Whether you’re a mom, single, or you have a large family to feed, this chicken and dumplings recipe is one you should not pass up. This crockpot creamy chicken stew is perfect for weeknights, busy weekends, or even during the holidays. This classic dish takes tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich, savory broth while allowing them to simmer together on low and slow until everything is perfectly cooked and packed with immense flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this a cozy, home-cooked meal with very little effort.
As your chicken cooks, it becomes tender (fall apart off the bone) with deep, comforting flavor. Soft, fluffy dumplings are added near the end, speaking up the creamy chicken sauce while keeping their pillow texture. Every bite you take delivers that familiar, nostalgic taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This recipe is perfect if you live a hectic lifestyle or if you want something hearty without standing over the stove. If you’re searching for comfort food and an easy dinner that involves slow cooker chicken, you’ve come to the right place. Rich, filling, and family-friendly, this crockpot stew is perfect for any time during the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nostalgia: You’ll love how many nostalgic thoughts and feelings you’ll have when you try this chicken and dumplings rendition. This recipe is pure comfort wrapped into one.
Family-friendly: Have picky eaters at home? No problem. This recipe is super simple and uses sensory safe ingredients. You can always swap ingredients to make it even more family-friendly to your particular needs.
Pantry staples: One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be made using traditional pantry and fridge staples. No fussy ingredients. Just straightforward ingredients with simple recipes.
Easy: You don’t need to be a master chef to complete this dish. It’s easy, straightforward, and even possible for those who are new to working in the kitchen.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Dumplings: Frozen dumplings will work perfectly in the crock pot. The frozen dumplings will actually give you a great quick start on the meal.
Refrigerated biscuits: If you prefer, you can make your own dumpling dough from scratch. The use of refrigerated biscuits is a way to expedite and streamline the cooking process of this creamy chicken dinner.
Frozen mixed vegetables: You can choose to incorporate any of your favorite veggies. We highly recommend freshly frozen vegetables if you’re looking to preserve the crunchiness and texture of the veggies once they’re cooked. However, you can also used canned mixed vegetables or a combination of your favorite veggies (such as corn, green beans, and asparagus). Keep in mind that if you use canned veggies, they will likely soften much more than the freshly frozen veggies.
Onion: If you’re not a fan of chopped onion, you can replace it with onion paste. You can also use onion powder or onion salt if you’re not a fan of fresh onion.
Tips for Success
Use freshly frozen veggies if you want to preserve the original crunch and crispiness of the vegetables once cooked.
Use refrigerated biscuits to help save time without the hassle of creating your own dumplings from scratch!
Storage & Reheating
Allow your chicken and dumplings stew to cool off and come to room temperature if you’re planning to store them and reheat them later. They can then be placed in an airtight container and then into the refrigerator. You can store them for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze your crockpot creamy chicken and dumplings by allowing it to come to room temperature before placing servings into airtight containers. Save in your freezer for up to 4 months.
To reheat, thaw or allow your refrigerated creamy chicken to come to room temperature. Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, per serving. You can also reheat this mixture over the stove on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, reheat your creamy chicken in the oven in a casserole dish for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is extremely comforting and hearty! It pairs well with a wide range of veggie side dishes. However, you might also consider a fresh watercress salad or a pasta pesto salad! You can also try pairing this dish with baked potatoes on the grill if you’re in the mood for a starchy side dish.
Notes
Use fresh frozen veggies to preserve the crisp of your veggies once they’re cooked in the crockpot. You can opt for canned veggies if you’re in the mood for softy, saltier veggies.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs replaces breasts for extra tenderness
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz each
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 Large Onion finely diced
- 2 Tbsp Salted Butter melted
- 1 tsp Dried Sage replaces standard poultry seasoning for a cleaner herb profile
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream added at the end for richness
- 1 can Refrigerated Flaky Layer Biscuits 16.3 oz
- 1 cup Frozen Peas and Carrots optional for color and nutrition
Instructions
- Place the diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken thighs over the onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, dried sage, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours. Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains succulent and easily shreds after the long cook time.
- Once the time is up, remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the chicken to the pot. If you are using frozen peas and carrots, stir them in now.
- Open the biscuit tin and cut each biscuit into small, uniform quarters. Gently drop the dough pieces into the hot liquid, pushing them down slightly so they are submerged but not buried at the bottom.
- Replace the lid and continue cooking on High for 45 to 60 minutes. This allows the biscuits to puff up and cook through, absorbing the savory flavors of the broth.
- Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a beautiful sheen and a silky mouthfeel to the stew. Use a ladle to serve, ensuring everyone gets plenty of fluffy dumplings.
