Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Ultimate Coziness

Comfort comes alive in this hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tender meat and fluffy dumpling clouds.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this soul-soothing dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients dance together slowly, creating depth and richness you’ll absolutely adore.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques produce such magnificent results without hours of complicated preparation.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical when combined with patience and love.

Whip up this classic meal that guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites around your dinner table.

Why Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Is So Comforting

• Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings delivers a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious, home-style comfort food.
• Slow cooker method allows busy families to enjoy a wholesome, restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, making weeknight meals a breeze.
• Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions guarantee a consistently delicious meal, even for novice cooks with limited culinary skills.
• This classic dish works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, and cozy gatherings, satisfying both kids and adults with its warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: Hearty main protein that becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding.
• Poultry Seasoning: Adds classic, warm herb flavor to the chicken. A blend that typically includes sage, thyme, and marjoram.

• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor to the dish. Yellow or white onions are most suitable.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor to the overall recipe. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the slow-cooked dish. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy texture and rich flavor. Helps thicken the sauce naturally.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring bright, earthy notes to the dish. Dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste. Adjust to personal preference.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prep the Protein Base

• Chicken pieces
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Poultry seasoning

Stir everything to combine and coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature. Let the mixture cook for 6-7 hours, or use HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become incredibly tender and easily fall apart.

Step 3: Shred and Prepare Dumplings

Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Create Fluffy Dumplings

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Melted butter

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Dish

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and puffy.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving gets chicken, sauce, and dumplings.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Success

• Shred Like a Pro: Use two forks to easily pull apart cooked chicken, creating perfect tender, bite-sized pieces that mix beautifully through the creamy sauce.
• Customize Seasonings: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage to add depth and personalize the flavor profile of your chicken and dumplings.
• Thicken with Confidence: If the sauce seems too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer consistency.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or homemade cashew cream to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes wonderfully- store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeks ahead.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers, ensuring they remain good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Gently warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly and maintain creamy texture.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Pairing Suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings
• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio beautifully cut through the dish's richness, balancing the creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• A zesty, crunchy side dish provides a perfect contrast to the soft, rich chicken and pillowy dumplings, adding a fresh counterpoint to the meal.
• Lightly seasoned roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans introduce a caramelized, slightly charred element that enhances the comforting flavors of the main dish.
• A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and provides a fresh, crisp texture alongside the hearty chicken and dumplings.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream soup using cornstarch, chicken broth, and dairy-free milk. Swap regular flour dumplings with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour dumplings.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, eliminate added salt, and season with herbs like rosemary, sage, and extra thyme for flavor enhancement. Choose reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cashew cream instead of cream soup for rich texture.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace traditional dumplings with cauliflower dumplings made from riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese. Use heavy cream instead of cream soup and increase herbs for added flavor profile.

FAQs About Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Do I need to shred the chicken before adding dumplings?

Partially shred the chicken with two forks after cooking, but leave some larger chunks for a more rustic texture. This helps the chicken absorb more flavor and makes the dish more appealing.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your broth is also gluten-free.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem! You can use dried thyme and dried parsley. Just reduce the amount by about two-thirds, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs.

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings bring comfort straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables. Creamy, savory goodness simmers slowly, promising warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery/mushroom)
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to prevent sticking)
• 1 can (16 ounces or 454 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands, or see homemade option below)

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Instructions

1. Layer chicken pieces at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even base for the dish.
2. Sprinkle diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken to infuse aromatic flavors throughout the cooking process.
3. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup around the chicken, ensuring all pieces are partially submerged.
4. Generously season with thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Gently stir the ingredients to distribute seasonings and ensure chicken is well-coated.
6. Cover the crockpot and set to LOW temperature, allowing the chicken to slow-cook and become tender for 6-7 hours.
7. Alternatively, cook on HIGH setting for 3-4 hours if time is limited, monitoring chicken for optimal tenderness.
8. Once chicken is fully cooked and easily pulls apart, shred the meat using two forks directly in the crockpot.
9. Prepare dumpling mixture and carefully drop spoonfuls onto the surface of the hot chicken mixture.
10. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
11. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs for breasts to boost moisture and prevent dryness during slow cooking.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and homemade cream of chicken soup alternative.
• For gluten-free version, replace regular flour dumplings with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like rosemary to elevate the dish’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg