I’ve been on the hunt for a truly effortless comfort food recipe that delivers big on flavor without the fuss, and this Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings is exactly what I’m talking about. There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of slow-cooked chicken swimming in creamy broth, just waiting for those pillowy dumplings to finish it off. Want to know how a few basic ingredients can transform into the most satisfying meal with practically zero effort on your part?
Why You’ll Love this Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself, this Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is about to become your new best friend.
It combines tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings in one pot without the fuss of constant stirring or watching.
I adore how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
The smell that fills your home? Pure heaven.
And those pillowy biscuit dumplings soaking up the creamy sauce? Game-changing.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
What Ingredients are in Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings?
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cozy, heartwarming dish that practically makes itself in your slow cooker.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2–3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
Feel free to adjust the chicken broth amount depending on how thick or thin you prefer your final sauce, and remember those peas are completely optional if you’re cooking for someone who might pick them out (we all know that person, right?).
How to Make this Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Step 1: Add Base Ingredients to Crockpot
Place your 1½ pounds of chicken, 1 diced medium onion, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 2-3 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in the crockpot.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those flavors—nothing too vigorous, we’re just getting acquainted here.
Step 2: Set Your Cook Time
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
The chicken needs time to become perfectly tender and infuse all those wonderful flavors into the broth. This is when kitchen magic happens while you’re off doing other things.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up and your chicken is fork-tender, grab two forks and shred that chicken right in the crockpot.
No need for extra dishes—who’s got time for that? The meat should pull apart easily if it’s properly cooked.
Step 4: Add the Optional Peas
If you’re using the ½ cup of frozen peas (and really, that pop of green color and sweetness is lovely), now’s the time to add them.
Give everything another gentle stir to incorporate those little green jewels into your creamy mixture.
Step 5: Prepare the Biscuit Dumplings
Take your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit with your palm or a rolling pin.
Then cut each flattened biscuit into strips—I find about 4-5 strips per biscuit works perfectly, but you do you.
Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot
Gently place those biscuit strips on top of your chicken mixture.
Try not to overlap them too much, as they’ll expand while cooking. No need to push them down—they’ll cook perfectly just sitting on top.
Step 7: Final Cooking Stage
Cover your crockpot again and cook on high for another hour.
This final step is essential for transforming those raw biscuit strips into fluffy, cloud-like dumplings that soak up all that savory goodness below.
Step 8: Serve With Care
When serving, be gentle with those dumplings—they’re delicate souls.
For an even more efficient cooking experience, consider using an Instant Pot Duo Plus instead of a traditional crockpot for faster results while maintaining the same delicious flavors.
Scoop from the bottom to get chicken, broth, and dumplings in each serving. A ladle works wonders here for keeping everything intact.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
This cozy dinner practically stands alone as a complete meal, but a few simple sides can round things out perfectly.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides a revitalizing contrast to the creamy, hearty main dish. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a pop of color and nutrition.
For something a bit more indulgent, warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up that delicious broth—because let’s be honest, we’re not letting a drop go to waste!
A glass of chilled white wine or apple cider (hot or cold depending on the season) makes for a lovely beverage pairing.
And while it’s primarily a dinner dish, the leftovers make an incredible lunch the next day.
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings Substitutions and Variations
This comforting classic is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand:
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, or use a rotisserie chicken added during the last hour to save time.
- Soup Substitutes: No cream of chicken? Try cream of celery or mushroom soup, or make a quick homemade version with butter, flour, and broth.
- Gluten-Free Adjustment: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make simple dumplings from gluten-free flour and butter.
- Dairy-Free Version: Look for dairy-free cream soup alternatives or use a dairy-free roux with chicken broth.
- Veggie Add-ins: Carrots, celery, corn, or diced potatoes work beautifully. Toss them in at the beginning with the chicken.
- Herb Upgrades: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf add wonderful depth.
- Finishing Touches: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a tiny splash of cream just before serving takes this dish to new heights.
Leftovers and Storage for this Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
This comfort food champion actually stores beautifully—dare I say it might even taste better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle?
Here’s how to handle the extras:
- Refrigeration: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb more broth overnight, creating an even richer texture.
- Freezing: While possible, the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent the edges from drying out.
- Pro tip: Store any leftover dumplings separate from the chicken mixture if possible—they’ll maintain their texture better that way.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings isn’t just a recipe—it’s permission to let your kitchen do the heavy lifting while you reap the rewards.
The magic happens as tender chicken mingles with herbs and creamy broth, all crowned with pillowy dumplings that cook right in the pot.
Perfect for those busy weekdays when you need dinner to practically make itself, or Sunday afternoons when you want the house filled with comforting aromas without being tied to the stove.
There’s something deeply satisfying about lifting that crockpot lid after hours of patience to find a complete meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare—because technically, it did.