Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot: A Cozy Classic for Busy Days

Chicken and dumplings crock pot recipes are the kind of comfort food that stick with you, in the best way. The name alone stirs memories of cozy weekends, slow-simmered dinners, and the kind of meal that practically hugs you from the inside out. This article walks you through everything you need to know about crafting the ultimate chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker. From step-by-step cooking to storage and freezing tips, we’ll make sure you’re covered with flavor, ease, and heart. If you’re craving comfort with minimal effort, this dish delivers every time.

Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add onion, garlic, frozen veggies, cream of chicken soup, and broth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken gently in the pot using forks.
- Tear biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces and place on top.
- Cover and cook for another hour until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Avoid opening the lid during the last hour to ensure dumplings cook properly.
- Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.
In this Article
How My Love for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Began
Back when I first started cooking, I didn’t have fancy gadgets or even much know-how. Just a secondhand slow cooker and an appetite for something warm and comforting. One chilly evening, with chicken thighs, a bag of frozen veggies, and a can of biscuits in hand, I tossed everything into that slow cooker. I wasn’t expecting much, but by dinnertime, the kitchen smelled like something my grandma would’ve made. That first bowl of chicken and dumplings crock pot-style wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And it felt like home.
There’s a beautiful simplicity in letting ingredients mingle for hours while you go about your day. The chicken becomes tender enough to shred with a spoon, the dumplings fluffy and golden on top. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to grab a second bowl before the first one’s finished.
This version keeps it practical but doesn’t sacrifice that homemade feel. I use skinless chicken thighs for extra richness, and the dumplings? Store-bought biscuit dough works just fine when you’re short on time, though feel free to get scratchy if the mood hits. And while you’re at it, check out my go-to frozen chicken in crock pot or try my rich spaghetti crock pot chicken, both are perfect slow cooker partners.
If you’ve never made chicken and dumplings in a crock pot before, you’re in for a wholesome, no-stress dinner that warms from the inside out.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in a Crock Pot

Ingredients and Prep Tips for Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot
When it comes to making chicken and dumplings crock pot style, simplicity is your best friend. I start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they bring flavor and tenderness without needing much trimming. You’ll also need chicken broth, a bag of frozen peas and carrots, onion, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and refrigerated biscuit dough.
The trick is layering: place your chicken at the bottom, add veggies and soup, then pour in the broth and seasonings. Set your slow cooker on low and walk away for 5–6 hours. For more ways to use frozen chicken safely, check out this guide to frozen chicken in a crock pot, which pairs beautifully with this dish.
About 1 hour before serving, tear the biscuit dough into small dumpling-sized chunks and drop them gently on top. Cover the lid again and resist the urge to peek! That steam is key to getting them perfectly pillowy.
If you’re looking to pair this dish with something exciting, marry me chicken crock pot is a reader favorite with similar cozy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions You Can Trust
Let’s break it down in easy steps:
- Add raw chicken thighs to the crock pot.
- Top with diced onions, frozen vegetables, and garlic.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of thyme.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the chicken gently in the pot.
- Tear biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces and lay over the mixture.
- Cover and cook an additional hour until dumplings are set.
The result? A deeply savory, rich, creamy bowl of chicken and dumplings that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. And it’s even better the next day!
How to Store Chicken and Dumplings for Maximum Freshness
Storing Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Leftovers the Right Way
After making a cozy pot of chicken and dumplings crock pot, you’ll likely have leftovers, and that’s a good thing. These flavors deepen overnight, making your next bowl even better. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
The broth will thicken as it chills, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring it back to its creamy glory. I usually reheat it over medium heat on the stove, stirring gently to keep the dumplings from breaking apart. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
For more comforting slow cooker favorites that hold up well overnight, don’t miss this creamy crock pot chicken pot pie or the crowd-pleasing crack chicken crock pot, both store beautifully and reheat with ease.
Reheating Tips to Preserve Flavor and Texture
Dumplings are a little delicate, so how you reheat makes a difference. If you’re in a rush, use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.
For best texture though, I recommend a stovetop method. Use a saucepan over low to medium heat, and stir occasionally to keep the creamy consistency smooth and the dumplings intact. Add a bit of liquid if it looks too thick.
With proper storage and a gentle reheat, your chicken and dumplings crock pot leftovers will taste just as comforting on day two, or even three. It’s the kind of dish that keeps on giving.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Style, Yes, But Read This First
So, you’ve made a big batch of chicken and dumplings crock pot and you’re wondering, can it go in the freezer? The short answer: yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Chicken and broth freeze beautifully, but dumplings can get a bit tricky.
If you’re planning ahead, freeze the soup base (chicken, broth, vegetables) without the dumplings. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, heat it in the crock pot or stove, and add fresh biscuit dough during the last hour. This way, your dumplings cook up soft and fresh.
Already added dumplings to the batch? No problem, they can still freeze. Just know that once thawed, the texture might be slightly softer or more broken up. But flavor-wise? Still absolutely worth it. Pair it with something bold like buffalo chicken mac cheese crock pot to switch up the comfort levels.
How to Freeze, Thaw, and Reheat Chicken and Dumplings
To freeze, let your crock pot chicken and dumplings cool completely. Transfer into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it slowly on the stove or in your slow cooker. Stir gently and add broth or milk if needed to loosen the texture. Want more long-freeze meal ideas? Try this hearty barbecue chicken drumsticks crock pot, another family favorite freezer champ.
Freezing is an excellent option for busy weeks or surprise guests. Just a little planning turns one pot into multiple meals packed with homemade goodness.
FAQs About Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in a Slow Cooker?
To make chicken and dumplings crock pot style, start by layering boneless chicken thighs, frozen mixed veggies, onion, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and broth in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. About 1 hour before it’s done, tear refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them on top. Cover and let the dumplings steam until fluffy and fully cooked. That’s it, dinner practically makes itself.
How to Store Chicken and Dumplings?
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture and reheat gently. The dumplings may soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings crock pot meals. For best results, freeze the soup base without dumplings, then add fresh dough when reheating. If the dumplings are already in, you can still freeze it, just expect a softer texture when thawed. It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: Why Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Is a Must-Make
There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings crock pot after a long day. It’s more than a recipe, it’s comfort you can count on. From the ease of tossing ingredients into a slow cooker to the joy of tearing into tender dumplings, this dish is built for busy lives and big appetites.
Whether you’re storing it for the week, freezing leftovers, or serving it to a table full of hungry friends, this meal delivers. It’s flexible, forgiving, and full of soul. And if you’re hungry for more cozy inspiration, crock pot chicken divan is another creamy classic you’ll love.
So next time you need something that’s equal parts effortless and nourishing, remember: chicken and dumplings in a crock pot never disappoint. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, and back for seconds.
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