Craving a cozy, hearty dinner that’s hands-off and full of classic flavor? This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a satisfying, creamy chicken stew topped with tender biscuit dumplings. It’s a fuss-free slow cooker recipe that brings warmth and flavor to every bite — no fancy ingredients, just real food done right.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There’s something magical about a slow-cooked one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug. This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is:
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike — picky eaters included.
- Effortless to Make: Set it and forget it. Let your slow cooker do the hard work.
- Versatile: Easily customize with herbs, vegetables, or your favorite dumpling style.
- Comforting & Filling: Rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This recipe is ideal for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a cozy dish that tastes like home.
What You Need for This Comforting Classic
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe plays a vital role in creating a comforting, flavorful dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that turns tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich creaminess and depth to the broth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the savory gravy, allowing other flavors to shine.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and a cooked-onion aroma without prep work.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile with a mellow garlicky punch.
- Melted Butter: Brings richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: Shortcut dumplings that puff up and become soft, pillowy toppings as they cook in the stew.
Smart Ingredient Swaps and Flavorful Additions
Need a substitution or want to personalize your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings? Here are some ideas:
- Use Chicken Thighs or Tenderloins instead of breasts for juicier texture.
- Switch Up the Soup: Cream of mushroom or celery can add unique flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy condensed soup and vegan biscuits.
- Add Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or poultry seasoning boost the comforting aroma.
- Vegetable Additions: Frozen peas, carrots, onions, or green beans increase nutrition and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits and soup to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Follow these simple, fail-proof steps to make the best Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings:
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly coat a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Season and Add the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Whisk the Soup Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Start Cooking: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add the Biscuits: Cut refrigerated biscuits into 8 bite-sized pieces each. Evenly scatter the dough over the chicken mixture.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve: Garnish with cracked black pepper and dried parsley if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Success
Master this recipe like a pro with these helpful tips:
- Cut the Dough Small: Smaller biscuit pieces ensure even and quick cooking.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for best texture.
- Thicker Sauce Tip: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water and add it when you return the shredded chicken for a thicker gravy.
- Go Low-Sodium: Use unsalted cream of chicken soup and low-sodium broth to better control saltiness.
- Make It Your Own: Add your favorite seasonings or veggies to give the recipe a personal twist.
Serving Ideas and Creative Variations
Turn this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings into a complete meal with these ideas:
- Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables (green beans, asparagus), garden salads, or buttery cornbread are excellent choices.
- Toppings: Add shredded cheddar cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or jackfruit, and use a vegetarian condensed soup.
- Spicy Option: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some kick.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble everything except the biscuits in advance and refrigerate. Add biscuits right before the final hour of cooking.
Cozy Year-Round Comfort in a Crock
There’s a reason why Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings remains a beloved dish across generations and regions — it’s comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for fall and winter nights or when you just need a warm, nostalgic meal, this slow cooker classic is always a winner.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this hearty dish delivers slow-cooked flavor with minimal effort. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings your next go-to dinner and experience comfort food at its best.
Conclusion: Why This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers on both comfort and convenience, Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is your answer. With minimal prep, wholesome ingredients, and rich, hearty flavor, this slow cooker classic is perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a nostalgic meal. The tender chicken and pillowy dumplings make this a feel-good favorite that never goes out of style.
Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this is the kind of meal that welcomes you home — warm, filling, and full of flavor. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner menu.
FAQ Section
What’s the best type of biscuit dough for chicken and dumplings?
Refrigerated canned biscuits are the most convenient and work perfectly in this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Choose a classic style (not flaky layers) so the dough puffs up like traditional dumplings. If you’re avoiding processed foods, you can use homemade biscuit dough instead.
Can I make this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and soup mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the biscuit dough during the last hour of cooking. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings are done when they are puffed up, no longer doughy in the center, and have a soft, biscuit-like texture. This typically takes about 1 hour on HIGH heat in the slow cooker. Avoid opening the lid too often, as it releases heat and can extend cooking time.
More Relevant Recipes
- Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe: This comforting, slow-cooked soup combines the rich flavors of lasagna in an easy-to-make, hearty bowl. Just like Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, it’s a warm, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends.
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: Packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and bold enchilada flavors, this soup offers a comforting and slightly spicy twist for fans of creamy slow cooker meals similar in texture to chicken and dumplings.
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: A quick, flavorful option using rotisserie chicken, this soup brings classic comfort with familiar herbs and a savory broth — much like the homey feel of crock pot chicken and dumplings.
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a creamy, comforting slow cooker classic made with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy biscuit dumplings. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits, cut into 8 pieces each
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: dried parsley and fresh cracked pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then place in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cut each biscuit into 8 small pieces and place them over the chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or until biscuits are fully cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and dried parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to better control sodium levels.
- For thicker sauce, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with warm water and stir in after shredding the chicken.
- Chicken thighs or tenderloins can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Frozen vegetables can be added for extra nutrition.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg