When you’re craving warm, comforting food that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings. This slow-cooked classic combines tender chicken, vegetables, and soft, fluffy biscuit dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that soothes the soul.
Perfect for chilly nights or busy days, this dump-and-go meal cooks low and slow while you’re out and about—filling your home with cozy aromas and your dinner table with smiles. No need for complicated doughs or hours in the kitchen—just simple ingredients and full flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits, quartered)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Add Ingredients to CrockPot
Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf in the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and stir gently.
Step 2: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Cream and Dumplings
Stir in cream of chicken soup and heavy cream until smooth. Add quartered biscuit pieces on top of the soup (they will puff up as they cook). Push them down slightly to coat but don’t submerge completely.
Step 5: Continue Cooking
Cover and cook for an additional 1–1.5 hours on HIGH, or until biscuits are cooked through and fluffy. Stir gently halfway through if needed to ensure even cooking.
Variation:
- Use homemade dumplings: Replace canned biscuits with small spoonfuls of biscuit dough or homemade drop dumplings.
- Add peas or corn: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and skip the canned soup for a cleaner version.
- Herb it up: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herbal lift.
COOKING Note:
Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings cook, as steam is needed to puff them up. If you use raw biscuit dough, allow enough time for them to cook all the way through—cut into one to check doneness before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty bread: To soak up the extra creamy broth.
- Green salad: Lighten the meal with a crisp, simple salad.
- Steamed vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for more fiber and color.
- Hot sauce: A splash of hot sauce gives it a spicy edge if desired.
Tips:
- Cut biscuits into small pieces to help them cook evenly.
- Shred the chicken finely so it blends well with the dumplings.
- You can prep all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate the insert.
- Add the cream and biscuits only near the end to prevent curdling or soggy dough.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH + 1–1.5 hours for dumplings
- Total Time: ~8 hours on LOW
🥣 Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~490
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~26g
- Sodium: ~860mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
Values may vary based on ingredient choices.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- No, for food safety, always thaw chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.
Do the biscuits cook fully in the crockpot?
- Yes, when placed on top and cooked long enough, they become fluffy dumplings. Stir gently to help them cook evenly.
What can I use instead of canned soup?
- You can make a homemade roux (butter, flour, and broth) with cream for a more natural option.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
- It’s best fresh, but yes—freeze in airtight containers. Note: dumplings may soften upon reheating.
Can I cook this overnight?
- Yes, cook on LOW overnight without the dumplings, then add biscuits in the morning and cook on HIGH until done.
Conclusion:
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is comfort food at its finest—creamy, rich, and filled with tender chicken and pillowy-soft dumplings. With minimal effort and classic ingredients, this slow cooker version brings all the coziness of grandma’s cooking with the ease of modern convenience.
Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or feeding a hungry family, this hearty one-pot wonder delivers every time. Just dump, cook, and serve happiness by the bowlful.