There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings that beckons you home, especially on a chilly evening. The enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, the rich and creamy broth enveloping tender chicken pieces, and pillowy dumplings making it a hearty meal — it’s a perfect dish to warm your soul. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this one-pot wonder is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Reasons to Adore Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the type of meal that brings families together around the dinner table, with smiles all around as everyone digs in. This beloved dish combines the simplicity of slow cooking with the heartiness of a homemade favorite. Here’s why you’ll love making and sharing this dish:
- Easy prep and minimal cleanup
- Inviting, rich flavors
- Versatile and adaptable to your taste
- Perfect for chilly evenings or spontaneous gatherings
- A one-pot meal that serves the whole family
Gather These Ingredients
Getting ready for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple yet effective. Each component plays a role in creating a delicious, hearty bowl.
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits (for fluffy dumplings)
These ingredients come together to create a comforting meal, and you can always swap in turkey bacon for a lighter touch or even add extra herbs for a fresh flavor twist.
How to Prepare Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Creating your delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience. Follow these straightforward steps:
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Prep the slow cooker – Begin by spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
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Season the chicken – Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper for a flavorful base.
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Mix the soup base – In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and low-sodium chicken broth until well combined.
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Combine the chicken and soup – Pour the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the creamy goodness.
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Slow cook – Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for about 5 hours, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
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Shred the chicken – After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Return the chicken – Stir the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, blending it with the creamy sauce for a cohesive dish.
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Prepare the biscuits – Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into 8 bite-sized pieces to create delightful dumplings.
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Add the biscuits – Sprinkle the biscuit pieces over the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
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Final cook – Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on HIGH heat for about 1 hour until the biscuits are fluffy and golden.
When you serve this comforting dish, it’ll be a bowl full of joy.
- Prep time: ~20 minutes
- Cook time: ~5 hours on low, plus 1 hour on high
- Total time: ~6 hours and 20 minutes
- Servings: ~6
- Estimated Calories per serving: ~400
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
If you’re looking to save time, you can prep some components ahead of time. Chop your chicken and season it the night before, then store it covered in the refrigerator. The soup mixture can also be combined the night before and stored. When you’re ready to cook, simply add everything to the slow cooker and set it to low. This approach ensures minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Storing and Reheating
Leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to maintain the creaminess of the dish. Check for freshness by ensuring the dumplings remain fluffy and the chicken is tender.
Perfect Pairings
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a sumptuous main dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color
- Buttery cornbread for that extra bit of comfort
- Mashed potatoes to soak up any extra gravy
- A fruit salad for a light, sweet contrast
Variations and Swaps
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is wonderfully versatile, and you can tailor it to your taste. Here are a few suggestions:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Dumpling Variation: Try using homemade dumplings instead of store-bought for a personal touch.
- Creamy Upgrade: For a creamier texture, fold in a little heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- Protein Choices: Swap the chicken for ground turkey for a different lean protein texture, or use chicken sausage for a bit of spice.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking; the chicken should be tender but not mushy.
- Ensure biscuits are evenly spaced on top to cook all the way through.
- Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
Your Questions, Answered
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour of cooking time on low. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free biscuits and check the soup for gluten-free labeling. -
What if I want to thicken the soup?
You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. -
Is it possible to double the recipe?
You can absolutely double the recipe, just ensure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate everything! -
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Definitely! Homemade broth can add a richer flavor and is always a lovely option.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a dish; it’s a delicious hug in a bowl that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Perfect for busy days or special occasions, it effortlessly combines ease with delightful flavors that everyone can enjoy. So pull out your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and make this comforting classic soon — your family will thank you!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 340 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy broth with fluffy dumplings, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits (for fluffy dumplings)
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker by spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for about 5 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuits, separate them, and cut each biscuit into 8 pieces.
- Sprinkle the biscuit pieces over the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for about 1 hour until the biscuits are fluffy and golden.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly over low heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 320 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, dumplings, crock pot, slow cooker, comfort food




