Hearty Southern Chicken and Dumplings

 

Hearty Southern Chicken and Dumplings (Crockpot Comfort Food Recipe)

If you're craving the ultimate Southern comfort food, look no further than this easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. It's everything you love about home-cooked meals — tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings, all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. This recipe is a no-fuss way to enjoy a bowl of pure nostalgia with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether it's a chilly evening, a busy weekday, or a family gathering, this dish delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a made-from-scratch meal — without spending hours in the kitchen. Let your slow cooker do the work, and come home to a bubbling pot of Southern magic.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture:

1 Onion, diced – Adds aromatic depth and sweetness as it cooks down at the base of the crockpot.

6 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Rich and juicy, thighs are ideal for slow cooking and shred beautifully for that rustic Southern texture.

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup – Brings a savory, creamy base with concentrated chicken flavor.

1 can Cream of Celery Soup – Adds a subtle vegetal note and extra creaminess to balance the richness.

1 tsp Poultry seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs (like thyme, sage, and rosemary) that enhances the Southern soul of this dish.

2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and a pop of color, while complementing the earthiness of the dish.

Black pepper, to taste – Enhances overall flavor with just the right amount of kick.

2 cups Chicken broth – Deepens the savory broth, helping to simmer the dumplings and chicken to perfection.

2 cups Mixed vegetables (defrosted) – For color, texture, and added nutrition. Think peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.

1 can Refrigerated biscuits – These transform into soft, fluffy dumplings as they steam on top of the bubbling stew.

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🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Place the diced onion at the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful bed that slowly caramelizes during cooking, enhancing the entire dish.

✅ Step 2: Add the Chicken

Layer the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly over the onions.

✅ Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1 tsp poultry seasoning

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Black pepper to taste

Stir until fully blended, then pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

✅ Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add 2 cups of chicken broth over the mixture to create a rich, creamy base that will later become the gravy-like stew.

✅ Step 5: Slow Cook

Set your crockpot to high and cook for 5 hours. Do not lift the lid until instructed — keeping the heat in is key for tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

✅ Step 6: Add Veggies & Shred Chicken

With 1 hour remaining, open the lid and stir in the 2 cups of defrosted mixed vegetables. As you mix, shred the chicken thighs directly in the pot using two forks.

✅ Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings

Open a can of refrigerated biscuits. Flatten each one and slice into 4 long strips. Lay them over the bubbling mixture in the crockpot. Close the lid again and let them steam for the remaining hour.

✅ Step 8: Stir & Serve

After the dumplings have cooked through, give everything a good stir to fully incorporate them into the chicken mixture. The biscuits will thicken the stew and turn into soft, pillowy dumplings.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Use chicken thighs over breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.

Don’t peek! Opening the lid releases heat and steam — essential for dumpling texture.

Flatten the biscuit dough so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump in the crockpot.

Want it thicker? Mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water before adding the biscuits for an even richer stew.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting dish with:

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top

Buttermilk cornbread on the side

A crisp green salad for balance

Optional: A dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of pepper jelly for a Southern kick

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📝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Chicken and Dumplings crockpot recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. It’s budget-friendly, one-pot, and full of flavor — not to mention the fluffy biscuit dumplings that steal the show every time.

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🔚 Conclusion: Comfort Food Made Easy

If you're looking for a no-fail Southern classic, this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe checks every box: easy, affordable, hearty, and absolutely delicious. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a big bowl of home-cooked love waiting for you at the end of the day.

Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe — your future 

self (and your family) will thank you!

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