magic of the slow cooker for this very dish. It’s a method that allows those incredible flavors to deepen and meld effortlessly, truly transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

This chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe isn’t just easy to prepare; it’s a family-friendly favorite perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something wholesome and delicious. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, giving you more time to savor those precious moments around the dinner table. My practical tip for this dish is to always prep your vegetables the night before – it makes assembly a breeze!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To bring this comforting chicken and dumplings crockpot masterpiece to life, you’ll need a handful of honest, flavorful ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the hearty base, while cream of chicken soup and chicken broth create that wonderfully rich, savory sauce we all adore. Fresh yellow onion, celery, and carrots add a depth of flavor and lovely color. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready to guide your way to a perfect meal.

How to Make chicken and dumplings crockpot

Creating this cozy chicken and dumplings crockpot dish is simpler than you might imagine, with the slow cooker handling most of the work. You’ll start by combining the chicken and a medley of vegetables with your savory liquids and seasonings, allowing them to slow cook until wonderfully tender. Then, in the final hour, you’ll whip up a quick batch of homemade dumplings to nestle into the rich broth, letting them steam to fluffy perfection right in the crockpot. The result is a truly comforting meal that feels like it took hours of effort, but was delightfully easy.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting and easy-to-make chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, cooked entirely in your crockpot for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings come together in one satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Base

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 cup carrots peeled and chopped (about 2 medium)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
• 3/4 cup milk cold (or buttermilk for extra tang)

Equipment

• 6-quart (or larger) Slow Cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry Blender (optional)

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken and Cook

1. Combine the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable, and the vegetables are tender.
3. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen peas.

Make and Cook the Dumplings

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold milk, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Drop spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of the dumpling dough directly into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, spacing them slightly apart. Ensure the dumplings are mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Increase the slow cooker setting to high (if not already there), cover, and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up, cooked through, and no longer doughy in the center. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to retain heat and steam, which is crucial for fluffy dumplings.

Serve

1. Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker gravy consistency, you can create a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker liquid after shredding the chicken (Step 3), before adding the dumplings. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken, then proceed with adding the dumplings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for Making This chicken and dumplings crockpot

Through years of experimenting and countless batches, I’ve gathered a few tips that truly elevate this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe from good to absolutely glorious.

The secret to truly tender chicken is not to overcook it. Even in a slow cooker, chicken can become dry if left for too long. Stick to the suggested cook times, and if your slow cooker tends to run hot, consider checking it a little earlier.

My Secret Trick: For the most flavorful broth, I always make sure to sauté the onions, celery, and carrots briefly before adding them to the crockpot. This quick step helps to caramelize the vegetables slightly, unlocking their natural sweetness and creating a deeper, more nuanced base for your chicken and dumplings crockpot.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. I often find a little extra black pepper or a pinch more dried thyme can make all the difference, especially if you like a really robust flavor profile. Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust as needed.

When making your dumplings, resist the urge to overmix the dough. A light touch is key for fluffy dumplings. Overworking the dough can lead to tough, dense dumplings, and we want them to be beautifully tender and airy.

Fun Variations for chicken and dumplings crockpot

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and this chicken and dumplings crockpot is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add your unique touch.

Herbaceous Twists

If you love a little extra herbaceousness, try swapping some of the dried thyme for fresh herbs like parsley or chives, stirring them in just before serving. My friend, Martha, always adds a sprig of fresh rosemary to her slow cooker for the last hour; it brings such an earthy, fragrant note to the finished dish.

Veggie Boost

Don’t shy away from adding more vegetables! A handful of chopped spinach or kale stirred in during the last 30 minutes adds both color and nutrients. You could also include sliced mushrooms or a can of drained, diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

A Kick of Spice

For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the dried thyme will give your chicken and dumplings crockpot a subtle kick. My brother-in-law, who loves spicy food, even adds a dash of his favorite hot sauce right into his bowl!

What to Serve With chicken and dumplings crockpot

This chicken and dumplings crockpot dish is truly a complete meal on its own, but sometimes a little something extra can make it feel even more special.

I love serving this hearty meal with a simple side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, to add a bit of freshness and contrast. The crispness of fresh greens really balances the rich, comforting nature of the chicken and dumplings.

Another wonderful pairing is a slice of crusty bread or warm cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, savory broth – truly a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors. My mom always had a basket of warm biscuits ready; it’s such a nostalgic accompaniment.

For a comforting beverage, a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or even a simple glass of iced tea would be a lovely complement to this wholesome chicken and dumplings crockpot.

How to Store chicken and dumplings crockpot

Knowing how to properly store your chicken and dumplings crockpot means you can enjoy this comforting meal for days to come! It’s wonderful for meal prepping or simply savoring leftovers.

Fridge Storage

Once your chicken and dumplings crockpot has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent any air from drying out the dumplings or affecting the rich broth.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, which can make the chicken tough. If the broth has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. My personal tip for reheating is to add a tiny pat of butter to the pot; it helps bring back that fresh, rich flavor!

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe isn’t just incredibly comforting; it also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. With lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it’s a fantastic source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The generous helping of carrots, celery, and onions provides important vitamins and fiber, making this a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that wholesome ingredients can indeed create magical, heartwarming meals.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe, offering an even richer flavor and staying incredibly tender. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before adding them to the slow cooker.

Faq 2

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While you can mix the dry ingredients for the dumplings ahead, I recommend preparing the dough and cooking them fresh just before serving. This ensures they cook perfectly and have that desirable light and fluffy texture in your chicken and dumplings crockpot.

Faq 3

My dumplings seem a bit dense. What happened?
Dense dumplings are often a sign of overmixing the dough. For the fluffiest results in your chicken and dumplings crockpot, mix the dough just until combined. A light hand is key to achieving that tender, airy texture we all love.

Faq 4

Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can! Store cooled chicken and dumplings crockpot in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. The texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing and reheating, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear bakers – a recipe for chicken and dumplings crockpot that promises to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of homemade magic to your table. This dish is a true testament to the joy of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels both special and deeply comforting. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the wonderful aromas fill your home. I promise, the memories you create around this heartwarming chicken and dumplings crockpot will be as sweet and lasting as the flavors themselves. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter!