Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 530 calories per serving. Recipe by Pepperbellypete on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 6 hrs 30 min | Total: 7 hrs 20 min
Cost: $17.45 total, $2.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken (boneless skinless breasts or thighs, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Poultry Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
- 0.5 tablespoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 tablespoon Flavor Time Seasoning (any all‑purpose seasoning blend)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 4 Celery Ribs (chopped)
- 1 bunch Green Onion (white and green parts sliced)
- 22 oz Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed)
- 2 cups Water (to fill the empty soup can)
- 32 oz Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, shredded)
- 0.5 cup Buttermilk (full‑fat)
- 1 cup Milk (whole milk)
Instructions
Cube and Season Chicken
Cut the chicken into 1‑inch cubes, place in a bowl, and toss with poultry seasoning, black pepper, and Flavor Time seasoning until evenly coated.
Time: PT10M
Prep Vegetables
Chop the onion, dice the carrots, slice the celery ribs, and slice the green onion bunch.
Time: PT10M
Combine Chicken, Seasonings, and Veggies
Add the seasoned chicken, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and green onion to the crockpot. Stir briefly to distribute.
Time: PT5M
Add Soup Base and Liquids
Pour the 22‑oz can of cream of chicken soup into the crockpot, fill the empty can with water, and add the 32‑oz chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook on Low
Place the lid on the crockpot, set to Low, and cook for 5 hours.
Time: PT5H
Prepare Dumpling Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, buttermilk, and milk. Mix until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
Time: PT5M
Switch to High Heat
After the 5‑hour low cook, turn the crockpot setting to High.
Time: PT1M
Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. The batter will puff up as it cooks.
Time: PT2M
Cook Dumplings
Cover the crockpot and let the dumplings steam on High for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Time: PT1H30M
Serve
Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with extra sliced green onion if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 530
- Protein
- 68g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free (if no flour added)
Allergens: Milk, Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken: Turkey breast, Chicken thighs
- Instead of Poultry Seasoning: Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Flavor Time Seasoning: Old Bay, Cajun seasoning
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Celery Ribs: Celery hearts
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of mushroom soup
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Buttermilk: Plain yogurt
- Instead of Milk: 2% milk, Almond milk (non‑dairy)
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Ladle or Large Spoon
- Spoon for Dropping Dumplings (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the chicken thoroughly before adding to the crockpot
- Cook on Low for the full 5 hours without lifting the lid
- Drop the dumpling batter gently into the hot broth
- Cook dumplings on High for 1 hour 30 minutes without stirring
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sharp cheddar for a richer flavor and better browning on the dumplings.
- If you prefer a lighter broth, substitute half of the cream of chicken soup with low‑fat milk.
- For extra herb freshness, add a handful of chopped parsley just before serving.
- A quick splash of hot sauce adds a pleasant kick without overwhelming the comforting flavor.
Troubleshooting
Dumplings turn out dense or gummy
Do not over‑mix the batter and add a splash more milk to achieve a looser consistency before dropping.
Soup is too thick after cooking
Stir in additional chicken broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; dumplings may become softer when reheated
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Seasoned chicken and chopped vegetables can be mixed and refrigerated overnight for a faster morning start
- Dumpling batter can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept chilled; give it a gentle stir before dropping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken and dumplings originated in the Southern United States as a frugal, home‑cooked meal that stretched small amounts of meat with simple dough. Over time it became a staple comfort dish served at family gatherings and cold‑weather meals across the country.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken and Dumplings in Southern American cuisine?
In the Deep South, dumplings are often made with biscuit dough and cooked directly in the broth. In the Midwest, a cream‑based soup base is common, while some Appalachian versions add cornmeal dumplings for extra texture.
How is Chicken and Dumplings traditionally served in Southern households?
It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, sometimes topped with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and accompanied by cornbread or crusty biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
What occasions or celebrations is Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular for family Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers, and winter comfort meals when a warm, filling one‑pot dinner is desired.
What makes Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
The slow‑cooker method allows the chicken to become ultra‑tender while the broth thickens naturally, and the addition of cheddar‑buttermilk dumplings gives a rich, cheesy lift that sets this version apart from classic biscuit dumplings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings at home?
Common errors include lifting the lid during the low‑cook phase, which drops temperature, over‑mixing the dumpling batter, which makes dense dumplings, and adding too much broth, resulting in a watery soup.
Why does this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe use cheddar and buttermilk in the dumpling batter instead of plain biscuit dough?
Cheddar adds a savory depth and a slight crust, while buttermilk tenderizes the dumplings and gives them a light, fluffy texture that holds up well during the long high‑heat steam stage.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time and how should I store leftovers?
Yes, you can fully prepare the dish, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dumplings are done in Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
The dumplings should be puffed, lightly golden on the top, and firm to the touch yet tender inside. They will float on the surface of the broth when fully cooked.
What does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specialize in?
The YouTube channel Pepperbellypete focuses on easy, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often using simple kitchen tools like crockpots and one‑pot methods to streamline cooking for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Pepperbellypete emphasizes minimal cleanup, budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, and step‑by‑step narration that highlights shortcuts such as using pre‑made soup bases and slow‑cooker techniques, setting it apart from more elaborate or gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
