Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Cozy & Easy Winter Meal

Introduction: A Bowl of Nostalgia, With a Modern Twist

When the winter wind howls and the evening light fades a little too early, there’s nothing like the comforting embrace of a bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This dish takes me back to my Nonna’s kitchen, where thick stew bubbled on the stove and doughy dumplings floated like little pillows of joy. But life moves fast—and today, we don’t always have hours to stir. That’s where the magic of the crockpot steps in.

This hearty recipe simplifies homestyle chicken and dumplings into a hands-off, dump and go dinner perfect for busy weeknights or chilly Sundays. Divided into two comforting phases—slow-cooked, shredded chicken, followed by the tender transformation of biscuit dough into buttery dumplings—it’s a set-it-and-forget-it miracle with classic Southern flavor and modern ease.

And if you’re looking for more cold-weather dinner inspiration, be sure to Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more cozy slow cooker ideas or Discover more comfort food recipes on our Pinterest.

What Is Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?

Think of it as a creamy chicken stew meets biscuit-topped casserole. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, savory broth with aromatics and veggies, then biscuit dough is dropped in and slow-cooked into fluffy, flaky dumplings. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s:

• Kid-approved
• Budget-friendly
• A dream for meal prep lovers and newlyweds alike

Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a week’s worth of cozy lunches, this dish checks all the boxes.

How To Make Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings

Ingredients Overview

Let’s get cozy with what you’ll need—and why it works:

• Chopped onion – lays down the aromatic foundation.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – for lean, shreddable protein.
• Cream of chicken soup (2 cans) – makes it creamy with no roux required.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups) – keeps the salt in check while adding depth.
• Fresh thyme & bay leaf – infuses the stew with earthy flavor.
• Diced carrots (2 large), celery (2 stalks), and frozen peas (1 cup) – adds color, sweetness, and nutrients.
• Minced garlic (3 cloves) – because garlic makes everything better.
• Refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz can) – your shortcut to dumpling bliss.

Optional add-ins: pinch of oregano, splash of heavy cream, or swap for gluten-free biscuits!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Chicken Mixture

1. Place chopped onion at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Lay the chicken breasts over the onions and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of oregano.
3. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
4. Add sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf.
5. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Phase 2: Shred & Add Veggies

1. Remove the thyme and bay leaf.
2. Shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks.
3. Stir in carrots, celery, peas, and garlic.

Phase 3: Dumpling Time

1. Cut the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces.
2. Stir the dough into the chicken mixture, making sure some of the pieces are coated in the stew.
3. Cook on high for 2 more hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

Pro tip: The bottoms of the dumplings might be a bit doughy—don’t panic! That’s the beauty of this dish. Think rustic and cozy, not Michelin-star plating.

Variations to Try

• Classic Chicken and Dumplings – Skip the soup, use a flour-roux base.
• Chicken and Dumpling Soup – Add more broth for a thinner consistency.
• Homemade Biscuit Dumplings – Got time? Use scratch-made dough.
• Gluten-Free Version – Sub with GF biscuit dough or dumplings made from rice flour.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Not freezer-friendly—the biscuits don’t hold up well once thawed.

What to Serve With It

This hearty bowl doesn’t need much on the side, but if you’re feeding a crowd:

• Try our Easy Crockpot Steak Bites for a protein-packed second option.
• Sop up the stew with our Easy Dinner Roll Recipe Without Yeast.
• Need a comforting starter? Italian Penicillin Soup is a cozy immunity booster.

Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more cozy slow cooker ideas, and explore more easy weeknight dinners on our Dinner Magic board.

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