Ultimate Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of chicken and dumplings — warm, creamy, and comforting in every spoonful. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s effortless to prepare, yet packed with flavor and that homemade feel we all crave. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth, topped with fluffy, biscuit-style dumplings that soak up every bit of goodness.

Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want a cozy meal to curl up with, this dish delivers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get dinner on the table with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. You’ll love how easy this is — and trust me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the hearty chicken and flavorful broth, we use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced onion, minced garlic, and a medley of veggies like carrots and celery to build layers of flavor. Chicken broth combined with cream of chicken soup creates that signature creamy base. Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf, plus a bit of butter, add richness and depth.

The dumplings are simply refrigerated biscuit dough — yes, you read that right! This shortcut means you can skip the fuss of making dough from scratch, but I’ll share tips for homemade dumplings too if you want to take it up a notch.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cook the Chicken and Broth
Start by tossing the chicken, broth, cream of chicken soup, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and butter into your slow cooker. The butter is a game-changer here — it melts slowly, giving the broth a silky richness that makes every bite comforting. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and falling apart.

Once cooked, remove the bay leaf (don’t forget this step — it’s like the secret ingredient that disappears!) and shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks. This keeps all those wonderful juices right in the pot.

Add the Dumplings
Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into roughly 1-inch pieces. Tossing them lightly in flour prevents sticking, making it easier to separate the dumplings as they cook. Gently drop the pieces into the crockpot, spreading them evenly over the top of the broth and chicken mixture.

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about an hour, stirring occasionally to keep the dumplings from sticking to the bottom. When done, the dumplings will be soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked through — a true highlight of the dish!

Serving and Garnishing
Ladle out generous portions of the creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish. If you like, a little cracked black pepper on top adds a mild kick and extra aroma. Serve warm and watch everyone dive in!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Choose your chicken wisely. Boneless, skinless thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy, but breasts work perfectly fine if you prefer leaner meat. Either way, slow cooking will make them tender.
• Boost your veggies! Carrots and celery are classic, but feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last hour of cooking for a colorful nutrient boost.
• Thicken the broth. If you prefer a richer, thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in before adding the dumplings. This simple trick makes the sauce luxuriously thick without any extra fuss.
• Go homemade with dumplings. For a traditional touch, you can swap out the biscuit dough for homemade dumplings made with flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. It takes a bit more effort but yields incredible fluffy, buttery dumplings.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth for a subtle, warming heat.
• Make it dairy-free. Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and swap cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk soup or a homemade blend.

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Storage and Reheating

This dish is even better the next day when the flavors have melded beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if it thickened too much.

If you want to freeze, do so before adding dumplings — freeze the chicken and broth mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and add fresh dumplings before cooking again.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and dumplings on their own are hearty and satisfying, but you can easily round out the meal with a fresh side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables. Warm biscuits or crusty bread also make a great accompaniment to soak up the luscious broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Just add pre-cooked shredded chicken in the last hour to heat through, cutting your cooking time way down.
• How do I prevent soggy dumplings? Avoid stirring too much once the dumplings are added, and try cooking uncovered for the last 15 minutes to help them set up nicely.
• What if I only have frozen chicken? No problem. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Pressure cook the broth and chicken on high for 10 minutes, then add dumplings and cook on high for an additional 5 minutes.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe hits all the marks for a classic comfort food: creamy, tender, and packed with flavor — all without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that suits busy families and beginner cooks alike. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again, especially on chilly evenings when you want nothing more than a warm bowl of home-cooked goodness.

Give it a try, and enjoy the simple joy of a slow cooker meal that tastes like it took all day, but really didn’t!