If you are craving a meal that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors, then this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection alongside a rich, creamy broth packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. The real showstopper is the fluffy, golden dumplings that soak up every bit of that luscious sauce, making each bite a delightful, soul-soothing experience. It’s the kind of dish that instantly feels like a hug from your favorite person, perfect for any day you want to relax and treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create this comforting classic. Every item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, vibrant color, and excellent texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein that becomes juicy and easy to shred in the slow cooker.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Gives a gentle heat and aromatic touch.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that’s comforting and hearty.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the broth light but flavorful and balances the creaminess.
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses a bright, herbal aroma that wakes up the palate.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle earthy undertone that enhances the broth’s complexity.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Offers a crisp texture and fresh flavor contrast.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Adds a pop of sweetness and a beautiful splash of green.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Deepens the savory notes with a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits, cut into small pieces: The fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth as they cook.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the chopped onion, chicken breasts, dried oregano, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, chopped celery, carrots, and minced garlic all into your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly, making sure the blend of flavors will infuse nicely as they cook together.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crockpot and let everything cook low and slow for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process is key to allowing the chicken to become meltingly tender while all the vegetables release their natural flavors and make the broth so satisfying and rich.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This step transforms the chicken into ideal bite-sized pieces that will integrate beautifully throughout the dish. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir to incorporate.
Step 4: Add Dumplings and Peas
Next, stir in the thawed peas to add a burst of color and sweetness. Then, arrange the biscuit pieces evenly on top of the mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours until the biscuits have puffed up, are golden, and fully cooked, soaking in the savory broth underneath for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs to avoid any overpowering notes. Give the dish a gentle stir to mingle all the flavors and textures, then serve it piping hot. Prepare to enjoy a classic comfort meal that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this hearty dish, consider topping it with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives. These green accents add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy base and bring a finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a meal all on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies makes the experience feel even more complete. Think of a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus—both add a pleasant texture and clean flavors to balance the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls or deep plates to keep all that luscious broth and dumplings secure and warm. For added flair, a little crusty bread on the side is perfect for dipping. If you’re hosting, consider individual ramekins filled with this dish topped with a small dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for a cozy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so reheated leftovers often taste even better. Just be mindful the biscuits might soften further, which is part of the charm of this stew-like meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to enjoy it later. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, separating biscuit pieces if you prefer to keep them from getting too soggy. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead comfort meal for busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, use a stovetop or microwave. Warm gently over low heat to avoid breaking down the chicken or mushy biscuits too much. Adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can help revive the creamy consistency and keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, plus they shred easily after slow cooking.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own biscuit dough or dumpling dough if you prefer. Just make sure the dough pieces are cut small enough and adjust cooking times accordingly for the best fluffiness.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with a homemade roux-based cream sauce or use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind it will change the taste slightly but still be delicious.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, corn, or green beans to customize the dish to your liking while keeping the comforting vibe intact.
Can I prepare this in advance and cook it later?
Yes! You can assemble all ingredients minus the biscuits the night before and refrigerate. Add biscuits just before cooking the final hour for perfectly cooked dumplings.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when made effortlessly in a crockpot. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to turn to whenever you need a cozy, delicious meal that feels like home on a plate.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting, slow-cooked meal perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chicken breasts simmer with fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, topped with fluffy biscuit dumplings that cook right in the crockpot for a hands-off, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Assemble in crockpot: Place the chopped onion, chicken breasts, dried oregano, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, chopped celery, chopped carrots, and minced garlic into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and melds the flavors throughout the broth and vegetables.
- Shred chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to integrate with the cooking liquid and vegetables.
- Add dumplings: Stir in the thawed peas to the crockpot mixture. Evenly place the biscuit pieces over the top in a single layer. Cover and cook for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours on high until the biscuit pieces puff up and are cooked through, forming soft dumplings.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs to avoid any tough herb stems. Stir the mixture gently to combine the dumplings with the chicken and vegetables. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure to shred the chicken thoroughly to get the best texture in the final dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning, but adjust salt to taste at the end if needed.
- Biscuit dumplings add a delightful fluffy texture and can be substituted with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- For thicker stew-like consistency, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings by using a larger crockpot or cooking in batches.
