crock pot chicken and dumplings

Hi, I’m Anna. I’m 30 years old and based here in the United States, and for as long as I can remember, food has been my way of connecting with people I care about. I found this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe in a wholesome Reddit thread about family comfort meals, and it instantly brought me back to my childhood. My mom used to make chicken and dumplings on cold weekends — the smell alone made everyone come to the table smiling. Try it and come back to share — I love hearing food stories that feel like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort made simple. You’ll love how tender the chicken becomes, how the biscuits puff up into soft, doughy dumplings, and how everything melds together into a creamy, flavorful stew.

It’s forgiving, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The kind of meal that reminds you slow cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to taste like home.

Ingredients (Detailed & Humanized)

• 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – juicy and tender when slow-cooked.
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup – creates that creamy, comforting base.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – brings a subtle savory aroma.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds a gentle, homey richness.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – for that silky texture and hint of buttery flavor.
• 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits – transforms into fluffy, irresistible dumplings.
• Salt and black pepper – for simple, classic seasoning.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by lightly spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup easy later. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lay the pieces at the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this velvety mixture over the chicken, covering it completely.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on the crock pot and let it cook on LOW for about 5 hours. During this time, your kitchen will start to smell like pure comfort — warm, savory, and cozy.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. You’ll notice how easily it pulls apart.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a gentle stir, letting it soak in the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Add the Dumplings

Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into eight small pieces — these will become your dumplings.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Sprinkle the biscuit pieces evenly over the chicken mixture. Don’t stir; just let them sit on top. Cover again and cook on HIGH for about 1 hour, or until the biscuit dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, sprinkle with cracked pepper and a touch of dried parsley if you’d like. The broth will be rich and creamy, and the biscuits perfectly soft on the inside.

Cultural or Technique Note

Crock pot chicken and dumplings is a modern twist on a beloved Southern classic. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this slow cooker version keeps the same heartwarming spirit with even less effort. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into comfort food magic — all thanks to the patient, gentle heat of a slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

• With a crisp green salad for a lighter balance
• Alongside roasted green beans or asparagus
• With a slice of warm cornbread to soak up the broth
• Paired with a glass of sweet tea for that Southern touch

Pro Tips for Success

• Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the saltiness.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water and stir it in after shredding the chicken.
• Cut biscuits evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
• Don’t overmix after adding dumplings — keep them fluffy.
• Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
• Always let the dumplings steam under the lid — that’s how they stay soft and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the easiest slow cooker recipes can go wrong with a few small missteps, so here’s how to make sure your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfect every single time:

Overcooking biscuits: Leaving the biscuits too long can make them dense or chewy. Check them after an hour to keep them light and fluffy.
Skipping the butter: That small amount of melted butter adds body and creaminess to the sauce. Without it, the texture can feel flat or grainy.
Using high heat too early: Cooking on high from the start can dry out the chicken before the flavors blend. Stick with low and slow for tenderness.
Not seasoning the chicken first: Salt and pepper at the beginning build the base of your flavor — don’t skip it!
Lifting the lid too often: Each time you peek, heat and steam escape. Keep the lid closed so your dumplings cook evenly and the sauce stays thick and creamy.

Storage & Reheating

The beauty of this dish is how well it keeps — perfect for meal prep or leftovers later in the week.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Place in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or milk to restore that silky texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent the biscuits from becoming rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, adding a bit more richness to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
: Yes — just use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free biscuit dough. It still turns out creamy and comforting.

Q3: Can I add vegetables?
: Definitely! Peas, carrots, celery, or frozen mixed vegetables melt beautifully into the creamy sauce and add color and balance.

Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
: Yes. Let the chicken and dumplings cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to bring back that creamy, just-cooked goodness.

Closing Paragraph

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor each bite. It’s cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying — proof that the simplest ingredients can make the most comforting dishes. Whether you’re feeding your family or just craving something warm and hearty, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a regular on your table.

Final Thoughts

I can still remember the first time I made this recipe — how the kitchen smelled like comfort and how every spoonful felt like home. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with the people you love most. I hope it brings your family the same warmth it brings mine. Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.