There’s nothing more comforting than the rich, savory aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings filling your home on a chilly evening. Tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth make this dish a family favorite.

The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for something warm and cozy to cheer up a gloomy day. It turned out to be the perfect solution – simple to prepare yet packed with nostalgic flavors that felt like a hug in a bowl. Let's dive in and discover why this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy, satisfying meal. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings combines the convenience of slow cooking with the irresistible appeal of homemade comfort food.

First, the recipe couldn’t be simpler. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Once you toss everything in your slow cooker, you’re free to go about your day while the magic happens.

The flavors are a perfect balance of creamy and savory. Thanks to the slow cooking process, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the dumplings soak up the rich, velvety broth. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly budget-friendly.

Another reason to love this dish is its family-friendly nature. Even picky eaters find themselves coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s customizable—add vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your taste.

So whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply need a one-pot wonder, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe lies in its simple ingredients. Each one is chosen to maximize flavor while keeping the preparation straightforward.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but breasts offer a leaner option.
Biscuits: For easy dumplings, we’re using refrigerated biscuit dough. It’s a time-saving hack that delivers soft, pillowy dumplings every time. If you prefer homemade, that works too!
Chicken Broth: Use a high-quality chicken broth as it forms the base of the dish. You can substitute with low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish. If you prefer, swap it with cream of celery or mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a touch of black pepper elevate the dish’s flavor without overpowering the comforting simplicity.

You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe—ideally one with a capacity of at least 6 quarts to fit everything comfortably.

How to Make This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this hearty dish is incredibly easy, even if you’re new to slow cooking. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing your chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Then pour in the chicken broth and spoon the cream of chicken soup over the top.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This step ensures every bite is infused with the delicious broth.
Add the Dumplings: Tear the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them evenly over the chicken mixture. Gently stir them into the broth to coat them well.
Finish Cooking: Cover and continue cooking on high for another hour. The dumplings will puff up as they cook, becoming tender and slightly chewy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked through, it’s time to serve. Scoop the dish into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

This recipe takes around 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, making it ideal for busy days when you want dinner to practically cook itself.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? No problem! Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it later.

Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some liquid, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Freezing: While the chicken and broth freeze well, the dumplings may become soggy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider separating the dumplings and adding fresh ones when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content.

Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, carrots, or green beans during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Swap the Dumplings: Instead of biscuit dough, use homemade dumplings, pre-made gnocchi, or even puff pastry for a twist.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
Change the Protein: Try using shredded turkey, cooked ham, or even rotisserie chicken if you need to use up leftovers.
Herb it Up: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill to complement the creamy broth.

With so many possibilities, you can tweak this recipe to fit your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Warm, hearty, and downright irresistible, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!