This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Will Change Your Life — So Easy, So Comforting!

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy feeling of digging into a bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when it basically cooks itself! This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or when you simply want a hearty, homemade meal without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-go: Minimal prep and effort
Comfort food favorite: Creamy, rich, and satisfying
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike
Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients
One-pot meal: Less mess, easy cleanup

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Let’s dive in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this classic dish:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury)

Optional for garnish: Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Add the following to your slow cooker: chicken, carrots, celery, diced onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth and spoon the cream of chicken soup over the top. Give it a gentle stir.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-mix — we want everything to stay layered for richer flavor as it slow-cooks.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours
OR
Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the broth and veggies.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings

Cut the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and drop them into the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the dough with the flavorful broth.

Important: Cook the dumplings with the lid on for 1 hour on HIGH. Don’t lift the lid too often or they may turn gummy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, give everything one final stir. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot!

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overcrowd the dumplings. Make sure they have space to expand.
Use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer less-processed ingredients.
Add peas or corn in the last 30 minutes for more color and texture.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with: Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

A simple green salad
Roasted or steamed veggies
Crusty bread or garlic toast

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Skip the slow cooking step and just warm everything together for 1–2 hours on low.

How do I know the dumplings are done?
They’ll puff up and be soft and cooked through. You can cut one in half to check the inside.