If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that practically makes itself, then you’re going to love this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s everything you want in a cozy meal — tender chicken, creamy sauce, and those soft, fluffy dumplings on top. I promise this is one recipe that’ll have your family going crazy for seconds, and once you see how simple it is, you’ll never make chicken and dumplings any other way.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you all day.
Tender Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts turn out perfectly moist every time.
Fluffy Shortcut Dumplings: Using refrigerated biscuits makes dumplings easy to prepare, cutting down on time without sacrificing taste.
Family Favorite: My family begs for this meal repeatedly—it’s that good and comforting.

This image shows a close-up view of a creamy chicken and vegetable stew in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has one main thick layer made of a creamy light beige sauce with tender small chunks of white chicken mixed into it. Scattered throughout the layer are bright orange carrot cubes and light green peas, adding bursts of color and texture. A shiny metal spoon is partially visible within the stew, lifting some of the stew to show the thick texture. Small bits of green parsley are sprinkled on top, giving the dish a fresh appearance. The lighting highlights the creamy and smooth sauce, making the dish look rich and warm. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, slow cooker chicken stew, easy chicken and dumplings, comforting crockpot recipes, hearty chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each component contributes to that rich, creamy texture and savory flavor you crave on a chilly evening—plus, most of these ingredients are staples you might already have in your pantry.

Flat lay of a large diced white onion, four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with pale creamy celery soup, a small white ceramic bowl with pale creamy chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown poultry seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of thawed bright orange and green peas and carrots, and four raw buttermilk biscuit dough pieces unrolled and flattened, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, slow cooker chicken stew, easy chicken and dumplings, comforting crockpot recipes, hearty chicken dinner

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when slow-cooked with the chicken.
Condensed cream of celery soup: Provides a savory base that’s lighter and more aromatic than traditional cream of mushroom.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Thickens the sauce and gives it that creamy, comforting feel.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish—a simple but effective herb.
Poultry seasoning: This blend brings out the classic flavors you associate with chicken and dumplings.
Black pepper: Just a pinch to give the recipe a mild kick—it’s easy to customize to your taste.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook beautifully in the crock pot and shred easily if you want a chunkier texture.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from getting too salty while maintaining rich chicken flavor.
Frozen vegetables (or peas and carrots): Adds a bit of texture and a pop of color without extra effort.
Refrigerated biscuits: These are the star of the dumplings—using canned biscuits cuts down prep time significantly with fantastic results.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tailor it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs without losing any of that cozy goodness.

Using shredded chicken: I sometimes shred the chicken halfway through cooking to create a more rustic, stew-like texture that my kids adore.
Vegetable swaps: Swap frozen peas and carrots for green beans, corn, or even diced mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Herb variations: Adding thyme or rosemary instead of parsley gives a lovely earthy twist, especially if you’re serving it on a chilly winter night.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free biscuits to make this recipe work if you’re avoiding gluten—just be sure to check the biscuit brand’s cooking instructions.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Base

Start by placing your diced onion at the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot, which builds a flavorful foundation. Next, carefully nestle your boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the onions. This layering helps the chicken cook evenly and lets the onions soften beautifully during the long cook time.

Step 2: Mix and Add the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. This combo is where most of your flavor comes from, so give it a good mix. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts — don’t be shy, make sure every bit gets coated. Then pour the reduced sodium chicken broth over everything; this will keep the chicken moist and create the perfect silky sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crock pot with the lid, set it to high, and cook for about 5 hours. I usually let mine go for the full 5, but if you’re pressed for time, 4 hours works too. The slow cooking method is key for giving the chicken that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and infusing the sauce with all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings

About an hour before you want to eat (so after roughly 4 hours cooking), it’s time to get the dumplings going. Roll out each biscuit thinly and flatten it—this helps the dumplings cook fully and become tender. Then cut each flattened biscuit into four strips. It might feel like extra work, but trust me, those dumpling strips soak up all the goodness of the sauce and become irresistibly soft.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Cooking

Stir your frozen vegetables into the crock pot first—they’ll add color, texture, and freshness. Gently place the biscuit strips on top of the mixture. Try to put the lid back on as quickly as possible because the dumplings need steam to cook perfectly. Let it continue cooking for 60 to 90 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and tender. Patience here really pays off!

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Don’t Skip the Biscuit Rollout: Flattening your canned biscuits before cutting helps them cook through evenly and absorb that creamy sauce.
Use High Setting for Best Texture: Cooking on high heat ensures the chicken stays juicy and the sauce thickens properly in time for dinner.
Add Vegetables Before Dumplings: Stirring veggies in just before the dumplings keeps them from getting too mushy while still letting flavors meld.
Quick Lid Replacement: Putting the lid back promptly after adding dumplings traps steam, which is crucial for light, fluffy dumplings.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick, creamy chicken and vegetable stew, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has a base of pale creamy sauce with visible chunks of light shredded chicken, soft orange carrot pieces, bright green peas, yellow corn, and small bits of translucent onion, all mixed evenly. Small specks of green herbs are sprinkled on top for color and garnish. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same stew, slightly out of focus, and a blurred yellow bowl that appears to contain chopped green herbs. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, slow cooker chicken stew, easy chicken and dumplings, comforting crockpot recipes, hearty chicken dinner

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens everything up and adds a fresh pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I add a little cracked black pepper on top just before serving for a touch of spice and visual contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is quite hearty on its own, I like to keep the sides light and simple. A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully without overpowering the meal. Sometimes, I serve it with a slice of crusty bread to sop up that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special family meals, I serve this dish in individual ramekins or rustic bowls to show off the layers of dumplings and creamy sauce. Adding a small herb sprig or edible flower on top can elevate it for guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating, as the sauce thickens and flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with good success—just avoid freezing after adding the dumplings, since their texture can get a bit grainy. Freeze the chicken, broth, and veggies in portions, then add fresh biscuits when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power to prevent the sauce from breaking or drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water during reheating helps restore that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to stay even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but since thighs are a bit more forgiving, they’re often even easier for slow cooker recipes like this.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it turns out too runny?

If the sauce is too thin when you’re ready to serve, remove the lid and switch your crock pot to high or use the sauté function if your model has one. Let the sauce reduce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your liking.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch instead of using biscuits?

You can! While refrigerated biscuits save loads of time, feel free to use your favorite homemade dumpling dough. Just roll it out thinly and cut into strips as shown in the recipe to keep cooking times consistent.
Is it okay to add the dumplings at the start of cooking?

I don’t recommend it because the dumplings will become mushy and overcooked. Adding them in the last hour or so allows them to cook through just right, staying fluffy and tender without falling apart.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You can double it, but be careful not to overcrowd your crock pot. It’s worth making two batches if needed to ensure even cooking and maintain texture, especially for the dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comfort food at its finest with almost no fuss. I remember the first time I tried it—it was a game changer for busy weeknights when I wanted something warm and satisfying waiting for me. I really hope you give it a try soon because once you do, it’ll likely become one of your go-to comfort meals too. Trust me, your family will thank you!