Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

There are few dishes as comforting and nostalgic as Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. This classic comfort food brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth.

Cooking it in a slow cooker makes the process wonderfully simple while allowing the flavors to develop slowly and deeply. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth, reminds you of home-cooked family dinners, and feels like a hug in a bowl after a long day.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simplicity with pure comfort. The slow cooker does most of the work, yet the end result tastes rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The chicken turns incredibly tender, the vegetables soak up all the savory flavors, and the dumplings cook to soft, fluffy perfection. It’s also very forgiving and adaptable, making it perfect for busy days or beginner cooks.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s comforting, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. It uses basic pantry ingredients, feeds a family generously, and works beautifully for meal prep. Plus, it’s a complete one-pot meal—protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one bowl. Few recipes offer this level of comfort with such little effort.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Serving Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6½–7½ hours
Servings: 6 servings

Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving (may vary based on ingredients used)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Soup Base:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces
  or
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Cooking Directions

The cooking process is simple and mostly hands-off. Add the chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Let everything cook until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken, add creaminess, then drop in the dumplings and cook until fluffy and cooked through.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir gently.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Step 5: Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Stir in milk or cream for a richer texture.
Step 7: Prepare dumplings (or cut biscuit dough into pieces).
Step 8: Drop dumplings gently into the hot soup. Do not stir excessively.
Step 9: Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through.
Step 10: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve chicken and dumplings hot in deep bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cracked black pepper. Pair it with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or crusty bread for a complete comfort-food meal.

Recipe Tips

For best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Don’t over-stir after adding dumplings; this helps them stay fluffy.
• If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or milk.
• Make sure the lid stays closed while dumplings cook to ensure proper steaming.

Variations

Creamy Herb Chicken and Dumplings:
Add rosemary and sage for a deeper herb flavor.

Vegetable-Loaded Version:
Add peas, corn, or green beans in the last hour for extra nutrition.

Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings:
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese before adding dumplings.

Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free flour for dumplings and gluten-free cream soup.

Southern-Style Dumplings:
Roll homemade dumpling dough thin and cut into strips instead of drop dumplings.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze without dumplings for best texture, up to 2–3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

You will need the following equipment:

• Slow cooker (5–6 quart recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowl (for dumplings)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or whenever you crave something comforting and homemade. This recipe proves that classic dishes don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite at your table.