There's nothing quite as comforting as coming home to the aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a no-fuss way to recreate my grandmother's famous chicken and dumplings. With the help of my trusty slow cooker, I found a way to achieve the same cozy flavors with a fraction of the effort. Let's dive into why this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Get ready to embrace a new weeknight classic. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it's as simple as it is satisfying.

One of the biggest perks of this recipe is its simplicity. Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have a meal that tastes like you've been working on it all day. It's perfect for busy schedules or lazy Sundays.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, canned biscuits, and pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Lastly, it’s family-approved. The creamy broth and tender dumplings win over even the pickiest eaters, and the leftovers (if there are any) are just as delicious the next day.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. A handful of basic ingredients work together to create a dish full of rich, comforting flavors.

Chicken thighs are the heart of this recipe. Their dark meat stays moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process. If you prefer white meat, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

Chicken broth forms the base of the creamy soup. Opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the seasoning. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of dry white wine or a pinch of poultry seasoning.

Vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. Feel free to toss in frozen peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.

Canned biscuits are the secret to perfect dumplings with minimal effort. Cut them into quarters, and they puff up beautifully in the slow cooker. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can make homemade dumplings from scratch.

While not essential, a slow cooker with a timer function makes this dish even more convenient. If you’re using a basic model, just be sure to check the cook time closely.

How To Make This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Creating this comforting dish is as easy as layering ingredients in your slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop onions, celery, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Layer them in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Next, place chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the broth.

Open a can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Drop the dough pieces into the slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Turn the heat to high, cover, and let the dumplings cook for 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and cooked through.

Give the broth a final stir and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house), this dish stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the dumplings.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and broth portion without the dumplings. Dumplings tend to become soggy when frozen. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the soup, reheat, and add fresh biscuits to recreate the dumpling magic.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.

For a healthier twist, swap the canned biscuits for a batch of homemade whole-wheat dumplings. The nuttier flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.

Looking to add more vegetables? Try adding diced potatoes, sweet corn, or even spinach. They’ll cook down beautifully in the slow cooker and make the dish even heartier.

For a touch of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. It’s a simple way to give this comforting dish a little kick.

If you need a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. It’ll keep the broth creamy without any added dairy.

Whether you stick to the original or put your own spin on it, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.