Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes compare to a warm bowl of crock pot chicken and dumplings. Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this slow cooker favorite delivers old-fashioned flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug—perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or anytime you crave something cozy and filling.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, homestyle meal using your slow cooker. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the broth turns luxuriously creamy, and the dumplings cook up soft and fluffy right on top. Best of all, there’s no need to stand over the stove—your crock pot does all the work.

Whether you grew up eating chicken and dumplings or you’re trying it for the first time, this slow cooker version is designed to be approachable, reliable, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker handle everything.
  • Ultra Creamy Texture: Rich broth without being heavy.
  • Tender Chicken: Perfectly cooked every time.
  • Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.

What Makes Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Special

Traditional chicken and dumplings can require multiple pots, careful timing, and constant attention. The crock pot version simplifies the process while enhancing flavor. Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the seasoned broth, creating depth you just can’t get from quick cooking.

Adding dumplings toward the end ensures they stay fluffy instead of soggy. This method creates the perfect balance of creamy stew and tender dumplings—all in one pot.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
    Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  2. Mix the Broth
    In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Cook Low and Slow
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken
    Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the crock pot.
  5. Add Butter and Dumplings
    Stir in butter. Gently add biscuit pieces, pushing them slightly under the liquid.
  6. Final Cook
    Cover and cook on HIGH for 45–60 minutes until dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
  7. Serve Warm
    Stir gently and serve hot.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

A creamy slow cooker comfort dish with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in a rich broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

Chicken Base
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
Dumplings
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough cut into quarters

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Add chicken, vegetables, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  2. Whisk broth, soup, milk, and seasonings and pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  4. Remove and shred chicken, then return to crock pot.
  5. Stir in butter and gently add biscuit pieces.
  6. Cook on HIGH for 45–60 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
  7. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not lift lid while dumplings cook to ensure proper steaming.

Best Dumplings for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Refrigerated biscuit dough is the easiest option and yields soft, pillowy dumplings. As they cook, they absorb the creamy broth while maintaining structure. If you prefer homemade dumplings, you can substitute drop-style dough, but biscuit dough offers consistent results.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

  • Don’t Lift the Lid: Dumplings need steam to cook properly.
  • Cut Even Pieces: Ensures dumplings cook evenly.
  • Use LOW Heat: For best flavor and texture.
  • Stir Gently: Prevents dumplings from breaking apart.

Flavor Variations

  • Southern Style: Add a pinch of poultry seasoning.
  • Veggie-Loaded: Add peas or corn at the end.
  • Herb-Forward: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds depth.
  • Extra Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve crock pot chicken and dumplings with:

  • Simple green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Cornbread or biscuits
  • Roasted vegetables

It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze without dumplings for best texture.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker method allows flavors to meld slowly while preventing the chicken from drying out. The creamy base thickens naturally, and the dumplings cook perfectly in the moist heat. This recipe delivers classic comfort without complicated steps—exactly what home cooking should be.

Leave a Reply