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There’s nothing quite like a hearty and comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, and this crockpot version takes the classic dish to new heights of convenience and flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. By letting your slow cooker work its magic, you can come home to a steaming, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Tender chicken thighs are slowly simmered in a rich, herby broth, combined with carrots, onions, and peas for a heartwarming dish. The dumplings, made from refrigerated biscuit dough, are soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked right on top of the stew, adding that signature texture to this soul-satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, hosting friends, or simply craving comfort food, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe will surely hit the spot.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare this classic comfort food with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its irresistible aroma and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

With minimal hands-on time, you simply add everything to the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a great choice for busy nights!

2. Hearty and Satisfying

The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings makes for a filling and comforting meal that’s perfect for cold weather.

3. One-Pot Wonder

Everything cooks together in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze—no need for multiple pans or complicated techniques.

4. Family-Friendly

This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The mild flavors and soft, pillowy dumplings appeal to a wide range of palates.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, whether that means adding extra veggies or switching up the herbs.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Bay leaf
Dried parsley
Dried rosemary
Dried thyme
Garlic powder
Low-sodium chicken broth
Carrot
Onion
Cream of chicken soup
Frozen peas
Refrigerated biscuit dough
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a meatless version. Add more hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as sage or oregano, to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Dumplings: Swap out the biscuit dough for homemade dumplings, or even use cornbread mix for a different texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to bring a little heat to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Slice the carrots and chop the onion.

Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the sliced carrots, chopped onion, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Dumplings

After the chicken is cooked, tear the biscuit dough into pieces and place them on top of the stew. Add the frozen peas. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are done, remove the bay leaf, and give the stew a quick stir. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

– Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor

If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use it in place of boneless thighs. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving.

– Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings

For the perfect dumplings, be sure not to pile them too high in the crockpot, as they need space to expand and cook evenly.

– Don’t Peek While It’s Cooking

Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking. Opening the crockpot too often releases heat, which can affect the cooking time.

– Adjust the Consistency

If the stew becomes too thick, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.

– Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own dumplings using gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version.

How to Serve

Serve this dish in deep bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. It’s a complete meal in itself, but it’s also great with a light vegetable side to balance out the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stew will thicken as it sits, but you can add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.

Freezing

While the chicken and broth freeze well, the dumplings may not maintain their fluffy texture once frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the chicken stew without the dumplings, and prepare fresh dumplings when you reheat the stew.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to add a bit of liquid to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

2. Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven, but the slow cooking method helps infuse the flavors beautifully.

3. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings should be light and fluffy. You can test by inserting a toothpick into the center of one—if it comes out clean, they’re done.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just be sure to increase the cooking time.

5. How do I make the broth thicker?

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or simply let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding potatoes, celery, or green beans for more variety.

7. Can I freeze the leftover dumplings?

Dumplings are best when fresh, but if you freeze them, they may become a bit dense when reheated.

8. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or any other cream soup of your choice.

9. Can I use homemade dumplings?

Yes, you can make your own dumplings if you prefer a homemade touch. Just drop them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk for the broth.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and hearty, with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that will make everyone feel at home. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish will surely impress. The convenience of the crockpot combined with the delicious flavors makes it a winner every time!