“Tonight will be my 4th time making this! Super easy and my family loves it. Gravy is to die for!”
That’s the kind of review every home cook dreams of—and this recipe delivers exactly that level of comfort and satisfaction.
Few meals say home quite like Chicken and Dumplings. Warm, creamy, hearty, and deeply comforting, this slow-cooker version takes everything you love about the classic dish and makes it unbelievably easy. With tender chicken thighs, rich gravy, fluffy biscuit dumplings, and perfectly seasoned vegetables, this recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it miracle.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, hosting guests, or just craving old-fashioned comfort food, this Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Hands-off cooking in the slow cooker
Rich, creamy gravy with zero fuss
Boneless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender
Refrigerated biscuits make perfect fluffy dumplings
Family-approved comfort food
Minimal prep, maximum flavor
This is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again—and proudly share.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 onion, diced
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
1 can buttermilk refrigerated biscuits
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crock Pot Base
Start by dicing the onion and spreading it evenly across the bottom of your crock pot. The onion creates a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly on top of the onions in a single layer. Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay moist and shred beautifully.
3. Make the Creamy Gravy
In a mixing bowl, combine:
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of celery soup
Poultry seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley
Black pepper to taste
Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the heart of the dish—it becomes the rich, savory gravy everyone raves about.
4. Pour and Cook
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Then slowly pour the chicken broth over the top.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to HIGH for 5 hours.
⚠️ Important Tip:
Do not open the lid during the first 4 hours. Keeping the lid closed allows the chicken to cook evenly and stay tender.
5. Add Vegetables and Shred the Chicken
When there is 1 hour of cook time remaining, open the lid and add the thawed mixed vegetables.
Using a spoon or tongs, gently shred the chicken directly in the crock pot. The chicken should fall apart easily and blend into the gravy.
Stir everything together well so the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed.
6. Prepare the Dumplings
Open the can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Flatten each biscuit slightly and cut each one into 4 long strips.
These strips will puff up into soft, fluffy dumplings as they cook.
7.Add the Dumplings
Lay the biscuit pieces gently on top of the chicken mixture. Do not stir yet—this allows the dumplings to steam and cook properly.
Replace the lid and let everything cook for the final hour.
8.Final Stir and Serve
After the last hour, remove the lid and gently stir the mixture to incorporate the dumplings into the creamy gravy.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
What Makes the Gravy So Good?
The combination of:
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of celery soup
Chicken broth
Slow-cooked onions
Chicken drippings
creates a gravy that is thick, savory, and deeply comforting. It coats every bite of chicken and dumpling perfectly—no extra thickening required.
Helpful Tips for Success
Use chicken thighs, not breasts, for best texture
Thaw vegetables first to avoid cooling the crock pot
Don’t over-stir the dumplings early
Season lightly at first, then adjust before serving
Easy Variations
Add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth
Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness
Use homemade biscuit dough if preferred
Swap mixed vegetables for peas and carrots
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth
Freezing: Not recommended due to dumpling texture
Perfect For…
Weeknight family dinners
Cold weather comfort meals
Busy schedules
Meal prepping
Potlucks and gatherings
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is everything comfort food should be—easy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich gravy come together into a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.