Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, and creamy. This easy slow cooker recipe takes all the effort out of a traditional dish while keeping the flavor rich and satisfying. It’s a cozy dinner perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Dumplings:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added in the last 30 minutes)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

1. Prepare the Base:
   Place chicken, onions, carrots, and celery in your slow cooker.
2. Add Seasoning & Liquids:
   Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.
3. Slow Cook:
   Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred Chicken:
   Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir.
5. Add Dumplings:
   Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them evenly into the crockpot. Press them slightly into the sauce.
6. Finish Cooking:
   Cover and cook on High for an additional 1 hour, or until the biscuit pieces are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Optional:
   Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes for color and sweetness.

You Must Know

• Don’t over-stir after adding biscuits; it can make the dumplings mushy.
• For a creamier base, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• You can use rotisserie chicken and reduce cook time to about 2 hours on low.

Topping Variations

• Herb Dumplings: Mix dried parsley or rosemary into the biscuit dough before cooking.
• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar on top before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

Make It a Meal

Serve this comfort classic with:

• Fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Warm biscuits or crusty bread for dipping

Pro Tips

• Line your slow cooker with a reusable liner for easy cleanup.
• Add a dash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavor.
• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and safety.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze without dumplings, then add fresh biscuit dough when reheating.