If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug from the inside, this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken thighs, a creamy and flavorful broth enriched with cheddar and mushroom soups, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all those beautiful tastes. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of hearty textures and comforting flavors, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or anytime you want to serve up something both simple and soul-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role—from the savory soups that build a rich base to the tender chicken thighs and vibrant mixed vegetables adding both flavor and color.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced to infuse a subtle sweetness and aroma into the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds rich earthiness and creaminess that melds all the flavors.
- Cheddar cheese soup: Brings a cheesy depth that makes the broth irresistibly savory.
- Dried thyme: A hint of herbal warmth that lifts the dish without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlicky undertone to boost flavor complexity.
- Black pepper: Offers just the right amount of subtle heat and spice.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for slow cooking to soak up all that flavor.
- Chicken broth: Creates a savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrition, and a welcome texture contrast.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Transforms into fluffy dumplings that crown this dish with comfort and heartiness.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by stirring together the diced yellow onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper right in your CrockPot. This creates an incredibly flavorful broth that will infuse the chicken and dumplings with delicious depth as they cook slowly.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious soup mixture, setting the stage for juicy, tender meat after hours of slow cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your CrockPot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become wonderfully tender while absorbing all the rich flavors swirling in the pot.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the thawed mixed vegetables. This timing lets them retain just enough texture and freshness, balancing the creamy, tender components beautifully without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
Cut your refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and place these pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. These will transform into fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Dumplings
Cover the CrockPot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the biscuit dough puffs up into soft, cloud-like dumplings that crown the dish with irresistible texture and warmth.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the dumplings are perfectly cooked through, serve up your CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe hot and enjoy every comforting bite. This one-pot wonder is bound to become a family favorite, especially when you want a cozy meal without the fuss.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the flavors even more. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a splash of color and a fresh herbal note. A light dusting of black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can add a little extra warmth if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
While this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a meal all on its own, you can pair it with a crisp green salad to brighten the plate or some roasted green beans for a crunchy contrast. Warm crusty bread on the side is another delicious option, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in mini casserole dishes or rustic bowls to make each portion feel extra special. You can also top individual servings with a little shredded sharp cheddar cheese that melts as the hot dumplings are scooped up, adding a gooey surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting when reheated. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, it’s best to keep the dumplings separate or add a little extra broth when reheating, as dumplings can sometimes become a bit dense after freezing. Freeze the chicken and broth mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and revive that creamy, soothing texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but the thighs stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking, making them a better choice for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe without the cheese soup?
Yes, but the cheddar cheese soup adds a lovely depth of flavor and creaminess. You could substitute with extra cream of mushroom soup or add some shredded cheese towards the end if desired.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
You can use homemade biscuit dough or even drop spoonfuls of biscuit batter directly onto the mixture. Just adjust cooking times to ensure dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
Can I prepare this on the stove instead of a CrockPot?
While possible, cooking this on the stove requires careful simmering and attention to prevent burning and ensure dumplings cook properly. The CrockPot simplifies this with slow, even heat.
How spicy is this dish?
This CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is very mild, perfect for all ages. You can add spices or hot sauce if you prefer a kick.
Final Thoughts
This CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like it was made with love, perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends. Its simple ingredients and easy prep mean you can come home to a heartwarming dish without any stress. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite comfort food to cozy up with on any day!
Print
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 30 minutes additional for dumplings
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes (including prep and additional cooking)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy blend of mushroom and cheddar cheese soups, seasoned with thyme and garlic, mixed vegetables, and topped with fluffy biscuit dough dumplings cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Dumplings
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (for dumplings)
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a CrockPot, combine the diced onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Add chicken and broth: Add the cut chicken thighs and the chicken broth to the mixture in the CrockPot. Mix gently to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the soup and seasoning mixture.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the thawed mixed vegetables into the CrockPot to heat through.
- Prepare and add dumplings: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters. Place the biscuit dough pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly.
- Cook dumplings: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the biscuit dumplings are fluffy, cooked through, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, ensuring each plate has plenty of the creamy mixture and tender dumplings. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the chicken and vegetable mixture before adding the dumplings.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts for thighs but adjust cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster and can dry out.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, green beans, and corn for a classic flavor profile.
- Ensure the biscuit dough is refrigerated and straight from the fridge for best dumpling texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
