Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Easy Comfort Food

Craving something warm, cozy, and completely effortless? This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic Southern dish with a modern, hands-off twist. With juicy chicken thighs, creamy broth, tender vegetables, and fluffy biscuit-style dumplings, this dish hits all the right notes—without you hovering over the stove. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a lazy Sunday meal, this slow cooker version is designed to be both foolproof and family-approved.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken if you love flavorful, hearty dishes made easy.

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Why This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Works

Effortless Prep with Maximum Flavor

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how incredibly low-effort it is. No searing, sautéing, or thickening sauces on the stovetop. You literally layer everything in the crockpot, turn it on, and walk away. The combination of canned cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary builds deep flavor with minimal work.

What makes it even better is that all the ingredients are pantry-friendly. This makes it the ideal recipe when you want something filling but don’t want to run to the store. Plus, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures your meat stays juicy and tender throughout the long cooking process.

Slow Cooker Magic: Tender Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings

Cooking chicken in a crockpot slowly over a few hours lets the meat absorb flavor and turn fork-tender. By the time you add your biscuit dough pieces, the stew is already rich, aromatic, and ready to be transformed into a complete one-pot meal. The steam created inside the slow cooker gently poaches the dumplings, allowing them to rise without drying out.

Worried about the dumplings being undercooked or doughy? The key is not lifting the lid during the cooking process. Trust the steam to do its job, and you’ll end up with soft, fluffy dumplings that hold their shape but melt in your mouth.

Family-Approved Comfort Food with Simple Ingredients

This dish has become a staple in homes across America for one reason: it’s comforting and simple. Kids love the biscuit dumplings. Adults appreciate the creamy broth and tender chicken. And everyone goes back for seconds.

You can serve this as a full meal on its own or pair it with Cheesy Garlic Bombs or Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes for an indulgent Southern-inspired dinner.

Don’t miss our Crockpot Swedish Meatballs if you’re looking to add more cozy crockpot classics to your recipe box.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

The Best Cut of Chicken to Use in Your Crockpot

When it comes to slow cooking, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best bet. Unlike chicken breasts, which tend to dry out in a long cook time, thighs remain moist, juicy, and flavorful. They shred easily after a few hours and soak up all the richness of the broth and seasonings.

If you only have chicken breasts on hand, they’ll work—but keep an eye on cooking time to prevent drying out. You can also use a mix of light and dark meat for added depth.

For a similar protein-packed option, check out our Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe, which also uses slow-simmered chicken for bold flavor.

Vegetables and Herbs That Add Depth

This recipe keeps the vegetables simple but effective. You’ll need just a few staples:

• Carrots: Provide color, natural sweetness, and body to the broth
• Onions: Deliver a sweet, savory undertone as they cook down
• Frozen peas: Added near the end for a pop of freshness and color

As for seasonings, you don’t need anything fancy. Dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme give the stew its signature cozy aroma. A touch of garlic powder enhances everything with a deep, earthy note.

Don’t miss our flavorful Ground Beef Stovetop Chili if you’re a fan of hearty, herbaceous dishes.

Using Canned Biscuits vs. Homemade Dumplings

Let’s address the heart of this dish: the dumplings. Instead of making dough from scratch, this recipe cleverly uses refrigerated biscuit dough. You simply cut each biscuit into quarters, roll them into balls, and drop them right into the hot stew.

They’ll puff up and cook through thanks to the steam inside the crockpot, resulting in pillowy, golden dumplings with almost no work on your part.

Prefer to make your own dumplings? Mix up a simple dough using flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter. It takes a few extra minutes, but you’ll get a more traditional, “scratch-style” finish.

Check out our Mini Chicken Pot Pies for another creative way to use biscuit dough in a comforting, handheld form.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

How to Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no need to pre-cook anything. Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then arrange them flat on the bottom of your crockpot. Next, sprinkle over the dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.

After that, pour in the chicken broth, then add sliced carrots, chopped onions, and the cream of chicken soup. Gently stir the top layer to blend the vegetables and soup without disturbing the chicken underneath. This light stirring helps distribute flavors without overmixing.

Don’t miss our Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for another flavorful one-pot option with layered ingredients and minimal cleanup.

When and How to Add the Biscuit Dough

Cook the chicken mixture on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred with a fork. At this point, stir in your frozen peas for that burst of sweetness and color.

Now it’s dumpling time. Cut each biscuit into quarters, roll them into small dough balls, and gently place them on top of the stew mixture. You don’t want to mix them in—just let them float and steam.

Replace the lid immediately and do not lift it during cooking. The biscuit dough needs undisturbed heat and steam to cook evenly.

Tips to Avoid Soggy or Undercooked Dumplings

Timing and temperature are everything when it comes to perfect dumplings. After adding the dough, keep the slow cooker on high and cook for another 1 to 2 hours. How do you know when they’re ready?

• The dumplings should look matte, not glossy
• When pierced with a toothpick, it should come out clean
• They should be light and fluffy—not gummy or wet inside

If you notice the soup is too thin after cooking, try these quick fixes:

Problem	Fix
Too watery	Remove the lid and cook on high for 20–30 minutes to reduce
Needs more thickness	Stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
Want creamier texture	Add a splash of heavy cream or extra cream of chicken soup

Looking for more creamy comfort dishes? Don’t miss our Creamy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip—perfect for parties or game day.

Expert Tips to Nail the Texture Every Time

How to Know When Dumplings Are Perfectly Done

Perfect crockpot dumplings should be:

• Slightly firm on the outside
• Soft, fluffy, and airy inside
• Cooked through (a toothpick should come out clean)

Avoid lifting the lid while they’re cooking—this releases the steam essential for proper rising. You can peek through a glass lid if needed, but otherwise, trust the process.

Troubleshooting Thickness: Thinning or Thickening the Broth

Sometimes your stew might turn out thinner or thicker than you’d like. Here’s how to fix it:

• Too thin? Remove the lid and simmer on high until it reduces. Or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
• Too thick? Add a bit more warm chicken broth or even milk to loosen it.
• Too bland? Don’t be afraid to season again at the end with salt, pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.

Time-Saving Swaps and Substitutions

Want to make it even easier? Try these:

• Swap fresh veggies for frozen mixed vegetables.
• Use rotisserie chicken and reduce cook time.
• Substitute homemade cream of chicken with canned versions for convenience.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Guide

How to Reheat Without Ruining the Dumplings

Dumplings can get a little soggy if not handled carefully. When reheating:

• Use the stovetop or microwave, covered, with a splash of broth or water.
• Heat slowly to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
• Add a little butter or cream to restore texture.

Freezing Tips (Yes, but Hold the Dough!)

You can freeze this dish—minus the dumplings. Biscuit dough doesn’t freeze well in the soup. Instead:

1. Cook and freeze the chicken stew portion.
2. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
3. Reheat in the crockpot and add fresh biscuit dough to cook as normal.

Meal Prep Ideas and Storage Timelines

Storage Method	Duration
Fridge (airtight container)	3–4 days
Freezer (chicken only)	Up to 6 months

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

Classic Southern-Style Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with:

• Cheesy Garlic Bombs
• Jiffy Corn Casserole
• Green beans with butter and garlic

Light and Fresh Vegetables That Pair Well

Balance the richness of the dish with:

• Steamed asparagus
• Garden salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli

Bread, Salad, or Both?

If you’re serving a crowd, offer both! Crusty bread helps mop up the creamy broth, while a crisp salad adds freshness and crunch.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Variations to Try

Add a Spicy Twist with Buffalo Sauce

For heat lovers, stir in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce or a splash of hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.

Make It Creamier with Cream Cheese or Sour Cream

Want it ultra-rich? Add a dollop of sour cream or a few ounces of cream cheese near the end for a luxurious texture.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Adaptations

• Use vegetable broth and meatless chicken alternatives
• Opt for gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade gluten-free dumplings

Looking for more cozy recipes? Discover great ideas like our Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe—it’s a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Cozy Up With the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re searching for a truly comforting, hands-off dinner recipe, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is everything you need. With minimal prep, pantry staples, and rich, creamy flavor, it’s the perfect answer to a chilly day or a hectic weeknight. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, delivering tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a stew that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t miss our Crockpot Lasagna Pasta Recipe for another one-pot wonder that brings comfort to your table with zero fuss.

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