Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy 🍲🐔

October 8, 2025 by admin

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening — tender chicken, fluffy biscuit-style dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth that tastes like it simmered all day. The best part? With this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe, you can have all that deliciousness without lifting a finger after breakfast.

This one-pot wonder is the definition of easy comfort food. Dump the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll be greeted with the savory aroma of a hearty Southern-style stew — with soft, pillowy dumplings floating on top.

🥣 Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • No fuss prep — Just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
  • Perfectly tender chicken — Cooks low and slow until it shreds effortlessly.
  • Creamy, flavorful broth — Thanks to the magic of cream soups and seasoning.
  • Fluffy dumplings — Made with refrigerated biscuit dough or from scratch.
  • One-pot meal — No extra sides needed, though crusty bread is always welcome!

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

  • 1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for added veggies)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g. Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters
    OR
    Homemade dumplings (see optional recipe below)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add chopped onions, garlic, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir slightly to coat the chicken.

🕘 Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

  • Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
  • Stir the shredded chicken into the broth until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dumplings

  • Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 4–6 pieces.
  • Drop the biscuit pieces on top of the hot stew in a single layer.
  • Gently press them into the liquid so they can soak up flavor but still sit on top to steam.

🕒 Cover and cook on HIGH for 1–1.5 hours until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Veggies (Optional)

  • Stir in frozen peas and carrots during the last 15 minutes of cooking, just to warm them through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve with warm bread or a light side salad.

🥄 Optional: Homemade Dumpling Dough Recipe

Want to go all-out with from-scratch dumplings?

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter (cold and cubed)
  • ½ cup milk

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  3. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
  4. Drop spoonfuls into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

🥢 Homemade dumplings will take about 45–60 minutes to cook through in the slow cooker.

🧠 Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and ultra-tender texture.
  • Don’t stir the dumplings too much — they’ll fall apart!
  • Add herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra depth.
  • Keep the lid closed during dumpling cooking time to trap steam.
  • Double the dumplings if your family loves them (trust us, they’ll go fast).

🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

While this dish is a full meal on its own, it pairs well with:

  • Buttery cornbread
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli
  • Simple garden salad
  • Sweet iced tea or lemonade

🧊 Storage and Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze without the dumplings for best results (refrigerated biscuit dough doesn’t freeze well).
  • Reheat: Microwave in short intervals or reheat on the stovetop until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to extend the cooking time and ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For food safety, thaw if possible.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — use dairy-free cream soup alternatives and skip the biscuit dough in favor of a non-dairy dumpling option.

Will the dumplings get soggy?

Not if you don’t stir them during cooking and make sure the lid stays on to steam them properly.

Can I use homemade broth?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken stock adds amazing flavor.

🥰 Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe brings all the comfort of grandma’s kitchen — with none of the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weekday or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers flavor, heartiness, and nostalgia in every bite.

Warm, creamy, and packed with goodness, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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