This cozy dish of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmer together with veggies in a creamy, savory sauce!
There’s something magical about walking in the door to this warm meal waiting for you. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley—gotta make it look fancy, right? 😉
Making this dish is super easy! Just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do its thing. I love how it fills the house with yummy smells while I relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tender texture, but you can use thighs for more flavor and moisture. If you want a lighter dish, turkey breast is a good alternative too.
Cream Soups: The cream of chicken and cream of celery soups add creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding processed foods, you can make a homemade version using roux and broth, or substitute with a can of coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. For a richer taste, you can even use homemade broth. Keep in mind, the more flavorful your broth, the better the dish!
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient, but you can also use homemade dough if you prefer baking from scratch. Alternatively, for a healthier option, drop in some dumpling batter made from flour, baking powder, and milk.
How Can I Shred Chicken Easily in the Crock Pot?
Shredding chicken in the Crock Pot is simple and keeps the chicken moist! All you need are two forks. Here’s how:
- Once the cooking time is nearly done, remove the lid of your Crock Pot.
- Take two forks and start pulling apart the chicken directly in the pot. It should shred easily if it’s been cooked well.
- Mix it back in with the sauce, making sure all the chicken is coated.
This step not only makes the chicken easier to eat but also helps it soak up more of that delicious sauce!
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and will take 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a cozy meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This will be the base for your delicious meal.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s well blended, and then pour this mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. The chicken will soak up all those lovely flavors!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you want to serve, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir it around to mix the chicken with the creamy sauce. This will make it super tasty!
5. Add the Dumplings:
Open the package of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently drop the biscuit pieces into the Crock Pot, stirring lightly to coat them in the delicious sauce.
6. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the Crock Pot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. They’ll puff up beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, serve your Chicken & Dumplings hot! You can garnish with some fresh chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken in your Crock Pot, but it’s essential to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Celery Soup?
No worries! You can substitute cream of celery soup with an equivalent amount of cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade cream sauce. Simply mix 1 cup of whole milk with 2 tablespoons of flour, cook until thickened, and use it in place of the cream of celery soup.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble everything in the Crock Pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly since the ingredients will be cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the dumplings become a bit dry, you can stir in a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess.
