The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy and Flavorful Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

There is perhaps no meal more deeply rooted in the concept of comfort than a warm, creamy bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. It’s a dish that instantly conjures memories of cozy evenings, snowy weather, and Grandma’s kitchen. But achieving that slow-simmered, rich flavor often required hours tethered to the stovetop. Until now. This recipe for Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings transforms this beloved classic into a dump-and-go masterpiece, relying on the magic of your slow cooker to deliver perfectly tender chicken and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings with minimal effort. Designed for the modern home cook, this recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, ensuring spectacular results every time. Whether you’re seeking a soul-satisfying weeknight dinner or preparing a comforting meal for a crowd, this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple.

Forget the stress of elaborate preparation. The beauty of utilizing the crock pot lies in its ability to marry flavors slowly, allowing the herbs, broth, and creamy soup base to penetrate the chicken deeply, resulting in an exceptionally rich gravy. And the dumplings? They steam right on top of the simmering stew in the final hour, yielding a texture that is light, airy, and utterly delicious. This simple, two-part recipe – preparing the slow-cooked chicken base, then dropping in the fluffy dumplings – is straightforward, forgiving, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Get ready to embrace the ultimate in cozy cuisine with the easiest Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings you will ever make.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe (300-500 Words)

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s an experience a warm hug in a bowl that requires almost zero active cooking time. We understand the demands of modern life: juggling work, family commitments, and the eternal question, “What’s for dinner?” This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe provides the ultimate answer, delivering maximum flavor payoff with minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe will quickly secure a spot in your weekly rotation:

Unbeatable Convenience & Minimal Cleanup

The slow cooker is the quintessential tool for busy home cooks, and this recipe capitalizes on its efficiency. The initial preparation takes less than 15 minutes. Simply toss the chicken and base ingredients into the crock pot in the morning, set it, and forget it until evening. You eliminate the need for constant stirring, temperature monitoring, or tending to a delicate roux. Since the entire dish chicken, gravy, and dumplings is cooked in a single 6-quart vessel, cleanup is a breeze. This ‘one-pot wonder’ methodology saves precious time, transforming hectic weeknights into peaceful, delicious evenings.

The Perfect Marriage of Texture and Flavor

What truly elevates this dish above standard comfort fare is the perfect contrast between its components. The chicken, slow-cooked for hours, becomes so tender it practically shreds itself, soaking up the savory, herb-infused gravy. That gravy, rich with cream of chicken soup and hearty broth, forms the decadent backbone of the meal. But the star component is, of course, the dumplings. Utilizing Bisquick ensures these drop dumplings are consistently light and fluffy, steaming gorgeously over the hot liquid. They absorb some of the gravy’s flavor without becoming dense or soggy, offering a delightfully pillowy counterpoint to the creamy base.

A Meal Built for Adaptation and Customization

While the classic version is fantastic, this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is incredibly flexible. Need to sneak in more veggies? Stir in frozen mixed vegetables or fresh carrots and celery. Prefer dark meat? Swap the chicken breasts for thighs; the long cooking time ensures they remain juicy. Have dietary restrictions? There are simple substitutions, from using gluten-free Bisquick alternatives to swapping heavy cream for a dairy-free milk alternative (though the richness will vary). This recipe serves as a robust canvas, allowing you to tailor the final product to your family’s preferences and pantry staples. It truly is the ideal meal for reliable, comforting, and adjustable home cooking.

Why You Should Try This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Right Now (300-500 Words)

If you have been searching for a foolproof, deeply satisfying meal that transcends the ordinary, look no further. This specific recipe for Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is the definitive version you need in your repertoire. Beyond convenience, there are key culinary reasons why this slow cooker method delivers superior results compared to traditional stovetop versions.

Achieving Next-Level Chicken Tenderness

The slow cooker, particularly when set to the LOW setting, is the secret weapon for unbelievably tender chicken. When cooking tough cuts, low and slow heat gradually breaks down connective tissues. For leaner cuts like chicken breast, this gentle heat prevents drying out, ensuring that the meat remains moist while absorbing the complex flavors of the broth and spices. By the time you remove the chicken to shred it, it will literally fall apart with a gentle touch of the fork a quality almost impossible to replicate quickly on the stove or in the oven.

The Magic of Steamed Dumplings

Many stovetop chicken and dumpling recipes require simmering the dumplings directly in the liquid, which often leads to dense, gluey, or disintegrated dough if not watched closely. Our slow cooker technique, however, relies on steaming. By turning the crock pot up to HIGH and covering it tightly, the dumplings cook rapidly in the intense heat and steam created by the simmering liquid. This steaming action allows the Bisquick dough to rise beautifully, resulting in light, perfectly cooked orbs that maintain their shape and puffy texture. This crucial difference is what elevates the humble drop dumpling from heavy dough balls to cloud-like morsels.

A Cost-Effective Family Favorite

In addition to being delicious and easy, this recipe is extremely budget-friendly. Chicken, broth, and Bisquick are generally inexpensive pantry staples. Furthermore, because this meal is so hearty and filling—thanks to the dense dumplings and rich gravy—it requires no complicated side dishes. A simple green salad or maybe some quick Creamy Corn Pudding Casserole is all you need. Serving a family of four to six people with such a high-quality, flavorful meal for a minimal cost is a win for both your palate and your wallet. The robust, savory flavor profile, combined with the convenience and economical nature of this dish, makes trying this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe an absolute must.

Ingredients, Utensils, and Prep: Mastering the Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Base (700-900 Words)

Success in making the perfect Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings starts with the right ingredients and the appropriate tools. This section details everything you need to execute this recipe flawlessly, ensuring a thick, flavorful chicken base and perfectly fluffy dumplings.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

The star of this show is, without question, the slow cooker. You need one large enough to accommodate the chicken and the eventual dumplings, which require surface area to steam properly.

• 6-Quart Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): This size is non-negotiable for this quantity of ingredients. It provides enough volume for the chicken and ample surface area for the dumplings to sit without overcrowding or sinking.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping the chicken and any optional fresh vegetables.
• Large Whisk and Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining the soup base ingredients smoothly and for mixing the dumpling batter (do not use the whisk on the dumpling batter!).
• Forks: Used specifically for shredding the incredibly tender chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in liquid measurements, especially the milk for the dumplings, is key to texture.
• Tablespoon or Small Cookie Scoop: The perfect tool for portioning the dumpling batter uniformly.

Detailed Ingredients List: The Chicken Base

The base is where all the deep, savory flavor is developed. We rely on canned soup for its creamy texture and seasoning, which is enhanced by fresh herbs and broth.

• Chicken: 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs). Use high-quality chicken. While breasts are traditional, thighs offer a richer flavor and stay even moister. For the best flavor, make sure the chicken pieces are relatively uniform in thickness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup. This provides the necessary thickening agent and foundational creaminess. We recommend the full-fat variety for the richest results. Follow our Pinterest board for more comfort food recipes!
• Chicken Broth: 1 carton (32 oz) Chicken Broth. Use low-sodium broth if you are sensitive to salt, as the cream of chicken soup contains sodium. This liquid is essential for creating the luxurious gravy the dumplings will cook in.
• Aromatics and Seasoning:
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped onion). Dried minced onion hydrates beautifully in the slow cooker and disperses flavor evenly without the texture of raw onion.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Thyme is a classic herb pairing for chicken and adds an earthy depth.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground pepper offers a superior aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust this according to your broth type.
• Richness (Optional but Recommended): 1/2 cup heavy cream. Added right at the end, this introduces incredible richness and further enhances the velvety texture of the gravy.
• Vegetables (Optional): 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn). Adding mixed vegetables is a great way to introduce color, nutrients, and texture contrast. They are added late to prevent mushiness.

Detailed Ingredients List: The Dumplings

Simplicity is key here. The traditional drop dumpling is made easy with a baking mix.

• Bisquick Baking Mix: 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or similar self-rising flour mixture). Bisquick contains leavening agents (baking powder) and fat (shortening), which are crucial for achieving that signature airy, light, and fluffy dumpling texture. Do not substitute this with plain all-purpose flour unless you add appropriate leavening and fat.
• Milk: 2/3 cup milk (whole milk or 2%). The moisture content is critical. Use whole milk for the best flavor, but 2% works fine. Ensure the milk is cold or room temperature.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

The combination of these simple components creates a complex, comforting flavor profile. The canned soup creates a quick, emulsified base, while the long slow-cook time allows the chicken fibers to tenderize completely. When the Bisquick-based dumplings are dropped onto the simmering surface, they rise dramatically, creating pockets of soft dough that contrast perfectly with the thick, savory gravy. The final addition of heavy cream melts into the sauce, rounding out the flavor and making this the creamiest, most satisfying Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings dish imaginable. If you enjoy this creamy, comforting style of cooking, you might also love our recipe for No-Boil Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese another excellent slow cooker staple.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings (800-900 Words)

This recipe is divided into two simple parts: preparing the long-simmering chicken base and then quickly assembling and cooking the cloud-like dumplings. Following these detailed steps ensures your chicken is tender and your dumplings are puffy and cooked through.

Part 1: Preparing the Chicken Base (The Slow Cook Phase)

Step 1: Lay the Foundation

1. Place the Chicken: Place the 3 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly into the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot. Ensure they are laid in a single layer or stacked only slightly, allowing for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Soup Mixture: In a large, separate mixing bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the entire carton of chicken broth (32 oz), the dried minced onion, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the condensed soup is fully incorporated into the broth and the seasonings are distributed.
3. Pour and Submerge: Pour the entire soup and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. It is crucial that the chicken is mostly submerged to prevent it from drying out during the long cooking process. If necessary, add a splash more broth or water to ensure coverage.

Practical Tip: If using fresh onions and/or other root vegetables (like carrots or celery), chop them finely and add them now, mixing them into the broth mixture before pouring. They will soften wonderfully alongside the chicken.

Step 2: The Slow Cook

4. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker tightly. Cook the chicken base on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The total cooking time will depend slightly on your crock pot model and the thickness of the chicken.
5. Check for Tenderness: The chicken is ready when it is opaque throughout and incredibly tender. You should be able to press it lightly with a fork and see it begin to flake apart.

Step 3: Shredding and Enriching the Base

5. Remove and Shred: Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a cutting board.
6. Shred the Meat: Using two forks (the classic shredding technique), pull the chicken meat apart until it is completely shredded. Shredding allows the chicken to fully integrate into the gravy, making every bite of your final dish flavor-packed.
7. Return Chicken and Enrich: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot mixture. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and the frozen mixed vegetables (if using). The heavy cream will begin to thicken the sauce immediately.
8. Bring to a Simmer: If your slow cooker has been on LOW, turn the crock pot setting up to HIGH now. The liquid mixture needs to be at a visible simmer (bubbling slightly around the edges) before you add the dumplings. This ensures the steam necessary for cooking the dough.

Cooking Trick: If your sauce seems too thin after adding the shredded chicken, you can briefly thicken it. In a small cup, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering mixture in the crock pot. Wait 10 minutes; the sauce should thicken noticeably as it heats. This extra step guarantees a gorgeously thick gravy for your Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings.

Part 2: Making and Cooking the Dumplings

Step 4: Preparing the Batter

9. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix with the 2/3 cup of milk.
10. Mix Gently: Using a spoon or spatula, stir the ingredients together just until a wet, sticky batter forms. There should still be a few dry streaks remaining. DO NOT OVERMIX. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough, dense dumplings rather than fluffy ones.

Step 5: Dropping and Steaming the Dumplings

11. Drop the Batter: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the sticky dumpling batter directly onto the surface of the simmering chicken mixture in the crock pot.
12. Spacing and Placement: Drop them roughly 1 to 2 inches apart, as they will expand significantly. Crucially, ensure the dumplings are resting on top of the liquid rather than sinking to the bottom. If the batter sinks, your base liquid may not be hot enough yet (make sure it’s simmering on HIGH) or your batter may be too wet (if too wet, add a tablespoon of Bisquick).
13. Cover and Cook: Cover the crock pot TIGHTLY. The seal is vital for trapping the steam. Continue to cook the dumplings on the HIGH setting for 30 to 45 minutes.
14. The Critical Rule: Do Not Lift the Lid! The steam trapped inside is what cooks the dumplings fully and makes them light and fluffy. Lifting the lid releases the steam and drastically increases the cooking time, potentially leaving you with doughy centers.

Step 6: Serve

15. Check for Doneness: After 30 minutes, you may briefly lift the lid to check. The dumplings should be puffy, firm to the touch, and look opaque all the way through. Cut one in half; there should be no raw doughy centers.
16. Final Stir and Serve: Once done, gently stir the dumplings into the creamy chicken gravy base, allowing them to absorb a bit more liquid. Serve your delicious Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal!

Tips, Troubleshooting, and Delicious Variations for Your Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings (500-600 Words)

While the standard recipe guarantees success, mastering the art of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings means knowing how to troubleshoot common issues and personalize the dish. Here are professional tips and ingredient alternatives to elevate your cooking experience.

Troubleshooting Common Dumpling Issues

My Dumplings Are Dense and Heavy

This is the most frequent issue and is almost always caused by one of two factors: overmixing or lack of steam.

• Solution for Mixing: When combining Bisquick and milk, stir only until the wet and dry ingredients are barely combined a lumpy, sticky consistency is perfect. Stop mixing immediately.
• Solution for Steam: Ensure your liquid base is actively simmering on HIGH before dropping the batter, and most importantly, DO NOT lift the lid during the 30-45 minute steaming period.

My Gravy is Too Runny

If the final gravy isn’t as thick as you prefer, it’s easily remedied. Before adding the dumplings, remove 1 cup of the hot broth mixture and whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch (or flour). Return this slurry to the crock pot, stir well, and allow it to simmer on HIGH for 10-15 minutes. This should thicken the sauce dramatically before the dumplings go in.

Flavor & Ingredient Variations

Gluten-Free Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

The easiest modification is replacing the key ingredient for the dumplings. Use a Gluten-Free Bisquick mix (or a self-rising gluten-free flour blend, making sure to add baking powder and salt). The cooking time and mixing instructions remain identical. For the base, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, though most modern broths are.

Dairy-Free Creaminess

If you need to avoid dairy, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk (full-fat canned variety) for thickness, or a cashew cream blended from soaked cashews. For the base, you must also use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute or make a homemade version using flour/cornstarch, non-dairy milk (like oat milk), and broth. For the dumplings, use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) in place of cow’s milk.

Using Chicken Thighs (Dark Meat)

For a richer, more flavorful, and even moister result, substitute the 3 lbs of chicken breasts with 3 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and produce a depth of flavor that complements the creamy base beautifully. The cook time remains the same.

Adding Fresh Herbs and Veggies

While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs add brightness. Add 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or sage along with the heavy cream. If you want more vegetables than just the frozen mix, slice 1 cup of carrots and 1 cup of celery and add them alongside the chicken at the very start of the slow cook.

Cheesy Dumplings

For a fun twist similar to our popular Jiffy Corn Casserole, gently fold 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese into the Bisquick dumpling batter just before dropping it into the slow cooker. This adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the dish, transforming the simple dumpling into something more complex and cheesy.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings (400-600 Words)

While this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings dish is synonymous with comforting indulgence, it also provides significant nutritional benefits, particularly in protein and essential vitamins. Please note that exact values can vary based on brand ingredients (especially sodium content in the soup and broth) and the size of the dumplings. The following is an estimation based on 8 generous servings.

Estimated Nutritional Profile (Per Serving – Approx. 8 Servings)

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

The Power of Protein (Chicken)

Chicken, especially boneless, skinless breast, is an exceptional source of lean protein. With approximately 35-40 grams of protein per serving of this dish, it plays a critical role in satiety, muscle building, and overall metabolic health. The long cooking process on LOW ensures this protein remains digestible and tender, making it easy for the body to utilize. Adequate protein intake is vital for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

Nutrient Density in Broth and Vegetables

Chicken broth not only provides the necessary liquid for the stew but also contains minerals like potassium and magnesium, and often small amounts of collagen if homemade or quality store-bought brands are used. The optional addition of frozen mixed vegetables typically peas, carrots, and corn boosts the micronutrient profile. Carrots are rich in Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), crucial for vision and immune function, while peas contribute fiber and Vitamin K. These ingredients transform the base from merely a gravy into a more nutritionally rounded meal.

Energy from Carbohydrates (Dumplings)

The dumplings, made from Bisquick, are primarily a source of carbohydrates, providing the body with readily accessible energy. In a comfort food setting, these carbohydrates contribute significantly to the dish’s hearty, filling quality, making it a complete meal that wards off hunger for hours. While the dumplings contribute to the higher calorie count, they are the defining characteristic of this savory and satisfying dish.

To manage sodium levels, which can be high due to the cream of chicken soup and packaged broth, always opt for low-sodium chicken broth. If you are serving individuals monitoring sodium intake, consider using an unsalted homemade broth and reducing the added salt in the base mixture.

FAQs about Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings (250-400 Words)

The journey to creating the perfect bowl of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is one paved with ease, aroma, and anticipation. We have shown that achieving that slow-simmered, rich flavor and those impossibly fluffy dumplings doesn’t require hours of active cooking just the simple, set-it-and-forget-it magic of the slow cooker. This recipe delivers a deeply satisfying meal every time, making it an indispensable part of your comfort food collection.

From the moment you layer the chicken and creamy broth base, through the hours of gentle simmering that tenderizes the meat, right up until the steam transforms the Bisquick batter into light, doughy pockets, this recipe is a testament to how effortless the best comfort food can be. The final dish, with its savory, thick gravy coating the shredded chicken and clinging to every soft dumpling, is truly the definition of home.

We encourage you to try this recipe for Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings tonight. Share the warmth and heartiness with your family, knowing you’ve provided a nutritious, budget-friendly, and universally beloved meal with minimal stress. If you loved the simplicity of this slow cooker meal, be sure to check out our other easy-to-make, family-favorite dishes on the blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment below telling us how your dumplings turned out we love hearing about your kitchen successes!

Classic Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)

A hearty and comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender shredded chicken in a creamy base, topped with light and fluffy Bisquick dumplings. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• 6-quart Slow Cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Base

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 carton (32 oz) Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped onion)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – optional)

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or similar self-rising flour mixture)
• 2/3 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)

Instructions

 

Part 1: Preparing the Chicken Base

• Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly into the bottom of the 6-quart crock pot.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the chicken broth, dried minced onion, thyme, pepper, and salt.
• Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded.
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken and then return it to the crock pot mixture. If using, stir in the heavy cream and frozen mixed vegetables now.
• Turn the crock pot setting up to HIGH to bring the liquid mixture to a simmer while preparing the dumplings.

Part 2: Making and Cooking the Dumplings

• In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix with the 2/3 cup of milk. Stir just until a wet, sticky batter forms. Do not overmix.
• Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly onto the surface of the simmering chicken mixture in the crock pot. Space them slightly apart, as they will expand.
• Ensure the dumplings are resting on top of the liquid rather than sinking to the bottom.
• Cover the crock pot tightly and continue to cook the dumplings on the HIGH setting for 30 to 45 minutes. DO NOT lift the lid during this cooking time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings completely.
• The dumplings are done when they are puffy, firm to the touch, and cooked through (no doughy centers). Serve the Chicken & Dumplings hot.

Notes

If you prefer flat, slippery dumplings rather than puffy, fluffy ones, use canned refrigerated biscuit dough. Simply tear the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the simmering mixture for the last 45 minutes of cooking. This recipe is easily halved for smaller servings.

Keyword bisquick, chicken, crock pot, dumplings, easy dinner, slow cooker