- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Optional
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for serving
- A splash of heavy cream for an extra-rich finish
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe.
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice if you prefer darker meat. They stay especially tender during slow cooking.
You can also use boneless chicken breasts.
Vegetables
Add more vegetables if you like. Frozen peas are one of my favorite additions.
You could also add:
- Corn
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Extra carrots
- Diced potatoes
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of mushroom soup can work in a pinch, although it will give the finished dish a slightly different flavor.
Herbs
Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll generally need more fresh herbs to get the same flavor.
Dumplings
For an even quicker version, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used instead of homemade dumplings. Simply cut or tear the biscuits into smaller pieces before adding them.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Now comes the good part!
Step 1: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic around and over the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Broth
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until reasonably smooth.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, sage, salt, and black pepper.
Give everything a gentle stir.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 6–7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
You can also cook it on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, but LOW is my preference for the most tender chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or cutting board.
Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy broth.
Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken is finishing, prepare the dumplings.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk and melted butter.
Stir just until a soft dough forms.
Don't overmix! A few little lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top of the hot chicken mixture.
Try to space them out rather than piling all the dough into one spot.
Cover the slow cooker.
Step 7: Cook Until Fluffy
Cook on HIGH for approximately 45–60 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
Keep the lid closed as much as possible while the dumplings cook. Every time you lift that lid, heat escapes—and we want those dumplings steaming!
If you're adding frozen peas, stir them into the chicken mixture shortly before adding the dumplings.
Step 8: Serve
Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Spoon the chicken, vegetables, creamy broth, and dumplings into bowls.
Then dig in!
What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings
Honestly, this meal is hearty enough to stand on its own.
But if you want to add a little something alongside it, try:
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread
Because the dish is already rich and filling, I like serving it with something fresh or green.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Don't Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can become dry if cooked for too long, so begin checking them toward the end of the recommended cooking time.
Keep the Lid Closed
This is especially important once you add the dumplings. They need the trapped steam to cook properly.
Don't Overmix the Dumpling Dough
Overmixing can make dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.
Mix just until the ingredients come together.
Don't Make the Dumplings Too Large
Large dumplings can look cooked on the outside while remaining doughy in the center.
Use moderate-sized spoonfuls.
Give the Dumplings Room
Try to distribute the dough across the surface rather than stacking dumplings on top of one another.
Use Thighs for Extra Tenderness
If you want especially juicy chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic choice.
Check the Dumplings Before Serving
Cut one dumpling open in the center. It should be fluffy and cooked through, not wet or doughy.
Can You Make Chicken and Dumplings Ahead?
Yes!
The chicken and creamy broth can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
For the best dumpling texture, however, I recommend making the dumplings fresh when you're ready to finish the dish. Dumplings tend to lose some of their fluffy texture after refrigeration.
How to Store Leftover Chicken and Dumplings
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
They should generally be enjoyed within 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
You can freeze the chicken and broth portion, but the dumplings may become softer or slightly gummy after thawing.
For the best results, freeze the chicken mixture without the dumplings and make fresh dumplings when reheating.
General Recipe Information
Prep time: 20 minutes
Slow cooking time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Dumpling cooking time: 45–60 minutes
Total time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: American comfort food
Category: Slow Cooker Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food-safety reasons, I recommend starting with thawed chicken rather than putting frozen chicken directly into a slow cooker.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe and tend to stay especially tender.
Why are my dumplings still doughy?
The most common reasons are that the dumplings are too large, the slow cooker isn't hot enough, or the lid was opened repeatedly while they were cooking.
Keep the lid closed and give the dumplings enough time to steam through.
Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes! This is a great shortcut. Cut or tear the biscuit dough into smaller pieces before placing it over the chicken mixture.
Can I add peas?
Definitely. Frozen peas are an easy way to add color and a little sweetness.
Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Yes. You can make a homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. If you're using already-cooked chicken, reduce the initial cooking time considerably. The chicken mainly needs to warm through and absorb the flavors before you add the dumplings.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They should look puffed and feel cooked through. Cut one in half to check the center—it should no longer look wet or raw.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Regular Dinner Rotation
There are recipes you make because they're impressive.
And then there are recipes you make because they make life easier.
This one is both.
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is warm, filling, comforting, and incredibly satisfying without requiring you to spend hours standing over the stove.
It's the kind of dinner that works for a busy weekday, a lazy Sunday, or one of those evenings when everyone needs a little comfort in a bowl.
And once you make it, don't be surprised if your family starts requesting it regularly!
More Cozy Chicken Recipes to Try
If you're building a collection of easy comfort-food dinners, add these to your list:
- Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
- Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
- Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Old-Fashioned Chicken Casserole
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you made this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, I would love to hear how it turned out!
Leave a review below and tell me whether you used chicken breasts or thighs, and don't forget to share your photos on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this cozy recipe, too.
And if your kitchen smelled absolutely amazing while those dumplings were cooking… tell me I'm not the only one who keeps wandering back to the Crock Pot just to peek!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving will vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Estimated per serving:
Calories: 430
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
This nutritional information is an estimate and should be calculated with the exact ingredients and brands used.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a wonderfully comforting Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings that's simple enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for Sunday dinner.
Tender chicken, creamy savory broth, sweet vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all come together in one slow cooker.
It's warm.
It's hearty.
It's comforting.
And best of all, you don't have to fuss over it all day.
So grab your Crock Pot, get those ingredients together, and let dinner practically make itself.
Trust me—the smell when this is in the slow cooker is incredible!!
