If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a big cozy hug, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is exactly what you need. Slow cooking tender chicken with fluffy homemade dumplings creates a perfect combination of textures and flavors, turning simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this easy dish will quickly become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set and forget convenience: Simply add your ingredients to the crockpot, and come back to a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Comfort food at its best: Creamy chicken paired with soft, pillowy dumplings offers a classic cozy dinner experience.
Family-friendly appeal: Both kids and adults love the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, making it perfect for any crowd.
Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses pantry staples and affordable cuts of chicken, delivering big flavor without breaking the bank.
Flexible for customization: You can easily adjust seasonings or add veggies to fit your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is in its simplicity with key ingredients that create rich taste, satisfying textures, and inviting color. Each item plays a special role in bringing this comfort meal to life.

Chicken thighs: Offer tender, juicy meat that holds up well during slow cooking.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the base of the stew.
Carrots and celery: Provide a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture contrast.
Yellow onion: Gives an aromatic foundation that enhances the overall dish.
Bisquick or biscuit mix: Creates the fluffy dumplings with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Milk: Moistens the dumpling dough and enriches the broth.
Butter: Adds creaminess and a hint of indulgence to the dumplings.
Herbs (thyme, parsley): Fresh or dried herbs brighten and elevate the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and bring out all the flavors.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

One of the best parts of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste buds, dietary needs, or what you have on hand—there are so many tasty directions you can take!

Vegetable boost: Add peas, green beans, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
Spice it up: Incorporate some cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix for equally delicious dumplings without the gluten.
Herbal twist: Experiment with rosemary or sage for a different herb layer.
Cheesy dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into your dumpling dough for indulgence.

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the chicken and vegetables

Start by trimming excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting your carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. This preps the ingredients for even cooking and builds the stew’s flavor base.

Step 2: Layer in the crockpot

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot, then add carrots, celery, and onion. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Set the crockpot to low and let it slow cook for about 6 hours.

Step 3: Mix and add the dumplings

About 30 minutes before serving, prepare your dumpling dough by mixing biscuit mix, milk, melted butter, and any optional add-ins like cheese or herbs. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering chicken stew in the crockpot.

Step 4: Finish cooking and serve

Cover and continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes to allow dumplings to puff up and cook through. Once fluffy and tender, serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Use bone-in chicken thighs: They add richer flavor and keep the meat moist during long cooking.
Don’t lift the lid often: Avoid opening the crockpot while cooking to maintain temperature and cooking time.
Dumpling size matters: Make your dumplings small to medium-sized for even cooking without gummy centers.
Stir gently after adding dumplings: This helps evenly distribute them without breaking their shape.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and add a pinch more salt or pepper as needed.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens up the rich stew.

Side Dishes

For well-rounded comfort, pair the meal with a crisp green salad, crusty bread for dipping, or steamed green beans to bring balance and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in rustic bowls with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings to cool completely before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days while maintaining flavor and texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat uncovered in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive the dumplings’ fluffy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the stew thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily during slow cooking, so keep an eye on cooking time, or add them later in the process to maintain tenderness.

Do I have to make dumplings from scratch?

No, you can use pre-made biscuit dough or store-bought dumpling mixes; however, homemade dumplings usually yield the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower.

How do I prevent dumplings from becoming soggy?

Drop dumplings onto gently simmering stew and cook them uncovered or lightly covered to allow steam to escape, maintaining their fluffiness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It makes great leftovers that reheat well for lunch or dinner, offering a quick, comforting meal with minimal effort during busy days.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. It delivers simplicity, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a wonderful dish to add to your slow cooker rotation. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a meal that warms both heart and home!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Print Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a warm, hearty, and comforting slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with vegetables in a savory broth, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, it combines simplicity and rich flavors into a soul-satisfying dish loved by the entire family.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free biscuit mix)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Stew

4–6 bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Dumplings

2 cups Bisquick or biscuit mix (can substitute gluten-free biscuit mix)
2/3 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: additional herbs such as rosemary or sage

Instructions

Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and create a flavorful base.
Layer in the crockpot: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot, then add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Set the crockpot to low and cook for about 6 hours.
Mix and add the dumplings: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, combine the biscuit mix, milk, melted butter, and any optional ingredients like shredded cheese or extra herbs to make the dumpling dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering stew in the crockpot.
Finish cooking and serve: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for another 30 minutes, allowing the dumplings to puff up and cook through. Once the dumplings are fluffy and tender, serve immediately.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and moist meat.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and proper cooking time.
Make dumplings small to medium-sized for even cooking without gummy centers.
Gently stir the dumplings after adding them to distribute evenly without breaking them.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end, tasting before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken, chicken and dumplings, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, homemade dumplings, crockpot stew