As the chilly evening air creeps in, the aroma of slow-cooked goodness wafts through my kitchen, making every corner feel like home. If comfort food has a champion, it’s definitely my Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This easy weeknight dinner not only takes minimal effort with one-pot cooking but also serves up a nostalgic blend of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth that warms the soul. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can savor this heartwarming meal without worry. Fresh ingredients and simple prep transform your busy night into a cozy comfort fest! Are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a regular at your table?

Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Heart: With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking feel effortless.

Rich, Creamy Comfort: The creamy broth envelops tender chicken for a flavor that feels like a warm hug.

Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with extra veggies or try it with turkey; this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Time-Saving Delight: Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, perfect for busy weeknights!

Crowd-Pleasing Choice: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at family dinners. Try pairing it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal! If you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, check out my Sweet Savory Chicken or Classic Chicken Salad recipes.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients

For the Chicken Base

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The heart of this dish, becoming wonderfully tender as it cooks. If using frozen chicken, extend the cook time by an hour.
Chicken Broth – The flavorful foundation; opt for gluten-free if needed.

For the Vegetables

Diced Onion – Brings sweetness and depth to the dish; shallots make a great substitute for a lighter taste.
Sliced Carrots – Adds sweetness and a pop of color; can easily swap with corn or green beans.
Sliced Celery – Provides a lovely crunch and aroma; it can be omitted for simplicity.
Minced Garlic – Essential for rich flavor; fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder will work too.

For the Seasonings

Dried Thyme – Elevates the chicken’s flavor; fresh thyme provides a more vibrant taste.
Dried Parsley – Enhances visual appeal and adds a dash of flavor; optional if you’re in a pinch.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste, adapting the dish to your preference.

For the Creamy Broth

Cream of Chicken Soup – Enriches the dish with creaminess; can be swapped for cream of mushroom for a different twist.
Milk – Boosts creaminess; consider using plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.

For the Dumplings

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – These create fluffy, delightful dumplings; ensure they are gluten-free if that’s your dietary need.
Frozen Peas – Add color and texture; feel free to replace with green beans if desired.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Begin by placing boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure the pieces do not overlap for even cooking. This layer of chicken serves as the hearty foundation for your comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.

Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour enough chicken broth over the chicken to fully submerge it, creating a flavorful base. Next, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, along with minced garlic. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the vegetables are well distributed throughout the pot.

Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the mixture in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine the seasonings with the broth and vegetables, enhancing the flavors of your dish. This step is crucial to achieving a deliciously seasoned Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.

Step 4: Cover and Cook
Secure the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making your home smell delightful.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot. This step adds heartiness to your comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.

Step 6: Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Add frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, and milk to the pot. Give everything a thorough mix to ensure the creamy broth is well incorporated with the chicken and vegetables. Let this simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine splendidly.

Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings
Take the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Carefully drop the pieces evenly over the mixture in the crockpot. This will create fluffy dumplings as they cook. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the broth too much.

Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot again and set it to high for an additional 30-40 minutes, until the dumplings have puffed up and are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid overcooking. Your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings will be ready to serve!

What to Serve with Comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing elevates a cozy dinner quite like finding the perfect accompaniments to round out your meal.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, fresh bread can soak up all the delicious flavors while providing a delightful crunch. Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s a comforting sidekick to this dish.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad helps balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a vibrant touch.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate. Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts become caramelized treasures that complement the soft dumplings beautifully.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a truly indulgent experience, serve your dumplings alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The flavors meld wonderfully, and the texture difference creates a delightful contrast.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a fresh crunch that cuts through the creamy richness of the dish. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the flavor even more!
Herbed Couscous: A bed of fragrant, fluffy couscous can soak up any leftover broth, making for a fragrant pairing. Infuse it with herbs like parsley or thyme to complement the chicken.
Warm Apple Crisp: End your comforting meal with a warm apple crisp served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweet and tart flavors create a perfect sweet balance after your savory dinner.
Hot Apple Cider: A cozy drink like hot apple cider can warm you from the inside out, making it an excellent pairing for this heartwarming meal. Spices like cinnamon elevate the whole experience.

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Fridge: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Freezer: This comforting dish freezes beautifully! Place it in a safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, using low heat to warm it through.

Reheating: When reheating, add a little chicken broth or milk if the dish seems too thick; this will help return it to its creamy consistency.

Portioning: For convenience, consider freezing individual servings. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal when time is short!

Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Gentle Dumpling Handling: Avoid dense dumplings by gently dropping the biscuit pieces into the broth; monitor the cooking time closely for perfect fluffiness.

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh chicken and vegetables whenever possible to enhance the flavors of your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.

Customize with Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like sweet corn or green beans; feel free to get creative to suit your family’s taste!

Monitor Cooking Time: If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and shreds easily.

Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to find the ideal flavor balance that suits your palate.

Make Ahead Options

These Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop all your vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, and garlic) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can season your chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours prior to cooking, ensuring flavorful results. When you’re ready to finish the dish, simply combine the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, pour in the broth, and let it slow-cook as instructed. The prep-ahead options maintain quality for a delightful dinner that tastes just as delicious without the last-minute rush!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Variations

Feel free to customize this comforting recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!

Extra Veggies: Add sweet corn, green beans, or diced potatoes for a nutritious boost. These additions bring vibrant colors and extra flavors to every bite, making mealtime even more appealing.
Turkey Alternative: Swap shredded chicken for shredded turkey. This variation can give you a deliciously different flavor experience, especially after a holiday feast!
Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup. You’ll create a dairy-free dish that retains all the cozy fun of this classic recipe.
Herb Variations: Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for a distinct twist. Each herb brings its own aroma and taste, giving your dish a unique character.
Dumpling Swaps: Try homemade dumplings for a fresher texture and personal touch. Making them from scratch can become a fun family activity too!
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. This adds a warm heat that complements the creamy broth beautifully.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle in some shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a melty touch that elevates flavors. Just imagine the gooey, cheesy goodness mingling with the chicken!

As you explore these variations, consider serving your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you’re eager to discover more easy dinner ideas, my recipe for Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos is a quick crowd-pleaser, while the Chicken Caesar Wrap offers another delicious way to enjoy chicken.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor, as they shred beautifully once cooked. If you choose to use frozen chicken, just remember to extend the cooking time by about an hour to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or milk to refresh that creamy texture.

Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Absolutely! This dish freezes extremely well. Place it in a safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it appears too thick.

What should I do if my dumplings are dense?
To avoid dense dumplings, ensure you’re gently dropping the biscuit pieces into the broth and monitor the cooking time closely. Aim for about 30-40 minutes on high heat. If they look overly crammed or rubbery, you may be trying to cook them too quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Certainly! For a dairy-free twist on Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut milk, along with using plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. Just ensure the biscuit dough is also gluten-free!

What if I have allergies to some ingredients?
If you or someone at your table has allergies, feel free to customize this recipe! Substitute any ingredients that may cause a reaction; for example, you can swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and try adding firm tofu for added protein. Flexibility is key—dishes like this welcome creativity!