Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
Few dishes capture the spirit of old-fashioned home cooking like chicken and dumplings. It’s hearty, soothing, and deeply satisfying — the kind of recipe that generations of families have gathered around the table to enjoy. Traditionally, chicken and dumplings might be made in a large pot on the stove, with rich broth simmering for hours and fluffy dumplings dropped in by hand. But today, with busy schedules and limited time, we can let the crock pot (slow cooker) do much of the heavy lifting while still delivering that same cozy, comforting flavor.
This recipe is designed to give you tender, juicy chicken, a creamy and flavorful broth, soft vegetables, and perfectly cooked dumplings — all with very little fuss.
Ingredients
For the chicken and broth:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix for more flavor)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on your broth)
2 tablespoons butter
For the dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into small cubes
¾ cup milk (plus more as needed)
(Shortcut option: Use one can of refrigerated biscuits or a tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough, cut into small pieces.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the base
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the crock pot. Scatter the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over the top. These aromatic vegetables will create the foundation for a flavorful broth.
Pour in the chicken broth and add both cans of cream of chicken soup. Stir gently so the soup mixes into the broth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Finally, add two tablespoons of butter on top for extra richness.
Step 2: Slow cook the chicken
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should become fork-tender and easy to shred, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot. Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy broth so everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Make the dumplings
While the chicken mixture continues to simmer, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until a soft dough forms. It should be moist but not overly sticky.
If you’re using the biscuit shortcut, simply cut the refrigerated dough into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Cook the dumplings
Turn the crock pot to high if it isn’t already. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (or biscuit pieces) directly on top of the hot chicken mixture. Try to space them evenly. Cover the crock pot again and cook for 30–60 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and cook through in the steam created by the broth.
To test doneness, insert a toothpick into one dumpling; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Step 6: Final touches
Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir once to thicken the broth slightly, but avoid breaking the dumplings apart. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
Use thighs for flavor: Chicken thighs stay juicier and add richness to the broth compared to chicken breasts.
Don’t lift the lid too often: Each time you lift the crock pot lid, steam escapes, which can slow the cooking of the dumplings. Try to check them only once or twice near the end.
Creamy consistency: If you prefer an even creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
Veggie variations: You can add peas, corn, or even green beans in the last 30 minutes for extra flavor and color.
Thicker broth: If you like a thicker base, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crock pot about 20 minutes before serving.
Shortcut Version
If you’re short on time or prefer simplicity:
Use canned biscuit dough for dumplings.
Buy pre-chopped mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion mix).
Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw; simply stir it in during the last hour.
This can cut down prep time while still giving you a delicious, comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and dumplings is filling enough to stand alone, but you can round out the meal with:
A crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
Fresh bread or rolls (though the dumplings are already bready and hearty).
A light dessert like fruit salad or lemon bars to finish the meal on a refreshing note.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dumplings may soften, but the flavor deepens over time.
Freezer: Freeze only the chicken mixture without dumplings. Dumplings don’t freeze well as they become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk if the mixture thickens too much.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is beloved because it combines ease of preparation with the comfort of tradition. The crock pot creates a deeply flavorful broth as the chicken and vegetables simmer slowly, and the dumplings soak up that rich base. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and homestyle cooking — without spending hours over a stove.
Conclusion
Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe — it’s a reminder of the kind of meals that bring people together. Simple, warm, and hearty, it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you can serve a dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare, while leaving you free to focus on family, friends, or simply relaxing.
