Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a big cozy hug, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings meal brings comforting flavors together in one pot, making homemade comfort food both simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Simply throw all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work while you focus on other things.
• Comfort food classic: Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that feel like a warm hug from the inside.
• Versatile and customizable: This recipe adapts easily with different vegetables, herbs, and dumpling styles to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for any season: Cozy up with this hearty dish during chilly months or anytime you want a filling, home-cooked meal.
• Family-friendly meal: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike for its simple yet satisfying flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. From the silky chicken broth to the fresh herbs, each element plays an important role in creating a luscious, comforting dish.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender meat that cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.
• Carrots and celery: These classic vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and a boost of color to the stew.
• Chicken broth: The foundation of the dish, providing a rich, savory base for the dumplings to soak up.
• Flour: Used to thicken the broth for a silky, stew-like consistency that’s not too runny or too thick.
• Bisquick or biscuit mix: This shortcut ingredient makes preparing fluffy, tender dumplings easier than ever.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the dumpling dough for the perfect rise.
• Fresh parsley or thyme: Bright herbs add freshness and an aromatic touch to the hearty stew.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

One of the best parts about making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is how easily it can be customized. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or just mixing things up for flavor, these variations offer simple swaps to keep the dish exciting and tailored to your tastes.

• Vegetable boost: Add peas, green beans, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
• Herb swap: Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a deeper, earthier aroma.
• Gluten-free dumplings: Use a gluten-free baking mix to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the fluffy texture.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute almond or oat milk for a creamy but lactose-free dumpling dough.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle heat lift.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Base

Start by placing chopped chicken, diced carrots, and celery into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir lightly to combine and set the crockpot to cook on low for about 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is tender and easily shreddable, remove it and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring gently to distribute it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, mix biscuit mix or Bisquick with milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be sticky but manageable to drop by spoonfuls onto the simmering stew.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the crockpot. Cover and let the dumplings cook on high for about 30 minutes without lifting the lid—this steam is what makes them fluffy and light.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

After the dumplings have cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top before serving to add color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Don’t skip the slow cook: Low and slow cooking brings out the best texture and flavor in your chicken and vegetables.
• Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you prefer, use bone-in pieces and remove bones after cooking for a richer broth.
• Keep the lid closed: Avoid lifting the crockpot lid when dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam and rise properly.
• Chop vegetables uniformly: Even-sized pieces cook more evenly and create a consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Make it creamy without cream: Flour thickens the broth naturally, delivering that creamy feel without adding heavy cream.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or chives adds a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the stew, giving it a fresh and appetizing finish.

Side Dishes

This meal stands well on its own, but a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can add a refreshing contrast and extra nutrients to round out your dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with crusty bread for dipping or garnish with crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy surprise that complements the soft dumplings perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the stew and dumplings separately when possible. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave using medium heat to avoid overcooking the dumplings. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens up too much while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can start with frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but expect it to take longer to cook, so adjust your crockpot timing accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

What type of dumplings work best?

Biscuit mix or Bisquick dumplings are easiest for slow cooker recipes because they hold their shape well and cook through without becoming doughy or mushy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, green beans, or mushrooms can be added along with or after cooking the base ingredients to boost flavor and nutrition.

How do I thicken the broth if it’s too runny?

Mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the broth during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely—this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for prepping meals ahead of time and reheats wonderfully for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about coming home to a pot of warm, fragrant Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe combines simplicity and comfort in a way that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving some cozy leftovers, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your kitchen.

Related Posts

• Easy Stove Top Beef Stew for Cozy Nights
• Easy Country Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Dinner Ideas

Print