Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings into one easy-to-make dish. This hearty meal is perfect for those cozy nights when you want something warm, filling, and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you toss everything into the Crockpot and let it do the hard work, so you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, while the dumplings become pillowy soft, soaking up the delicious flavors of the chicken and broth. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing ahead for busy weekdays, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is sure to become a new favorite. It’s easy to customize with your preferred vegetables and seasonings, making it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: The Crockpot does all the work, making it a perfect recipe for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook.
Comforting and Hearty: It’s the ultimate cozy meal with creamy broth, tender chicken, and light, fluffy dumplings.
Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even seasonings to make this dish your own.
Great for Leftovers: The dish holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add potatoes, peas, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Use Biscuits for Dumplings: You can substitute biscuit dough for the homemade dumplings for a quicker version of the recipe.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top of the chicken.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Cream

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the Crockpot, making sure everything is well covered. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir everything together.

Step 5: Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in milk and melted butter to form a dough. Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the Crockpot and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dumplings are puffed up and fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the creamy chicken and dumplings hot. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use bone-in chicken: For even more flavor, use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. They will add richness to the broth.
Don’t lift the lid: Avoid lifting the Crockpot lid while the dumplings are cooking, as it can release heat and affect the cooking time.
Thicken the soup: If the broth is too thin, you can add a slurry of flour and water to thicken it up before adding the dumplings.
Dumpling texture: If you prefer denser dumplings, you can adjust the amount of flour or baking powder to suit your taste.

How to Serve

As a One-Pot Meal: Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings as a complete meal on its own, perfect for a cozy dinner.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to 3 months. However, the dumplings may lose some of their texture when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and dumplings on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to loosen the mixture if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to add an extra hour of cooking time if needed.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use turkey or even beef stew meat instead of chicken, though the cooking times may vary.

3. Can I make this recipe without dumplings?

Absolutely! You can make a chicken and vegetable soup without the dumplings if you prefer a lighter version.

4. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?

Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth, but be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

5. Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, you can omit the cream for a lighter version or substitute it with milk or a dairy-free alternative.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe, but you may need a larger Crockpot and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

7. How do I make the dumplings fluffier?

To make fluffier dumplings, be careful not to overmix the dough. Gently stir in the milk and butter until just combined.

8. Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use biscuit dough from a can as a shortcut. Just drop spoonfuls into the slow cooker and cook as directed.

9. Can I add potatoes to the recipe?

Yes, you can add diced potatoes to the Crockpot along with the other vegetables for added heartiness.

10. What should I do if the dumplings aren’t cooking properly?

If the dumplings aren’t cooking, you can try increasing the heat to high and cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for leftovers, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate feel-good meal.