There are some meals that instantly feel like home, and crock pot chicken and dumplings sits right at the top of that list. It’s warm, creamy, filling, and deeply comforting in a way that only slow-cooked dishes can be. This is the kind of recipe that simmers gently all day, filling your kitchen with familiar, soothing aromas and welcoming everyone to the table before dinner is even ready.

Chicken and dumplings has long been a symbol of simple, heartfelt cooking. Traditionally made on the stovetop and watched closely, this slow cooker version takes all the pressure off while still delivering that classic, homestyle flavor we crave. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork, while the broth becomes rich and creamy. Toward the end, soft dumplings are added, soaking up all that flavor and turning the dish into something truly special.

One of the best parts of crock pot chicken and dumplings is how forgiving it is. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or advanced techniques. In fact, it’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without constant attention. Just layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. The result is a meal that tastes like you spent hours carefully tending to it.

This dish is also incredibly nostalgic. For many people, chicken and dumplings brings back memories of family dinners, cold evenings, and recipes passed down through generations. This version honors that tradition while making it accessible to modern schedules. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for a crowd, or simply craving something cozy, this crock pot recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir gently to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and dried parsley.
Add the butter on top, cut into small pieces.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir well.
Add the biscuit dough pieces, gently pressing them into the liquid.
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 45–60 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

A classic comfort food made easy with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy slow-cooked broth.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 small onion diced
2 medium carrots sliced
2 stalks celery sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough cut into pieces

Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Forks for shredding

Method

Add chicken, vegetables, broth, soup, milk, and seasonings to slow cooker.
Cook until chicken is tender, then shred.
Return chicken to pot and add biscuit dough.
Cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Notes

Cook dumplings on HIGH for best texture.

Tips & Tricks:

Chicken thighs add extra richness, while breasts keep the dish lighter.
Cut biscuit dough evenly so the dumplings cook at the same rate.
Stir gently after adding dumplings to avoid breaking them apart.
If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
For thicker consistency, leave the lid off for the last 10–15 minutes.

Variations:

Homemade Dumplings: Replace biscuit dough with homemade dumpling dough for a more traditional texture.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas or corn during the last hour of cooking.
Herb-Rich Version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for deeper flavor.
Creamier Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions:
Crock pot chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or buttered rolls. For an extra-cozy touch, serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy broth.

Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the texture if needed.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken works well in the slow cooker, but cooking time may increase slightly.

Why are my dumplings doughy?
Dumplings need enough time and heat to cook through. Make sure the slow cooker is on HIGH when adding them.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavor improves after resting. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
It can be frozen, but dumplings may soften slightly upon reheating.

History / Fun Facts:
Chicken and dumplings dates back centuries and was especially popular during times when simple, filling meals were essential. Dumplings stretched limited ingredients while providing comfort and nourishment. Today, crock pot versions keep that tradition alive with modern convenience

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Cozy, Creamy Comfort Food Made Easy