Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings You’ll Love

1. How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
2. 3 Tips for Success
3. Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
4. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Tips and Notes
5. More Amazing Chicken Recipes You Should Try!
6. Common Questions
7. The Easiest Way to Win Dinner (Seriously… Make This!)

If crockpot chicken and dumplings has ever crossed your mind when you need dinner on a busy night, you’re not alone. Picture this: you roll in at 6 p.m., tired, hungry, and if your house is anything like mine, someone’s already asked “What’s for dinner?” (Twice.) My easy trick? I let my slow cooker do the heavy lifting. There’s zero fuss, and the house smells like pure comfort food heaven. If you’re after even more cozy meal ideas, check out this spot-on best crockpot chicken breast easy delicious recipe or maybe the all-time favorite chicken bacon ranch wrap recipe if you want something quick in a wrap. Alright… let’s get to dumplings.

 

How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Honestly, this is one of those dinners you just set and forget—almost. I throw in boneless chicken breasts (thighs work too, less fancy, just as tasty), cover with the creamy stuff (yes, canned soup if I’m not up for homemade, judge away), then a scattering of chopped carrots and celery for good measure. Let it blip away all day. When my stomach’s rumbling and the chicken’s fall-apart tender, that’s when the magic happens.

Now, about those dumplings. Store-bought biscuit dough is my savior (always), but if I’ve got extra energy—very rare—I’ll toss together simple flour and milk ones. Rip up your dough, plop it in near the end, and resist the urge to keep peeking. The steam works wonders. You’ll end up with fluffy dumplings, tender chicken, and a sauce so good you’ll want to mop it up with a piece of sandwich bread. Seriously, it’ll make your weeknight feel like Sunday at Grandma’s.

3 Tips for Success

Here are my go-to tips for making this come out better than you ever thought a crockpot recipe could:

1. Don’t overcook your dumplings! They go in for just an hour at most. Otherwise, you get gummy globs rather than pillowy coziness.
2. Go easy on the stirring. Trust me, hands off gives you the fluffiest dumplings.
3. Shred the chicken inside the pot for extra flavor—use two forks, and voilà, no mess.

 

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

For this dish to taste five-star—okay, slight exaggeration but you get the idea—keep it simple. I grab boneless chicken breasts or thighs (sometimes both, why not?), carrots, celery, onions if I’m feeling bold, two cans of cream of chicken soup (cream of celery soup works too), a splash of chicken broth, some seasoning salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. For the dumplings, those trusty refrigerated biscuits are honestly fine. Nobody’s going to know unless you spill the beans. I’ve made it with homemade dumpling dough when I’m being overachiever-y, but the flavor difference? Hmm… not too wild honestly.

Every cupboard has these right? Maybe the biscuit stuff is a stretch, but honestly, no one is baking from scratch on a Wednesday—at least not in my kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Tips and Notes

Okay, real talk. Not every slow cooker is alike. My old one ran super hot, so I had to keep a closer eye on things. I always, always check at the four-hour mark if I’m around. Set it on low if you’re working all day (don’t burn the bottom—I’ve done this, it’s tragic). The dumplings love a steamy environment, so keep the lid snug once they’re in. If you ignore that and peek, you’re risking doughy puddles (ouch). Some folks add peas at the end for a pop of color—totally optional. My mom thinks it’s criminal to skip, but… my kids fish them out anyway.

Taste your gravy before serving. Salt and pepper do amazing things here. One time I forgot—let’s just say everyone reached for the salt shaker (oops). Chicken and dumplings also reheat surprisingly well. I’m always relieved when leftovers taste almost as good the next day.

“We tried this crockpot chicken and dumplings for a family Sunday. Let’s just say, the kids actually asked for seconds. My husband claimed it beat his grandma’s—now that’s high praise!” — Jess from Georgia

More Amazing Chicken Recipes You Should Try!

If chicken’s a weeknight hero at your place, you’re in luck. I’m always cycling through dishes to keep things interesting. You honestly can’t go wrong with the easy bacon brown sugar chicken tenders best 4-ingredient recipe for pure sticky-sweet goodness. Feeling wrap-happy? Check out the mcdonalds chicken wrap recipe—trust me, tastes even better homemade. And don’t even get me started on simple grilled or baked stuff. Sometimes classic is best… unless it’s Friday, then takeout wins.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Eh, technically yes, but I really don’t recommend it. The texture just goes a bit weird, and it messes with cooking times.

How long do the dumplings need to cook?

Once you drop ’em in, give them just under an hour on high. Check at 35-40 minutes. If they’re solid and puffy, you’re golden.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If it’s too thin, mix a spoonful of cornstarch with cold water, stir in gently, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Works like a charm.

Which veggies go best with this?

Carrots, celery, sometimes corn or peas if you’re feeling wild… but honestly, whatever you’ve got in your fridge drawer will probably work.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! Do everything except the dumplings—add those when you reheat, so they’re not all soggy.

The Easiest Way to Win Dinner (Seriously… Make This!)

So there you have it. Crockpot chicken and dumplings really does check every box – easy, comforting, and way tastier than takeout (at least around here). Dump it all in, take nap, impress your people. If you’re looking for more ideas, don’t forget to see Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Spend With Pennies or mix it up with my favorite chicken recipes for variety. Let me know if you give this a try – or, you know, if your family claims it’s better than Grandma’s (don’t tell her I said that).

 

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