Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Soul-Warming Meals

My grandma’s secret crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Memories of hearty meals dance through every aromatic spoonful.

Soft, pillowy dumplings nestle among tender chicken pieces that melt in your mouth.

Southern cooking traditions shine through this simple yet soul-warming dish.

Cozy nights call for warm, filling meals that remind you of home.

Minimal ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Scoop up a bowl and savor pure, homemade happiness waiting to embrace you.

What to Add to Chicken And Dumplings

• Elevate Comfort Warmth: Pair this hearty chicken and dumplings with a crisp, light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Complement Creamy Textures: Select a chilled Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to enhance the creamy soup base and tender chicken flavors.
• Wine Harmony: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir for red wine lovers, whose soft tannins will beautifully match the comforting stew-like qualities of the recipe.
• Fresh Sidekick: Add a tangy cucumber and dill side salad dressed with light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creamy consistency and provide a refreshing contrast.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Homestyle Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cornbread mix. Use gluten-free cream soups or make a homemade cream sauce with cornstarch and milk alternatives.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream of chicken and cream of celery soups with dairy-free cream alternatives or use low-sodium chicken broth with coconut milk. Choose plant-based biscuit dough or make dumplings with almond flour.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for protein and texture.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Select low-sodium chicken broth, eliminate added salt, and use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for enhanced flavor. Choose reduced-sodium cream soups or create a homemade cream sauce with low-sodium ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure they cook completely and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?

No, you can add raw chicken directly to the crockpot. The slow cooking process will cook the chicken thoroughly and make it tender.

• What if I don't have cream of celery soup?

You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom soup or additional cream of chicken soup to maintain a similar creamy consistency.

• Are the dumplings made from scratch or store-bought?

This recipe uses store-bought biscuit dough, which is quick and convenient. Simply cut the biscuit dough into smaller pieces before adding to the crockpot.

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Why It Works

• Simplify Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients in the crockpot and walk away, making dinner effortless without constant monitoring or complicated cooking techniques.
• Comfort Food Magic: Tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and hearty vegetables create a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds and brings instant family joy.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Choose between low and high heat settings, accommodating busy schedules and allowing customization based on available time and energy.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, frozen vegetables, and pre-made biscuit dough, delivering a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Chicken And Dumplings Crockpot Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish, tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base for cooking chicken and creating a flavorful sauce.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and subtle sweetness to the overall dish.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Optional ingredient for extra nutrition and color, provides variety in texture.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory profile with mild garlic notes.
• Onion Powder: Boosts onion flavor without adding extra texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates creamy, thick sauce that helps bind ingredients together.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Adds additional creaminess and subtle vegetable undertone.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and helps balance the creamy flavors.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Quick and convenient way to create soft, pillowy dumplings in the crockpot.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Toss chicken breasts, chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and seasonings into the crockpot.

The blend of ingredients will create a rich, comforting foundation for your meal.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Let the chicken simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

The slow cooking process will transform the chicken into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to break the cooked chicken into delicious, bite-sized pieces right in the crockpot.

This technique ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

Sprinkle in frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutrition and add a pop of color.

Stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.

Step 5: Create Fluffy Dumplings

Tear biscuit dough into small, rustic chunks and drop them carefully into the crockpot.

These will become pillowy soft dumplings that soak up the delicious broth.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours.

The dumplings will puff up and become light, airy clouds floating in the savory sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot, hearty mixture into bowls.

The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creates a ultimate comfort food perfect for any day.

Chicken and Dumplings in the Crockpot With Comfort-Focused Tips

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat in your crockpot dish.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cut refrigerated biscuit dough into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent doughy centers.
• Select low-sodium chicken broth and cream soups to control salt intake while maintaining rich, comforting flavors.
• Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the crockpot for an extra layer of aromatic depth in your chicken and dumplings.

Reheat Crockpot Chicken Dumplings The Easy Way

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Pour contents into a saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot throughout.