Introduction

Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is the definition of classic comfort food made easy. This slow cooker favorite delivers tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth—all with minimal hands-on effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold-weather dinners, or make-ahead family meals, this dish combines old-fashioned flavor with modern convenience.

What Is Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings?

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is a slow cooker adaptation of the traditional Southern dish. Instead of cooking on the stovetop, chicken simmers gently for hours in a seasoned broth, creating a deeply flavorful base. Dumplings—made from biscuit dough or scratch dumpling batter—are added near the end, steaming until soft and pillowy.

The result is a hearty, creamy meal that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

True set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal
Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
Family-approved comfort food

Excellent for meal prep and leftovers
Strong seasonal demand during fall and winter

Chicken and dumplings consistently ranks among top slow cooker searches, making this recipe a strong evergreen traffic driver.

Ingredients Overview

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables & Aromatics

Onion
Carrots

Celery
Garlic

Liquid Base

Chicken broth

Cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
Milk or heavy cream

Seasonings

Salt

Black pepper
Poultry seasoning or thyme
Bay leaf (optional)

Dumplings

Refrigerated biscuit dough (most common)
OR homemade dumpling dough

How to Make Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasonings.

Step 2: Add Liquids

Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir gently to combine without breaking the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Dumplings

Cut biscuit dough into small pieces and gently stir into the hot broth. Cover and cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in milk or cream to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Use chicken thighs for extra richness

Cut dumplings evenly for consistent cooking
Do not over-stir after adding dumplings
Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook

Let the dish rest briefly before serving to thicken

Dumpling Options Explained

Biscuit Dough Dumplings

Soft, fluffy, and foolproof. Ideal for beginners.

Homemade Dumplings

More traditional texture using flour, baking powder, milk, and butter.

Flat-Style Dumplings

Rolled and sliced dough for a more old-fashioned Southern result.

Popular Variations

Creamy Chicken & Dumplings

Add extra cream or a splash of half-and-half.

Herbed Chicken & Dumplings

Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley.

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add peas, green beans, or corn near the end.

Healthier Version

Use low-sodium broth, reduced-fat soup, and extra vegetables.

Biscuit-Free Dumplings

Use homemade dumpling dough for cleaner ingredients.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-Ahead

Prepare the chicken base ahead of time. Add dumplings just before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze without dumplings for best texture. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Simple green salad
Steamed green beans
Roasted vegetables

Crusty bread or rolls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding dumplings too early
Overcrowding the slow cooker

Cooking on high for too long
Using frozen biscuit dough

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken and dumplings on high?
Yes, but low heat produces more tender chicken.

Why are my dumplings gummy?
Over-stirring or undercooking can cause gumminess.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add it near the end since it is already cooked.

Nutrition Notes

Chicken & dumplings is a filling comfort dish. Portion control and lean protein can help balance calories.

Why This Recipe Performs Well for SEO

High-volume slow cooker keywords
Comfort food search demand
Strong family and seasonal appeal

Clear, scannable structure

Conclusion

Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is a timeless comfort food that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, this slow cooker classic is perfect for busy families, cozy weekends, and make-ahead meals. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the stew:
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (added at end)
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas

For the dumplings:
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried parsley or dill
• 2 tbsp cold butter, grated
• ½ cup whole milk

Instructions

Place chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.

Remove chicken; shred with forks. Return to pot. Stir in heavy cream and peas (if using).
Make dumplings: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until just combined (do not overmix—lumpy is fine!).
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto simmering stew (use HIGH setting).

Cover and cook on HIGH 30–35 min—do not lift lid! Dumplings will puff and set.
Rest 5 min before serving.