There are few dinners as comforting as a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings come together in a meal that tastes like it has been simmering all day—which, thanks to the slow cooker, it practically has.
This is the kind of recipe that makes a busy day easier. Add the chicken and flavorful ingredients to the crockpot, let everything cook until tender, then finish it with homemade dumplings. Before you know it, dinner is ready.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is a true comfort-food classic for several reasons:
- The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Carrots and celery add flavor and texture.
- The creamy broth is rich and satisfying.
- Homemade dumplings make the dish feel extra special.
- It's hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
If you'd rather save time, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used instead of homemade dumpling dough.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
1. Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic around the chicken.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until mostly smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle the thyme, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.
2. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
For a quicker option, cook on HIGH for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Try to keep the lid closed during cooking. Opening it frequently allows heat to escape and can extend the cooking time.
3. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker.
Place it on a plate and shred it with two forks. You can make the pieces as large or small as you prefer.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy broth and vegetables.
4. Prepare the Dumplings
While the chicken is finishing, make the dumpling dough.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Add the milk and melted butter. Stir gently until the ingredients form a soft dough.
Don't worry if the dough isn't perfectly smooth. In fact, it's better not to overmix it. Too much stirring can lead to heavier, tougher dumplings.
5. Add the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop portions of dough over the surface of the hot chicken mixture.
Leave a little space between each dumpling so steam can circulate around them.
Cover the slow cooker and switch it to HIGH. Cook for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
Most importantly, keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook. The steam trapped inside the crockpot helps them become soft and fluffy.
How Do You Know When the Dumplings Are Done?
