Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich flavors. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dumplings, made either from scratch or with biscuit dough, soak up the delicious broth, making every bite hearty and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (400g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ¾ cup (180ml) milk
OR - 1 can (400g) refrigerated biscuit dough (for an easier option)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Stew
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic on top of the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Step 2: Shredding the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
Step 3: Making the Dumplings
Homemade Dumplings Option:
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop small spoonfuls of dough and drop them into the crockpot on top of the stew.
Biscuit Dough Option:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into small quarters.
- Drop the biscuit pieces into the crockpot, distributing them evenly across the surface.
Step 4: Cooking the Dumplings
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 30-40 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Avoid stirring too much, as this can cause the dumplings to break apart.
Step 5: Serving the Dish
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad!
Final Thoughts:
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a true comfort food classic, combining rich flavors with effortless cooking. Whether you opt for homemade dumplings or the convenient biscuit dough method, the result is always satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Would you like suggestions for making this dish healthier or adding extra flavors? 😊