Simple Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Magic

Comfort arrives in a delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings slow-cooked marvel that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, melding perfectly with soft, pillowy dough.

Hearty ingredients blend into a creamy symphony of flavors that whispers home and happiness.

Grandmothers would nod in approval at this simple yet magnificent dish.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated such soul-satisfying meals that connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Soft vegetables nestle among succulent chicken pieces, creating a one-pot wonder that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor each comforting bite and maybe even ask for seconds.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings to Savor

  • Create Comfort Quickly: This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe delivers warm, hearty goodness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming simple components into a rich, flavorful one-pot wonder without constant monitoring.
  • Kid-Approved Crowd Pleaser: Packed with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings, this dish appeals to both picky eaters and adults seeking nostalgic home-style cooking.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or comforting cold-weather meals, this recipe offers a stress-free approach to creating a filling, nutritious dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic trio of vegetables that provides a flavorful base and nutritional depth to the recipe.
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried seasonings that enhance the overall savory flavor profile.
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful liquid that creates the foundation of the sauce.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy ingredient that helps thicken and enrich the dish.
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty note.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
Dumplings:
  • Biscuit Dough: Soft, pillowy pieces that transform the chicken mixture into a hearty and satisfying meal.

How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings in Crockpot

Step 1: Toss Everything Into The Slow Cooker

Drop chicken breasts into the crockpot. Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and sprinkle in these flavor-boosting ingredients:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced celery
  • Minced onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

The magic begins as these ingredients mingle and create a rich, comforting base.

Step 2: Let The Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes fork-tender and falls apart easily.

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly inside the crockpot. Break it into delicious, bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the amazing flavors.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Gently stir in:
  • Frozen peas
  • Torn biscuit dough pieces

Make sure everything gets a gentle mix so the dough can absorb the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Final Cooking Burst

Cover and cook on high for another 1-2 hours.

The biscuit dough will transform into fluffy, tender dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Ladle the steaming, creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

Tips to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the crockpot.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Substitute biscuit dough with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Boost flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley just before serving for a bright, aromatic touch.
  • Prepare extra and freeze portions for quick, comforting meals on busy weeknights.

Flavor Twists on Chicken and Dumplings

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream of chicken soup with dairy-free cream soup or coconut milk. Use gluten-free biscuit dough for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap thyme with rosemary or sage. Add fresh parsley or dill for extra aromatic flavor and brightness.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Include diced green chiles, cumin, and paprika. Replace biscuit dough with cornbread mix for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein option.

What Goes Well with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Cozy Weeknight Comfort Meal: Perfect for busy families wanting a hearty, warm dinner without much kitchen effort.
  • Rustic Farmhouse Gathering Plate: Serve in large wooden bowls with extra crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth, creating a rustic family-style dining experience.
  • Sunday Potluck Star: Bring this dish to community gatherings or church potlucks where everyone loves a classic, homemade chicken meal that feeds a crowd effortlessly.
  • Movie Night Comfort Food: Pair with soft blankets and a classic film for the ultimate relaxing evening, letting the warm chicken and dumplings provide delicious comfort.

Proper Storage for Chicken and Dumplings

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, ensuring a tight seal.
  • Microwave reheating: Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Stovetop reheating: Pour contents into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and add more flavor to the dish. They’re typically more tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?

No, you can add raw chicken directly to the crockpot. The slow cooking process will cook the chicken thoroughly and make it tender and easy to shred.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat it easily for quick meals during the week.

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Simple Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Simple Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern comfort recipe Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings brings hearty warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy chicken nestles with fluffy dumpling clouds, promising soul-satisfying comfort you can savor with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) diced carrots
  • 1 cup (150 grams) diced celery
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (16 ounces or 454 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the crockpot with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, creating a flavorful cooking base.
  2. Allow the mixture to slow-cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
  3. Use two forks to meticulously shred the chicken directly within the crockpot, ensuring even distribution of meat throughout the liquid.
  4. Gently fold frozen peas into the shredded chicken mixture, maintaining the delicate texture of the ingredients.
  5. Tear prepared biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and delicately distribute them across the surface of the chicken mixture.
  6. Continue cooking on high heat for an additional 1-2 hours, allowing biscuit dumplings to absorb flavors and cook completely through.
  7. Once dumplings are fully cooked and chicken is exceptionally tender, remove from crockpot and serve piping hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, flavorful meat with less dryness.
  • Use gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade biscuit mix to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup for a heart-healthy version.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra diced chicken or stirring in white beans during the last hour of cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 269 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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