Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

 

There’s something magical about a bowl of chicken and dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, evoking nostalgia, comfort, and home-cooked love. When made in the crock pot, this classic dish transforms into the ultimate hands-off comfort food, slow-simmering all day until the chicken is tender, the broth is rich, and the dumplings are pillowy soft.

This isn’t just another chicken and dumplings recipe—it’s the best ever crock pot chicken and dumplings you’ll make. Why? Because it’s simple, hearty, and foolproof. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, while you get to enjoy a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on grandma’s stove all day. Perfect for busy families, cold nights, or any time you crave a bowl of soul-warming comfort.

In this recipe blog, we’ll cover everything: the ingredients and their roles, step-by-step instructions, expert tips for perfection, and serving suggestions to make this dish a complete meal. Let’s get started.

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Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s the breakdown:

For the Chicken Base

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – The star of the dish. Chicken breasts are lean and shred beautifully, while thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. You can use a mix for the best of both worlds.

1 large onion, diced – Adds depth and a savory base flavor. Slow cooking mellows its sharpness into sweetness.

3 medium carrots, sliced – Provide natural sweetness and hearty texture.

3 celery stalks, sliced – Add balance, freshness, and subtle flavor that complements the broth.

4 cups chicken broth – The liquid gold that carries all the flavors. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can adjust seasoning.

2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup – Thickens the base into a creamy, velvety sauce. This shortcut ingredient saves time while adding richness.

3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.

1 teaspoon dried thyme – Brings an earthy, herby note that pairs perfectly with poultry.

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning – Enhances the savory chicken flavor.

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – Balances flavors.

½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat and sharpness.

For the Dumplings

2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count each) – The secret shortcut to fluffy dumplings without fuss. Once cut into pieces, they expand in the broth, becoming soft, pillowy bites.

¼ cup all-purpose flour – Lightly dusting the biscuit dough with flour helps prevent sticking and thickens the broth slightly as the dumplings cook.

Optional Additions

1 cup frozen peas – Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.

Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and a bright finish when sprinkled on top before serving.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best crock pot chicken and dumplings:

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot Base

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your crock pot.

2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic on top of the chicken.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cream of chicken soup until well combined.

4. Season with thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Pro Tip: For even richer flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a little butter before adding them to the crock pot. This step caramelizes their natural sugars.

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Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

2. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot. Stir well to combine with the creamy broth.

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Step 3: Add the Dumplings

1. Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into 4–6 small pieces.

2. Toss the pieces lightly in flour to prevent sticking.

3. Drop the dough pieces into the hot broth, making sure they are submerged but not overcrowded.

4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour. During this time, resist the urge to lift the lid—steam is crucial for the dumplings to puff up and cook properly.

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Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. After an hour, check the dumplings. They should be fluffy and cooked through (no raw dough inside).

2. Stir in frozen peas if using, and let them heat through for 5 minutes.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Why This Recipe is Loved

Effortless Comfort Food – The crock pot does most of the work, making this dish nearly hands-free.

Shortcut Dumplings – Using refrigerated biscuit dough gives you light, fluffy dumplings without the need to make them from scratch.

Family-Friendly – Creamy, hearty, and mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.

Versatile – Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

1. Don’t overcook the dumplings. One hour on high is usually perfect. Overcooking can make them gummy.

2. Layer wisely. Always place chicken at the bottom for even cooking and dumplings on top at the right time.

3. Go for thighs if you want juicier meat. They stay moist and flavorful, even after long cooking.

4. Keep the lid closed. Every time you open the crock pot, you release heat and steam essential for cooking dumplings.

5. Adjust thickness. If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in at the end.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your crock pot chicken and dumplings with sides that complement its richness:

Buttery Cornbread – Adds a touch of sweetness and a crumbly texture.

Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli – Brightens the meal with freshness and crunch.

Garden Salad – A crisp, light side balances the creamy main dish.

Homemade Pickles – Their tang cuts through the richness beautifully.

For a cozy dinner, serve in deep bowls with extra parsley and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth!

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Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. The creamy chicken base, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a po

tluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor with minimal effort. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.