Introduction

Few dishes embody the meaning of comfort food as much as chicken and dumplings. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe takes the classic Southern-inspired dish and makes it even easier by letting your crockpot do most of the work. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a creamy, flavorful broth with vegetables and herbs, then fluffy dumplings are added on top to cook gently until light and pillowy.

The slow cooking process infuses every bite with cozy flavor and requires minimal hands-on effort. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or when you simply crave a warm, hearty meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal work. The slow cooker ensures the chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the broth develops a rich, savory depth. The dumplings—soft, fluffy, and slightly doughy—make every spoonful feel indulgent and satisfying.

It’s also a dish that feels nostalgic, reminding me of home-cooked meals shared around the table. The ease of using refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade, if you prefer) makes it practical for busy days, yet it still tastes like a dish made with care and love.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

• Comforting: Warm, creamy, and hearty.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Convenient: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
• Customizable: Use homemade dumplings or a shortcut, adjust seasonings, and add veggies you love.

If you’ve never tried chicken and dumplings made in a slow cooker, you’re in for a delicious, no-fuss experience.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: ~6.5 hours
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American Southern Comfort

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

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

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the base: Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well.
2. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Discard bay leaf.
4. Add peas: Stir in frozen peas.
5. Prepare dumplings: Cut biscuit dough into quarters, lightly toss in flour, then drop pieces evenly over the stew.
6. Cook dumplings: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 more hour, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Final touch: Stir gently, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Chop vegetables. Dice onion, slice carrots and celery, mince garlic.
2. Load slow cooker. Add chicken, vegetables, broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings.
3. Cook. Set crockpot on LOW or HIGH as desired.
4. Shred chicken. Remove, shred, and stir back into stew.
5. Add peas. Stir in frozen peas for sweetness and color.
6. Make dumplings. Cut biscuit dough, coat in flour, and place on top.
7. Final cook. Let dumplings steam for 1 hour on HIGH until fluffy.
8. Serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve

Serve hot in bowls with:

• A sprinkle of parsley or fresh thyme
• A side of green salad or roasted vegetables for balance
• Crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth (optional, since dumplings are already hearty)

Recipe Tips

• Flour the dumplings before adding them—this helps prevent sticking and thickens the broth slightly.
• Don’t over-stir once dumplings are added—they need steam to rise and stay fluffy.
• Use chicken thighs for extra richness.
• Add cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier stew.

Variations

• Homemade Dumplings: Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup milk to make quick dumplings. Drop spoonfuls onto stew instead of biscuit dough.
• Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) to dumpling dough for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms and white beans.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the broth.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken stew (without dumplings) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker / Crockpot (6-quart recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Forks (for shredding chicken)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
No, for food safety reasons, always use thawed chicken in the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or a thickened broth made with coconut milk.

Q3: How do I know dumplings are cooked?
They should be fluffy and no longer doughy in the center when cut open.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the stew portion ahead, refrigerate, then add dumplings when reheating in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the definition of cozy comfort food—creamy, hearty, and completely satisfying. With minimal prep and the convenience of a crockpot, it’s a dish that feels homemade without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to the table.