Nothing beats the warm, comforting hug of a hearty stew on a chilly day, and this Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-soothing meal. It takes tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy, pillowy dumplings all slow-cooked to perfection with creamy goodness, creating a dish that feels like a warm blanket on your plate. The best part? You can set it all up in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. From the rich broth that soaks into every bite to the dumplings that puff up just right, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, all while keeping things wonderfully simple. With pantry staples and fresh garden finds, you’ll craft a dish that tastes like it came from a Sunday afternoon cookout.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the stew’s flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein that soaks up every bit of seasoning and broth.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal hint that livens up the dish.
- Kosher salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little warmth and gentle kick to the mix.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that gives the dish its signature rich texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy while allowing the other flavors to shine.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuse the stew with a bright, earthy aroma.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the broth.
- Celery stalks: Provide crunch and a fresh, savory note.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Frozen peas: Pop of color and a touch of sweetness stirred in at the end.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the stew with warmth and richness.
- Refrigerated biscuits: Cut into pieces, these become the fluffy dumplings that crown the dish.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Assemble Everything in the Crockpot
Start by tossing the chopped onion, whole chicken breasts, dried oregano, salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, chopped celery, carrots, and minced garlic right into the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without disturbing the chicken on the bottom too much. This initial step sets your flavor base, and trust me, the mix of fresh veggies, herbs, and soup already starts to smell divine.
Step 2: Let It Slow Cook
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here is key because the slow cooking allows the chicken to become meltingly tender while infusing the broth with all those vibrant vegetable and herb flavors. The house will smell incredible, and you’ll find it hard not to peek in early!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This shredding step helps the chicken blend seamlessly into the creamy broth and vegetables, making every bite evenly packed with protein. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring it into the luscious mixture.
Step 4: Add Peas and Dumplings
Stir the thawed peas into the stew for a fresh pop of green sweetness. Then gently lay the cut biscuit pieces on top of the stew in an even layer — these will puff up into the dumplings. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 1 to 1.5 hours, until the biscuit pieces have puffed up golden and are thoroughly cooked. This final cooking stage is pure magic, transforming simple biscuit dough into fluffy pillows soaking up the creamy stew.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs to keep the flavors just right. Stir everything gently to mix the dumplings with the creamy chicken and vegetables. Now, ladle out generous portions for everyone to enjoy a bowl of sheer comfort and delight. This Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe proves that slow-cooked meals can be simple, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top adds a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the creamy richness. If you like a little zing, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of cracked black pepper can make each bite more complex and exciting. But honestly, this dish shines with just a simple garnish.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a meal all on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans make excellent companions. A slice of crusty bread can mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce, and a light apple cider or white wine pairing works beautifully to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets straight from the crockpot. Layer the dumplings slightly overlapping for a rustic look. If you’re hosting, a topping of shredded sharp cheddar or a swirl of sour cream just before serving adds a delicious, unexpected layer of flavor and indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain the moisture and flavor. When you reheat, stir gently to redistribute the creamy sauce for that freshly made appeal.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the biscuits might soften slightly after freezing, but reheating will bring back some of their original texture and comfort.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is low and slow on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts to maintain creaminess and avoid drying out. Stir often and add a splash of chicken broth if it needs a little extra moisture. It’s like rediscovering comfort all over again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a deeper flavor that works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if your thighs are bone-in.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuits for the dumplings?
You can make your own biscuit dough or use drop biscuit recipes as a dumpling substitute. Even store-bought biscuit dough works great for an easy shortcut.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen veggies like peas and carrots can be used without any problems. Just add them at the same step as fresh veggies to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! Use the slow cook function on your instant pot or speed up the process with pressure cooking, adjusting times accordingly. Just be cautious with the biscuit topping, which might need to be baked separately to achieve that fluffy texture.
How thick should the stew be before adding the biscuits?
The stew should be moderately thick but still spoonable and broth-like. If it’s too watery, cook uncovered for a while to reduce; if too thick, add a bit more broth before adding biscuit pieces. This balance ensures the dumplings cook evenly and absorb flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made this Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a trusted classic in so many homes. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with flavors that warm the heart and fill the belly. Give it a try on your next cozy night in—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker meal that makes every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Print
Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered slowly in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it’s effortless to prepare and packed with wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Base
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Dumplings
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Assemble in crockpot: Place chopped onion, chicken breasts, oregano, salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, celery, carrots, and garlic into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken breasts carefully from the crockpot, shred them using two forks into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
- Add dumplings: Stir in the thawed peas to the mixture. Next, evenly place the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the biscuits are puffed and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Stir everything gently to combine, then serve the dish hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like parsley when serving.
- You can substitute refrigerated biscuits with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep as the flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Make sure to shred the chicken finely for the best texture in the final dish.
