Oh, you guys are gonna LOVE this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe! Seriously, is there anything more comforting than walking in the door after a long day to the smell of this simmering away? I don’t think so! My kids practically do a happy dance when they know it’s on the menu.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. I mean, dump-and-go easy. That’s why it’s my go-to for crazy weeknights when I barely have time to think, let alone cook. Plus, it tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove. Total win-win, right? Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, it’ll be a regular in your rotation, too!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Simple and Easy: Seriously, it doesn’t get easier than this. Just dump everything in and let the crockpot do its thing.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Forget slaving over the stove! Come home to a warm, comforting meal with almost zero effort.
A Comfort Food Classic: This is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s total comfort food that brings back all those cozy childhood memories!

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing fancy here, just good ol’ pantry staples. You’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I usually grab the bigger ones ’cause my crew is hungry!
1 teaspoon salt – Gotta have that flavor!
½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked is always best, if you have it.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a little somethin’ somethin’.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Smells amazing while it’s cooking!
4 cups chicken broth – Low sodium is my go-to, so I can control the salt.
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup – Yep, the classic! Don’t skimp on the size!
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Super convenient, right?
1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters – The key to those fluffy dumplings!

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, grab your crockpot – I use a 6-quart one, but anything similar will work. Place those chicken breasts right in the bottom. Now, sprinkle ’em with the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Don’t be shy, give ’em a good coating! This is where the flavor starts, so you don’t want to skimp.

Adding Broth and Vegetables

Next, pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup right over the chicken. Make sure everything’s nicely covered. Then, toss in your frozen mixed vegetables. Seriously, just dump ’em in! No need to thaw or anything. Easy peasy!

Slow Cooking the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Now, for the hardest part… waiting! Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You’ve got two options here: low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low if I’m heading out for the day. If you’re in a hurry, high works just fine, but keep an eye on it! Every crockpot cooks a little differently, ya know?

Shredding the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid (watch out for that steam!). The chicken should be super tender and easy to shred. Grab two forks and get to work! Just pull the chicken apart until it’s all shredded up in the pot. This step is so satisfying, trust me!

Adding the Dumplings

Alright, almost there! Now, open that package of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Then, drop those little dough pieces right into the crockpot. They don’t have to be perfect, just make sure they’re somewhat evenly spaced. Cover the crockpot again and cook for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and golden brown. You’ll want to check ’em with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, they’re ready to go! And that’s it! Time to serve up some seriously yummy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Want to take your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years!

Don’t Overcook the Dumplings

This is key! Soggy dumplings are a bummer. Start checking them around 30 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. If a toothpick comes out clean, you’re good to go! If they’re still doughy, give ’em a bit longer, but keep an eye on ’em!

Thickening the Gravy

If you like a thicker gravy (and who doesn’t?), here’s a super simple trick. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Then, stir that right into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken up like magic!

Adding More Vegetables

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! While the frozen mix is easy, you can totally add other stuff. Diced carrots, celery, or potatoes work great. Just toss ’em in with the other veggies at the beginning. Oops! Careful, raw potatoes will need longer to cook than the chicken, so chop them small.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe – awesome! Now, let’s get a little adventurous, shall we? This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is seriously a blank canvas for flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Herb and Spice Variations

Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Try swapping out some of the herbs. Fresh parsley or sage would be amazing in this! Or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Ooh, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor! So many possibilities!

Vegetable Variations

While I love the convenience of frozen veggies, using fresh ones can totally elevate this dish. Carrots, celery, onions – sauté ’em up a bit before adding them to the crockpot for even more flavor. Just remember they’ll need a little extra time to cook, so adjust accordingly!

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

For an extra decadent twist, try stirring in a couple of ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll make the gravy super creamy and rich. Trust me, it’s SO good! Just make sure the cream cheese is softened so it melts in nicely.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, so you’ve got a pot of amazing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings… now what? Well, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but here are a few things that go perfectly with it!

Side Salad

Keep it simple with a fresh green salad. A little lettuce, some tomatoes, maybe some cucumber… and a light vinaigrette? Perfect!

Crusty Bread

Oh man, you HAVE to have some crusty bread for sopping up all that delicious gravy! Seriously, don’t skip this step! My favorite part is dipping the bread in the gravy…yum!

Green Beans

Some steamed or roasted green beans add a nice little veggie boost. Plus, the green looks so pretty next to the creamy chicken and dumplings. Just sayin’!

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep that Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings tasting just as amazing the next day!

Storing Leftovers

The key is to get those leftovers into an airtight container ASAP and pop ’em in the fridge. This will keep everything nice and fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it sitting out on the counter for too long, okay?

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got a couple of options. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish. Just be sure to cover it, so it doesn’t splatter everywhere!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions about making the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yep, you totally can! Just keep in mind that it’ll add to the cooking time. I’d say add at least an extra hour or two, and make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding it. Honestly, though, I usually prefer to use thawed chicken for the best texture.

Can I use different dough for the dumplings?

Absolutely! While I love the convenience of refrigerated biscuit dough, you can totally get fancy and make your own dumplings from scratch. There are tons of recipes online! Or, you could even use those frozen dumpling wrappers you find in the freezer section. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, since different doughs will cook at different rates.

How do I prevent the dumplings from being soggy?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Soggy dumplings are the worst, right? The key is to not overcook them. Start checking them around that 30-minute mark, and make sure the lid is on tight while they’re cooking. Also, make sure your crockpot isn’t too full – overcrowding can lead to soggy dumplings. If you’re still having trouble, try placing a paper towel under the lid to absorb some of the excess moisture. Good luck!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, quick disclaimer! Just so you know, the nutritional information for this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the brand of soup or the type of biscuit dough). So, I can’t give you exact numbers here, okay? But just keep that in mind when you’re planning your meals!

Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings!

Okay, go make it! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Or, snap a pic and share it – I’d love to see your creations!