Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food classic—a warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together in a creamy, savory broth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you let the slow cooker do most of the work while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.

This dish is especially wonderful on cold days, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. It’s homestyle cooking at its best.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless, filling, and soul-warming. Instead of standing over a stove, the slow cooker gently cooks the chicken and vegetables to perfection while I go about my day. By the time dinner rolls around, all that’s left is adding the dumplings and letting them puff up into pillowy goodness.

It’s also a family favorite—kids love the dumplings, adults love the flavor, and everyone leaves the table happy. For me, it’s a recipe that combines nostalgia with practicality.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Comfort in a bowl – rich, creamy, and cozy.
• Hands-off cooking – the slow cooker does the work.
• Family-friendly – picky eaters and foodies alike will enjoy it.
• Affordable & hearty – feeds a crowd without expensive ingredients.

Recipe Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6.5–7.5 hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~400–450 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired comfort food)
• Course: Main Dish, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Dumplings:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to coat biscuits, prevents sticking)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra black pepper

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Place chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
3. Shred chicken, stir in cream of chicken soup.
4. Add biscuit dough pieces as dumplings, cook until fluffy.
5. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Assemble Ingredients

1. Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Soup

1. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the cream of chicken soup until combined and creamy.

Step 4: Prepare Dumplings

1. Cut biscuit dough into small bite-sized pieces. Toss lightly with flour.
2. Drop dough pieces into the slow cooker on top of the soup mixture.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

1. Cover and cook on high for 1 additional hour until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with a spoon.
• Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add crusty bread or cornbread for extra heartiness.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat.
• Don’t stir dumplings too much once added—they need to steam.
• Add frozen peas or green beans in the last 10 minutes for extra color and nutrition.
• If you want a creamier base, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Variations

• Vegetable Chicken & Dumplings: Add more veggies like mushrooms, corn, or zucchini.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the broth.
• Herby Flavor: Add fresh rosemary or sage for a different aroma.
• Homemade Dumplings: Instead of biscuit dough, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and butter to make dumpling batter.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Best frozen without dumplings. Freeze the chicken soup base for up to 3 months, then add fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or slow cooker. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart size works best)
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowl for dumplings
• Ladle for serving

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the definition of classic comfort food. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft dumplings in a creamy broth, it’s a dish that warms the body and soul. Simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for families, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, homestyle meals. Once you make it, it’ll surely become a staple in your kitchen!