The Ultimate Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Comfort
Imagine a delicious, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. That’s exactly what you get with this quick and easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe! It’s the quintessential comfort food, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. We combine tender chicken breasts, creamy canned soups, and a vibrant medley of frozen vegetables to create a rich, savory base. Then, fluffy, homemade dumplings are added, transforming it into a meal that truly embodies comfort food at its finest.
Crockpot dinners are a lifesaver for those busy days when you crave a flavorful, filling meal but simply don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.
The Magic of Slow Cooking Chicken and Dumplings
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe epitomizes the “set it and forget it” philosophy. A truly great slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe should be quick to prep, incredibly easy to make, and ultimately, bursting with delicious flavor. Our version achieves just that, with minimal active preparation time and simple ingredients that come together to create a creamy, perfectly cooked comfort meal that your entire family will absolutely adore.
By harnessing the power of the crockpot, we’ve significantly reduced the active cooking time in this recipe to less than 5 minutes. This means more time for you and less stress in the kitchen, without compromising on taste or quality. The slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deep, rich gravy that coats every piece of tender chicken and every fluffy dumpling.
RELATED: We love using the slow cooker for effortless meals! Don’t miss our equally delightful crockpot mac and cheese too for another family favorite!
Expert Cooking Tips & Delicious Variations
Achieving the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is easy with a few simple tips and optional variations to suit your taste:
Soup Base and Flavor Enhancements
- This recipe conveniently utilizes cream of chicken and cream of bacon soups for its rich, flavorful gravy. These canned soups are fantastic time-savers, delivering a creamy texture and savory depth without extra effort.
- **Homemade Alternative:** If you prefer a completely homemade touch, you can certainly make your own condensed cream of chicken soup. This condensed cream of chicken soup recipe is a great starting point. You could also experiment with other cream-based soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a subtle flavor variation.
- **Adding Herbs:** Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a touch of parsley can elevate the flavor profile. Add them with the initial chicken and soup mixture.
Dumpling Perfection: Homemade or Easy Alternative
- While our recipe features delicious, fluffy dumplings made from scratch, we understand that sometimes you need an even quicker solution. A can of refrigerated biscuit dough (the flakey kind works wonderfully) cut into quarters or torn into pieces can be a fantastic shortcut for effortless dumplings. Simply drop them into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- **Tips for Homemade Dumplings:** Ensure your butter is very cold and cut it into the flour mixture quickly to prevent it from melting, which helps create light, tender dumplings. Don’t overmix the dough.
Vegetable and Protein Flexibility
- We save time on vegetable prep by using a convenient medley of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans). This blend adds color, texture, and nutrients without any chopping.
- **Fresh Vegetable Options:** If you prefer fresh, feel free to add diced onions, celery, or even small potato cubes at the beginning of the cooking process. Broccoli florets or fresh spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes.
- **Chicken Choices:** While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here for lean protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even richer, more succulent flavor. Simply adjust shredding accordingly.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- You can easily prepare the chicken and gravy base of this recipe ahead of time. Just don’t add the dumplings until you’re ready to serve. Store the cooked chicken mixture in the crockpot insert (or an airtight container) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- **Reheating:** When ready to cook, return the crockpot insert to the slow cooker and heat on the high setting until it’s simmering and thoroughly warmed through. Once heated, proceed with the dumpling instructions as outlined in the recipe.
- **Freezing:** For longer storage, the chicken and gravy mixture (without dumplings) freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh dumplings.
ANOTHER RECIPE YOU MIGHT LIKE: If you love hands-off cooking, our Crockpot Lasagna is another must-try!
Ingredients Spotlight: What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a truly satisfying meal. This recipe uses a thoughtful combination of pantry staples and fresh components to build incredible flavor and texture.
Main Crockpot Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: These become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, easily shredding to blend into the creamy sauce.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: A classic base that provides rich, creamy body and savory chicken flavor to the gravy.
- 1 can cream of bacon soup: This adds a unique depth of smoky, savory flavor, distinguishing this recipe from typical chicken and dumplings.
- 2 cups chicken broth or water: Thins the soup base to the perfect consistency for slow cooking and flavor distribution. Broth adds more richness.
- 2-3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and beans): A convenient way to add essential nutrients, color, and texture. No chopping required!
For the Fluffy Dumplings
These homemade dumplings are surprisingly simple and yield a wonderfully light texture that soaks up all the delicious gravy.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for light and tender dumplings.
- 2 Tablespoons sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes and aids in browning.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift, ensuring the dumplings are soft and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra leavening and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dumpling dough.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Cut into the dry ingredients, cold butter creates pockets of steam for flakey, tender dumplings.
- 1 cup milk or cream: Adds moisture and richness to the dough. Cream will yield a richer dumpling.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience even smoother:
- Crockpot (5-6 quart recommended): The star of this recipe, essential for slow cooking.
- Crockpot liners: Makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Ladle or large spoon: For serving your delicious meal.
- Two forks: For easily shredding the cooked chicken.
- Large mixing bowl: For preparing the dumpling dough.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Step-by-Step Guide
This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food – creamy, hearty, and unbelievably delicious, with a gravy that truly is to-die-for. It offers the perfect balance of protein and vegetables, all made simple in one pot.
Preparing the Chicken Base
- Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures even cooking.
- Mix Liquids: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of bacon soup, and chicken broth (or water). Whisk them together until smooth.
- Pour Over Chicken: Carefully pour the soup and broth mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on LOW for 6-8 hours if you prefer to set it in the morning.
- Shred Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, gently shred the cooked chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. They should be very tender and fall apart easily.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables until they are well combined with the chicken and gravy.
Making and Adding the Dumplings
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: While the chicken and vegetables are heating, place the lid back on the crockpot to keep it warm. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form Dough: Stir in the buttermilk until a wet dough just begins to form. Then, add the egg and milk or cream, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough dumplings. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Drop Dumplings: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop approximately 2 Tablespoon-sized lumps of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering chicken mixture in the crockpot. Space them out slightly.
- Final Cook: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional hour on HIGH. The dumplings will steam and cook through, becoming wonderfully light and fluffy. Do not lift the lid during this final hour to ensure proper steaming.
Serving and Enjoying Your Comfort Meal
Once the dumplings are cooked through, your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is ready to be served! This dish is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. For an extra touch, you can garnish individual servings with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this comforting dish:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can! If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken), shred it and add it along with the frozen vegetables during step 5. This will reduce the initial cooking time for the chicken base to about 1-2 hours on HIGH, just enough for the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through before adding dumplings.
- What if my gravy is too thin or too thick? If your gravy is too thin, you can try mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the hot mixture in the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking (before adding dumplings, or just after adding them if they’re already in) and stir until thickened. If it’s too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- My dumplings turned out dense. What went wrong? Overmixing the dumpling dough is a common culprit for dense dumplings. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active. Not lifting the lid during the final hour of cooking is also crucial for proper steaming and fluffiness.
- Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings? While the chicken and gravy base freezes well, cooked dumplings can sometimes become a bit mushy or change texture upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the chicken and gravy mixture *without* the dumplings. Thaw, reheat, and then prepare fresh dumplings as directed for the best results.
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, you’ll want to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and add them at the very beginning with the chicken and soup mixture so they have ample time to soften in the slow cooker.
More Irresistible Crockpot Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of slow cooker meals, we have plenty more to inspire you:
- For more tasty crockpot dinner ideas, you’ll want to check out this Healthy Vegetable Soup– loaded with chickpeas and quinoa. This soup is packed with healthy ingredients that will fill you up and keep you warm!
- This versatile dumpling recipe is a personal favorite – I use the exact same dough to make country-style biscuits (like I served with my Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie) and my incredible 10-minute Cinnamon Buns. In fact, you could double the recipe and use half for savory dumplings and half for sweet cinnamon buns – dinner and dessert, done!
- A recipe I have bookmarked to try is this delicious looking Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore on Foodie Crush – perfect for another easy weeknight meal.
- Another alternative crockpot recipe that’s a consistent crowd-pleaser is this Crock Pot Roast Beef – it’s one of the most popular recipes on this blog for a very good reason!
- Be sure to also try our Crockpot Sticky Chicken and our Crockpot White Chicken Chili for some other fantastic slow cooker chicken meals that offer different flavor profiles.
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of bacon soup
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corns and beans
For the dumplings:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
Things You’ll Need
-
5-6 qt Crockpot
-
Crockpot liners
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Ladle
Before You Begin
- If you prefer a homemade version, you can try this condensed cream of chicken soup recipe.
- While we chose to make our dumplings from scratch, you can use a can of refrigerated biscuit dough instead for even less work in the kitchen.
- You can make this recipe ahead, just don’t add the dumplings. Store it in the crockpot in the refrigerator, then put the crock back into the slow cooker to heat it back up on the high setting. Once the dish has heated back up, continue with the dumpling instructions.
Instructions
-
Place the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
-
Combine the cream of chicken, cream of bacon and broth and pour over the chicken.
-
Cook on high for 3 hours.
-
Remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks.
-
Stir in the frozen vegetables.
-
Place the lid back on and start whipping up the dumplings.
-
Stir the dry ingredients together, and cut in the butter until coarse and crumbly.
-
Stir in the buttermilk until a wet dough forms and add the egg and milk or cream. Drop 2 Tablespoon-sized lumps into the crockpot.
-
Cover and cook for an additional hour.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on Jan 8, 2018, and has been updated and expanded for clarity and comprehensive information.