Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, creating a rich and creamy chicken stew with soft, pillowy dumplings on top. With just a few ingredients and a hands-off approach, you’ll have a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 5-6 thighs)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (8 large biscuits)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the carrot, onion, and cream of chicken soup.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and place the biscuit dough on top.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth with additional veggies like potatoes or celery.
- Herb variations: You can switch up the dried herbs with your favorites such as sage or tarragon.
- Dumpling alternatives: If you prefer homemade dumplings, you can substitute store-bought biscuit dough with a homemade biscuit or dumpling dough recipe.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover crockpot chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in the crockpot without the dumplings and warm on low heat until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat in a pot on the stovetop.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken stew (without the dumplings) for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh biscuit dough for the dumplings.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and tenderness in slow-cooked recipes.
2. Can I make this recipe with homemade dumplings?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuit or dumpling dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and stew portion without the dumplings. Freeze for up to 6 months, then reheat and add fresh biscuit dough.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, celery, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
5. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they are light and fluffy. Insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean.
6. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but you’ll need to cook them for a bit longer.
7. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can either cook it on high for a bit longer to reduce the liquid or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water.
8. Can I use a different type of broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even beef broth, depending on your flavor preference.
9. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs well with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
10. Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Yes, adding some shredded cheese to the soup just before serving can enhance the flavor and add creaminess.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a must-try comfort meal for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, filling dish with minimal effort. The creamy chicken stew, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make it a perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 5-5.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy chicken stew topped with fluffy dumplings, all effortlessly made in a slow cooker. With minimal prep and a rich, hearty flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy days or cozy nights in. This easy-to-make recipe can be customized for dietary preferences and is ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 5–6 thighs)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1 onion, chopped
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
½ cup frozen peas
16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (8 large biscuits)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
-
Add the bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
-
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the carrot, onion, and cream of chicken soup.
-
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
-
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and place the biscuit dough on top.
-
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
-
Serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Variations:
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like potatoes or celery.
Swap herbs like rosemary or thyme with sage or tarragon for a new twist.
If you prefer homemade dumplings, replace the store-bought biscuit dough with a homemade recipe.
Storage/Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the crockpot without the dumplings, or heat on the stovetop.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken stew (without dumplings) for up to 6 months. Add fresh dough when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American