There’s nothing quite like a hearty, warm bowl of comfort food, and this crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe truly delivers.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with fluffy, pillowy dumplings. This classic dish, made effortlessly in your slow cooker, transforms into a family favorite with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal tonight!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe for so many reasons. It makes weeknight cooking stress-free and delicious.
- Minimal Prep Time: Spend just a few minutes preparing, then let your slow cooker do all the work.
- Set It and Forget It: This hands-off approach frees up your time for other activities.
- Hearty, Creamy, and Satisfying: Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: It’s an ideal solution for a wholesome meal when time is short.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry already!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious crock pot chicken and dumplings:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of celery soup (1 can)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables or peas and carrots, thawed
- 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuits (1 can, Buttermilk, Country, or Homestyle)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients, making this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe adaptable.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully, or use thighs for a richer flavor.
- Soups: Feel free to swap one can for cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Vegetables: Always thaw frozen mixed vegetables completely before adding them.
- Dumplings: Canned biscuits offer ultimate convenience. For a more traditional touch, you can make homemade dumplings from scratch.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of poultry seasoning and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Maintaining the quality of refrigerated dough during storage is crucial for optimal results in baking.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings.
- A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe.
- A small mixing bowl helps combine the soups and seasonings smoothly.
- Use a sharp knife to easily cut the biscuit dough into strips.
- A sturdy fork is essential for effortlessly shredding the cooked chicken.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Instructions
Follow these easy steps to learn how to make chicken and dumplings in a crock pot for a comforting, homemade meal.
This simple process ensures a delicious dinner with minimal fuss.
Quick How-To
👉 To make crock pot chicken and dumplings, add onion and chicken to a slow cooker, top with soup mixture and broth, cook 5 hours, add biscuits and veggies, then shred chicken and serve.
Step 1:
- Add the diced onion to your 6-quart slow cooker and then place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the onions.
Step 2:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the condensed cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, and a dash of black pepper.
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Spread this creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Finish by pouring the 2 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth over everything.
Step 3:
- Secure the lid on your slow cooker.
- Cook the mixture on high for a total of 5 hours. This initial cooking time ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor.
Step 4:
- Approximately 60 to 90 minutes before you plan to serve (which will be after 4 hours of the chicken’s cooking time), prepare your dumplings.
- Take each refrigerated biscuit and roll it out thin and flat. Then, cut each flattened biscuit into four uniform strips.
- Add your thawed frozen mixed vegetables to the slow cooker and give them a gentle stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
Step 5:
- Carefully arrange the biscuit strips on top of the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Try to keep them in a single layer if possible.
- Replace the lid on the slow cooker as quickly as you can to maintain the internal temperature.
- Allow the Crock Pot Chicken And Dumplings to continue cooking for the remaining 60 to 90 minutes.
Step 6:
- Once the dumplings are puffy and cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
- Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 7:
- Gently stir the shredded chicken back into the crock pot chicken and dumplings mixture. This action will naturally break up the cooked dumplings slightly, which is perfectly fine and creates a lovely texture.
Step 8:
- Allow the dish to cook for an additional 10 minutes with the lid on, letting all the flavors meld together.
Serve your homemade crock pot chicken and dumplings warm, straight from the slow cooker.
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
These tips will help you achieve the best results for your crockpot chicken and dumplings. A few simple tricks make all the difference.
- Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker provides ample space for all the ingredients to cook evenly. Using a smaller one might cause overcrowding.
- Lid Management: Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid closed is crucial for maintaining consistent heat and allowing the dumplings to steam properly.
- Biscuit Consistency: Expect your dumplings to be wonderfully soft and slightly doughy, soaking up all the savory broth. This is their perfect texture.
- Undercooked Dumplings: If your dumplings still seem raw or too firm, simply extend the cooking time by another 15-30 minutes, keeping the lid on tight.
- Creamy Sauce: The condensed soups are key to achieving a thick, creamy sauce that holds together beautifully without curdling.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Steer clear of these common errors for a perfect slow cooker chicken and dumplings experience.
- Opening the Lid Frequently: Each time you lift the lid, significant heat escapes, lengthening cooking time.
- Not Thawing Frozen Vegetables: Adding frozen veggies directly can cool down the slow cooker too much.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Ensure there’s enough room for ingredients to cook evenly and for dumplings to expand.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your delicious chicken and dumplings crockpot is a versatile dish! Enjoy it fresh or plan for future meals with these tips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your crockpot chicken and dumplings piping hot, directly from the slow cooker, for ultimate comfort.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.
- Pair this hearty meal with a simple crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish. The dumplings can become mushy or change texture upon thawing and reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave until heated through.
Variations
Get creative with your crock pot chicken and dumplings by trying these delicious variations.
- Add-ins: Enhance your dish by stirring in sautéed mushrooms, canned corn, or even a can of drained diced tomatoes.
- Chicken: For an even richer, deeper flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they cook through.
- Spices: Experiment with additional herbs and spices like a pinch of dried thyme, a bay leaf, or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information for crock pot chicken and dumplings is a guide.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
| Potassium | 1011 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 4750 IU |
| Vitamin C | 14.2 mg |
| Calcium | 101 mg |
| Iron | 5.6 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Values may vary depending on specific brands and exact measurements used.
How to Lighten This Recipe (Nutrition & Health Tips)
Want a healthier twist on your crockpot chicken and dumplings? Try these simple swaps without losing flavor:
- Use chicken thighs vs. chicken breasts: thighs add richness, but chicken breasts keep it leaner and lower in fat.
- Go lower-sodium: choose reduced-sodium soups and broth to cut back on salt.
- Swap the biscuits: use whole-wheat biscuit dough or make homemade dumplings with Greek yogurt for more protein and fiber.
- Add extra veggies: bulk up the dish with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase vitamins and fiber.
- Thicken without cream: instead of adding extra cream, use cornstarch mixed with water for fewer calories.
👉 These adjustments can trim calories, reduce sodium, and add nutrients, making your slow cooker chicken and dumplings a lighter, balanced comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making crock pot chicken and dumplings.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Add about 1-2 hours to the initial cooking time to ensure they cook through properly before adding the dumplings.
What if my dumplings are too doughy?
If your dumplings seem overly doughy, simply cook them for an additional 15-30 minutes with the lid firmly in place. This allows them more time to steam and cook through.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free condensed soups and ensure your refrigerated biscuits are also dairy-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
If you prefer an even thicker sauce, after shredding the chicken, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Can I use other types of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! Any variety, like buttermilk, country, or homestyle biscuits, will work well for creating these fluffy dumplings.
Conclusion
This crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe truly embodies easy, comforting home cooking. It delivers tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce, and soft, fluffy dumplings with minimal effort. Perfect for busy schedules, this dish promises a heartwarming meal that the whole family will adore. Give this ultimate comfort food a try in your kitchen tonight and discover a new favorite! We’d love to hear how it turns out.
The Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings | 8 Easy Steps
Equipment
- 6 qt crock pot
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large onion diced
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of celery soup 1 can
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- black pepper to taste
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth reduced sodium
- 2 cups frozen vegetables or peas and carrots, thawed
- 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuits 1 can, Buttermilk, Country, or Homestyle
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Place diced onion in the slow cooker, then arrange chicken breasts on top.
- Mix celery soup, chicken soup, parsley, poultry seasoning, and pepper in a bowl, then spread over the chicken. Pour chicken broth over everything and cook on high for 5 hours.
- An hour before serving, flatten and cut each biscuit into four strips. Stir the thawed vegetables into the slow cooker, then place the biscuit strips on top, replacing the lid quickly.
- Remove, shred, and return the chicken to the slow cooker; stir to break up dumplings slightly. Cook for an additional 10 minutes before serving.