Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
If you are looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic comfort food transformed into an effortless, hands-off slow cooker masterpiece that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers tender chicken paired with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. The creamy, savory broth is packed with rich flavors from simple yet essential ingredients, making it a perfect dish for busy weekdays or relaxing weekend dinners. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort? Let me walk you through this foolproof recipe that will quickly become your go-to for comfort cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is made with a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the tender chicken breasts that provide juicy protein to the flaky refrigerated biscuits that turn into buttery dumplings, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and shreddable during slow cooking.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates the rich, creamy base for the broth.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess with a savory touch.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and warm aroma; adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Enriches the broth and later the dumplings for extra indulgence.
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits: The secret to quick and easy dumplings that cook perfectly atop the chicken mixture.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker and Chicken
Start by spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking later on. Then, season your boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor. This simple but necessary prep kickstarts the great taste of the final dish.
Step 2: Mixing the Creamy Broth
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unsalted cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and low-sodium chicken broth. This mixture is where the magic happens—the creamy soup adds thickness, the broth keeps it light and savory, and the spices infuse subtle warmth. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the crock pot to fully coat the meat.
Step 3: Slow Cooking the Chicken
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW heat for 5 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, soaking up the flavors around it. Low and slow is the key here—it lets the flavors develop without drying out the meat, making it perfect for shredding later.
Step 4: Shredding the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this adds a wonderful texture and makes the dish easier to enjoy with those dumplings. Once shredded, stir the chicken back into the slow cooker to soak up the creamy broth evenly.
Step 5: Adding the Dumplings
Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them evenly. Cut each biscuit into 8 bite-sized pieces, so they cook quickly and have a light, fluffy texture. Sprinkle these bite-sized dough pieces over the top of the chicken mixture in your crock pot. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH heat for about 1 hour until the dumplings are fully cooked and have puffed up beautifully.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of dried parsley. These simple touches add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the creamy, hearty stew.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own, but you can lovingly pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a balance of textures. A side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread also complements the rich flavors and makes the experience feel like a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual rustic bowls topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an inviting look. You can also ladle it over mashed cauliflower or rice for variety, letting your guests customize their bowls to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and make sure the dumplings stay submerged in the broth to keep them moist and tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooked Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for up to 2 months. For best results, cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that dumplings might alter slightly in texture after freezing, but the comforting flavors remain intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen chicken and dumplings gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore creaminess if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and remain juicy after slow cooking. They also add a richer flavor, so feel free to swap them in depending on your preference.
Do I need to use refrigerated biscuits, or can I make my own dumplings?
While using refrigerated biscuits is super convenient and reliable, you can absolutely make homemade dumplings for a more traditional touch. Just keep in mind homemade dough may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free chicken broth, and gluten-free biscuits or substitute with gluten-free dumpling dough to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and then slow cook it later?
You can prep the soup mixture and season the chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best freshness, add the biscuits right before cooking the final hour.
What if my dumplings are not fully cooked after 1 hour?
Slow cookers can vary in temperature. If your dumplings aren’t fully cooked after 1 hour, simply continue cooking on HIGH in 15-minute increments until they are puffed up and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgia and convenience effortlessly. It’s full of heartwarming flavors, tender chicken, and delightfully soft dumplings that invite you to relax and savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy that wonderful feeling of homemade comfort in a bowl.
Print
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy broth with fluffy biscuit dough cooked directly in the slow cooker. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal, it requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry ingredients for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Mixture
- 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 (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Dumplings
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, then season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Make Soup Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the flavorful broth.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine evenly with the broth.
- Prepare Biscuit Dumplings: Open the can of refrigerated biscuits, separate each biscuit, and cut each into 8 bite-sized pieces.
- Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking: Evenly sprinkle the biscuit pieces over the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH heat for about 1 hour, or until the biscuits are cooked through and fluffy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and dried parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting chicken and dumplings.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth and unsalted soup to better control salt levels.
- For extra flavor, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be stirred in with the chicken mixture before adding the biscuits.
- Canned biscuits should be evenly spaced to ensure even cooking and puffing up into fluffy dumplings.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less chicken broth or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
