There’s nothing quite like the scent of a warm, hearty meal wafting through the house after a long day. When the leaves start to fall and the evenings grow chillier, I find myself craving comfort food, and that’s when my trusty crockpot comes to life with this cozy Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Picture this: tender chicken thighs joined by fluffy dumplings, all swimming in a rich, savory broth that simmers to perfection while you attend to other things.
I stumbled upon this delightful dish on a particularly busy weeknight when takeout just wouldn’t do. With minimal prep time, all it took was a few simple ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, I was greeted with a steaming bowl of pure comfort that made everyone at the dinner table feel right at home. Join me as we dive into the details of creating a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying—perfect for anyone tired of the same old fast food routine!
Why is Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings so comforting?
Comforting warmth: This dish wraps you in a blanket of flavors with every bite.
Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker—no fuss required!
Hearty goodness: A rich, creamy broth combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a meal that satisfies all cravings.
Crowd favorite: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, serving a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Versatile option: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Explore more easy recipes that bring comfort to your table with my collection of cozy favorites.
Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- Chicken Thighs – The star of the dish, choose boneless skinless for easy shredding or bone-in for richer flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Bay Leaf – Adds a fragrant touch to the broth, but remember to remove it before serving!
- Chicken Broth – The base of your soup; low-sodium creates a heartier flavor without too much salt.
For the Vegetables
- Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant color; diced for even cooking.
- Celery – Offers a crunchy texture and aromatic appeal; finely chopped enhances flavor in the broth.
- Onion – Infuses incredible depth to your dish; use yellow or white onions for a milder taste.
- Peas – Bring a pop of color and sweetness; frozen are best but thaw before adding.
For the Dumplings
- Biscuit Dough – Ready-made dough simplifies your preparation; you can use homemade for a personal touch.
For Seasoning & Garnish
- Garlic Powder – Imparts a subtle depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger taste if desired.
- Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme – Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor; dried herbs can also work, but adjust the quantity down.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish) – Adds freshness and visual appeal when serving; don’t skip this for a beautiful finish.
Gather these ingredients and prepare to savor the delightful experience of Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings—a perfect cozy meal for any occasion!
How to Make Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Prep Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring they’re coated evenly. This step enhances the chicken’s flavor and sets a delicious base for your broth.
Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Toss in the bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Layer Chicken and Veggies: Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs in the creamy broth mixture. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion around the chicken, creating a flavorful vegetable base.
Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, checking around the 3-hour mark, until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
Prepare Dumplings: While the chicken cooks, cut the biscuit dough into quarters and lightly roll them into balls. This step ensures your dumplings will be fluffy when cooked!
Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it back to the pot along with the thawed peas. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!
Add Dumplings: Gently drop the biscuit balls into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let them cook for 1-2 hours until the dumplings are golden, fluffy, and cooked through.
Serve: Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before ladling the warm chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Optional: Serve with a crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad on the side.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the chicken thighs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which saves you valuable time on a busy evening. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables (carrot, celery, onion) ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, ensure that the biscuit dough is prepared right before cooking, as it’s best when fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the chicken and veggies into the slow cooker with the broth and follow the final cooking instructions, resulting in a wholesome meal that feels as comforting as if you made it from scratch, all with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be prepared for the dumplings to become denser in texture upon reheating.
Freezer: While freezing the entire dish isn’t recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze the broth and shredded chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess, keeping the warmth of your warm crockpot chicken and dumplings just right.
Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent any odors from mingling in the fridge.
Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Variations
Feel free to let your creativity roam and customize this comforting dish to your taste!
- Lighter Option: Substitute Chicken Breasts for thighs; they cook faster but may need extra moisture to stay juicy.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped Spinach or Kale to amp up nutrition; simply toss in during the last hour of cooking.
- Herbal Twist: Enhance flavor with Sage or Oregano; fresh herbs can truly elevate the dish’s aromatic experience.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, mix in Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes; adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Creamy Alternative: Swap Cream of Chicken Soup for Cream of Mushroom Soup; this adds an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- Dumpling Variety: Experiment with Homemade Biscuits instead of store-bought; they give a personal touch and unique flavor.
- Savory Addition: Mix in Corn kernels for a sweet crunch; just add them during the last 30 minutes for best texture.
- Coconut Flavor: Substitute part of the chicken broth with Coconut Milk for a creamy, tropical twist; it pairs beautifully with the other flavors!
What to Serve with Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Embrace the heartwarming vibes of this dish by pairing it with sides that enhance its comforting flavors.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy broth.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory soup, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Roasted Green Beans: Tender green beans, seasoned and roasted to perfection, bring a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a luscious texture match for the fluffy dumplings while soaking up the rich broth.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey provide a burst of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements.
Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are deliciously crumbly and pair perfectly with each spoonful of chicken and dumplings.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy edges add a nutty flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with warm apple crisp, its warm spices echoing the cozy vibe of your main dish.
Expert Tips for Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Patience is Key: Avoid lifting the lid while cooking; each time you do, precious steam escapes, which is vital for fluffy dumplings.
Dumpling Timing: Only add biscuit dough after the chicken is fully cooked and shredded to ensure the dumplings are light and airy.
Adjusting Thickness: If your broth is too thick after cooking, just stir in a little extra chicken broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Boost: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices according to your taste. This will enhance the overall flavor of your Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
Cooking Level: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect tenderness. Always check doneness around the 3-hour mark.
Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken thighs for the recipe?
Absolutely! For this dish, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for easy shredding and moisture. However, if you’re looking for a richer flavor, bone-in skin-on thighs are wonderful! Just be mindful that they may need a bit longer to cook, so adjust timing as needed.
How should I store leftovers of warm crockpot chicken and dumplings?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just keep in mind that the dumplings may become denser in texture as they sit. It’s best to reheat them gently—adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore some creaminess!
Can I freeze warm crockpot chicken and dumplings?
While I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish due to the potential texture changes in the dumplings, you can freeze the broth and shredded chicken separately for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat the mixture, and prepare fresh dumplings for a delightful meal!
What if my broth is too thick after cooking?
No worries! If your broth turns out thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth while reheating to achieve your desired consistency. It’s a quick fix that can make all the difference!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you or someone at your table has allergies, be cautious with the cream of chicken soup; consider using a homemade version or a suitable gluten-free alternative. Additionally, always check the ingredients in your biscuit dough for any allergens. And remember to keep any herbs like parsley away from pets; some can be harmful to them.
How can I tell if my chicken is cooked through?
Great question! The best way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Typically, you can check it around the 3-hour mark when cooking on high.
Hearty Warm Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for Cozy Nights
Equipment
- - Crockpot
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 leaf bay leaf remove before serving
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth for a heartier flavor
For the Vegetables
- 1 cup carrot, diced adds natural sweetness
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped enhances flavor
- 1 medium onion yellow or white for milder taste
- 1 cup peas thaw before adding
For the Dumplings
- 1 can biscuit dough ready-made or homemade
For Seasoning & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic for stronger flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme optional
Instructions
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper.
- In your slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Toss in the bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs in the creamy broth mixture. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and lightly roll them into balls.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the pot along with the thawed peas. Remove the bay leaf.
- Gently drop the biscuit balls into the simmering broth. Cover and let them cook for 1-2 hours until cooked through.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.