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Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something undeniably soothing about a bowl of warm, hearty chicken and dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, and the smell of something delicious simmering away in the kitchen for hours. While traditional chicken and dumplings can require time and effort, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe captures all the cozy comfort with a fraction of the work.

Slow cookers are the secret weapon of busy home cooks. They turn simple ingredients into rich, flavorful meals with minimal hands-on time. This recipe does exactly that—offering tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, classic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings without standing over a stove. Whether you’re feeding your family, serving guests, or just craving a bowl of old-fashioned comfort, this dish delivers every time.

Below, you’ll find the recipe exactly as provided, followed by helpful insights, serving ideas, expert tips, and variations to make this recipe truly your own.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
2 cans (10.5 oz / 300 g each) cream of chicken soup
1 cup (240 ml) milk
1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots
1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
1 tsp (3 g) poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuits, cut into small pieces

Directions:

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add diced onion, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in chicken broth and both cans of cream of chicken soup.
Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
Stir in milk and frozen peas and carrots.
Add biscuit pieces on top, gently pressing them into the mixture.
Cover and cook on HIGH 1 hour, stirring once halfway, until dumplings are cooked through.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving so it thickens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips:

Keep the lid on while dumplings cook—steam is key for them to become fluffy.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid over-thickening.

Why This Recipe Works

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe checks all the boxes of classic comfort food. It’s creamy, filling, and easy enough for beginner cooks. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently cooking the chicken until it’s tender enough to shred effortlessly. The cream of chicken soup adds richness without needing to create a roux, making the recipe ideal for busy households.

Refrigerated biscuit dough—while not traditional—creates perfectly soft, puffy dumplings with very little effort. They absorb the flavors of the broth as they cook, becoming pillowy bites of goodness. Combined with the vegetables and seasoning, everything melds together into a wholesome, family-friendly meal.

Texture, Flavor, and Comfort in Every Spoonful

What sets this recipe apart is the beautiful balance of textures. The base is creamy without being too heavy. The vegetables add color and sweetness. The chicken is moist and tender, absorbing the savory broth. And the dumplings—those delightful little pillows—bring the entire dish together.

The garlic powder and poultry seasoning infuse the dish with comforting, familiar flavors. Meanwhile, the slow cooker allows everything to simmer and blend gradually, giving the dish that “cooked all day by grandma” taste.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own, but here are some ideas to make the meal even more special:

Serve With:

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach
Warm yeast rolls or cornbread
A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade

Garnish Ideas:

Fresh chopped parsley
A sprinkle of black pepper
A dash of smoked paprika
A drizzle of melted butter for extra richness

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Although the dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components of this recipe in advance:

To make ahead:
Prepare the chicken and soup mixture the day before. Store in the refrigerator, then start the slow cooker the next day and finish with the biscuits.

To freeze:
Freeze the shredded chicken mixture (without milk, vegetables, or dumplings). Thaw overnight and continue cooking per instructions.

Helpful Variations

Want to customize your dish? Try the following easy variations:

1. Add Herbs

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can deepen the flavor profile.

2. Add More Veggies

Mix in corn, celery, or green beans for extra nutrition and texture.

3. Change the Dumplings

Instead of refrigerated biscuits, you can use homemade dumpling dough or even flour tortillas cut into strips for a more traditional Southern style.

4. Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless thighs add richer flavor and remain tender even after long cooking.

5. Make It Creamier

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese after shredding the chicken for a luscious finish.

Why Readers Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a favorite among home cooks because:

It requires minimal prep
It uses affordable, everyday ingredients
It’s kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
It fills the house with an incredible aroma
It tastes even better the next day

If you need a dependable, satisfying recipe for busy weekdays, cold nights, or when you’re craving comfort, this dish is a winner.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker meals are all about simplicity and flavor—and this recipe delivers both beautifully. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping meals for the week, Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s warm, cozy, creamy, and so easy that it practically cooks itself. If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to add to your collection, you’ve just found it.