Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings (Crock Pot Style)

There’s something so nostalgic, so soul-hugging, about a big bowl of chicken and dumplings—and Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings hits every comforting note just right. This crock pot version takes all that love and warmth and makes it even easier. Picture tender chunks of chicken, slow-simmered in a rich, creamy broth, with soft, fluffy dumplings soaking up all that savory goodness.

It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like home. The kind where one spoonful takes you back to simpler times, maybe sitting around Grandma’s table with a warm biscuit on the side. Whether it’s a rainy day, a chilly evening, or just one of those weeks when you need a little extra comfort—trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for lazy Sundays, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd. Let it slow cook while you go about your day.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like chicken, broth, and biscuit dough. Big flavor, small cost.

Quick and Easy: Well, slow and easy. Just dump, stir, and let the crock pot do the magic.

Customizable: Add veggies like carrots or peas, or sprinkle in herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft dumplings, creamy broth, and tender chicken? Even the picky eaters ask for seconds.

Ingredients in Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s what makes this dish so homey, rich, and satisfying:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs

The heart of the dish. Thighs offer more flavor, but breasts work beautifully too. Slow cooking makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Chicken Broth

Creates a rich base for the soup. Use low-sodium so you can season to taste.

Cream of Chicken Soup

Adds creaminess and body to the broth, making every bite feel indulgent and cozy.

Onion

Diced for sweetness and depth. It softens into the background, infusing flavor throughout.

Garlic

A little goes a long way, adding that savory, comforting aroma we all love.

Salt & Black Pepper

Season generously—layers of flavor matter here.

Dried Thyme (optional)

A classic herb that adds a subtle earthy warmth to the dish.

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough

Your easy dumpling shortcut. It puffs up beautifully in the crock pot, soaking up all that broth like a fluffy sponge.

Milk (optional)

Add near the end for a creamier, silkier finish.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

No need to preheat—just grab your crock pot and set it to low or high based on your timing.

Combine Ingredients

Add chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, garlic, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper into the crock pot. Give it a good stir so everything’s nicely combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Your crock pot is your one-pot wonder. Just make sure the lid fits tightly to trap all that steamy goodness inside.

Assemble the Dish

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.

Cook to Perfection

Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the crock pot using two forks. Then cut the biscuit dough into small bite-sized pieces and drop them right on top of the soup. Stir gently to coat them.

Cover again and cook on high for another 1 hour, or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through. (You can give them a stir halfway if you want them evenly cooked.)

Finishing Touches

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk right before serving. Let everything settle for a few minutes—this is when it all thickens up beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and serve hot! Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or cracked pepper if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings

This is a stand-alone kind of meal, but here are some ideas to round it out:

• With a Side Salad: Add some fresh greens with a vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Crusty Bread or Cornbread: For those who want to mop up every last drop.
• Steamed Veggies: Green beans, broccoli, or peas make a great light side.
• With a Glass of Sweet Tea: Because Grandma Georgia would approve.
• Family Style: Serve straight from the crock pot—let everyone dig in and feel at home.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: Space them out so they cook evenly and don’t get gummy.
• Use Thighs for More Flavor: They stay juicier and richer during long cook times.
• Add Veggies: Diced carrots or peas can be stirred in during the last hour.
• Use Homemade Biscuit Dough: If you’ve got time and want to go old-school, Grandma would definitely be proud.
• Stir Gently: Too much stirring after adding dumplings can break them up. Let them puff up on their own.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, add extra time and check doneness carefully.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Yes, just swap the cream soup for a dairy-free version or thickened broth, and skip the milk at the end.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep dumplings soft.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not ideal—the dumplings can get mushy after freezing. Freeze the chicken base separately and add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Q5: Can I use homemade dumplings?
A5: Absolutely! If you’ve got a good biscuit or dumpling dough recipe, feel free to use it.

Q6: Why are my dumplings gummy?
A6: They may have been stirred too much or didn’t cook long enough. Let them steam with the lid on for best results.

Q7: Can I cook it all on high for less time?
A7: Yes, just adjust to about 4–5 hours on high for the chicken, plus 1 hour for the dumplings.

Q8: What herbs go well in this dish?
A8: Thyme, parsley, and even a pinch of sage can work wonderfully.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?
A9: Yes! Use veggie broth and replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. Use plant-based cream soup.

Q10: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A10: Yes—pressure cook the chicken base first, then switch to sauté to simmer the dumplings.

Conclusion

Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of recipe that feeds more than your stomach—it feeds your soul. It’s simple, hearty, and filled with warmth in every bite. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this crock pot version makes it easy to bring a taste of home to your table. So go ahead—make a big pot, and enjoy the kind of comfort only a grandma-approved recipe can bring.

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