Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings — The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Meal

Introduction

If there’s one dish that defines comfort food, it’s Chicken and Dumplings — tender chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth and topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. It’s cozy, satisfying, and tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

Now imagine all that homemade goodness without standing over the stove for hours. This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers all the classic flavor and texture you love, but with the ease and convenience of your slow cooker.

Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or when you just need a taste of home, this dish is everything you want in a comforting meal: hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor — with almost no effort.

So grab your slow cooker, a few simple ingredients, and let’s make one of the most comforting meals ever.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1½ pounds (about 3–4 boneless, skinless) chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for richness)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands, cut into small pieces)
  OR
• Homemade dumplings (see variation below!)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn (added near the end)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
2. Add the chicken, onion, celery, and carrots to the crock pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup.
4. Stir in the seasonings — garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and salt.
5. Drop in a tablespoon of butter for extra flavor and creaminess.

Pro Tip: You can mix everything in a separate bowl first, then pour it in, but layering directly works just fine.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot (it should pull apart easily).

Step 3: Add the Dumplings

1. Cut each biscuit into small pieces (about 6–8 pieces per biscuit).
2. Stir the biscuit pieces gently into the hot mixture, making sure they’re submerged but not squished.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 additional hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Tip: Try not to open the lid too often while the dumplings cook — it lets out steam and can affect their texture.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Once the dumplings are done, stir gently to mix everything together.
2. If using frozen peas or corn, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings hot and steaming in deep bowls for the ultimate comfort experience.

Pair it with:

• Buttery biscuits or cornbread on the side
• A light green salad to balance the richness
• Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli

And for dessert? Try a slice of apple pie, cobbler, or banana pudding to complete your cozy meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

1. Use dark meat for more flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicier and richer than chicken breasts.
2. Don’t overcook the dumplings. Check them after 45–50 minutes; they should be fluffy and cooked through, not doughy.
3. For thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
4. For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
5. Make it your own. Add mushrooms, potatoes, or even a splash of white wine for a gourmet twist.

Homemade Dumpling Option

If you prefer scratch-made dumplings instead of canned biscuits, here’s a quick recipe:

Homemade Dumpling Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Stir dry ingredients together, then mix in butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
2. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot crockpot mixture after the chicken is shredded.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a true slow cooker classic — easy, comforting, and family-approved.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely have at home.
• Rich, creamy, and flavorful, with the perfect texture contrast between tender chicken and soft dumplings.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or meal prep.
• Tastes even better the next day!

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

 Note: Dumplings soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
A: You can use two cans of cream of chicken or substitute with cream of mushroom.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Peas, corn, or diced potatoes make great additions.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) near the end of cooking.

Q: Can I cook this overnight?
A: It’s best made during the day, as overcooking the dumplings overnight can make them mushy.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar right before serving.
• Herb Lover’s Version: Add rosemary, sage, or parsley to the broth for extra aroma.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for subtle heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and meatless “chicken” pieces or extra veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is pure, old-fashioned comfort — made modern with the ease of a slow cooker. Every spoonful is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and those irresistible fluffy dumplings floating on top.

It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and makes your home smell like love.  Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something cozy, this dish never disappoints.

So dust off that crock pot, grab your ingredients, and get ready to serve up the best comfort food ever — Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings that taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.