Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

The Coziest Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe Ever Made

Comfort arrives unexpectedly when slow cooker chicken & dumplings simmer gently in your kitchen.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish that warms souls instantly.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between pillowy dumplings, creating a harmony of textures.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.

Creamy broth infused with herbs transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Generations have cherished these classic flavors that speak directly to heart and hunger.

One spoonful promises pure, nostalgic satisfaction that connects you to home-cooked traditions.

Fun Ways to Change Up Your Chicken & Dumplings Dish

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular biscuits with gluten-free biscuit mix and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate lactose-sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, and Cajun seasoning to the chicken mixture for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the chicken base for a more aromatic and complex taste experience.

Pairing Ideas for Your Hearty Chicken & Dumplings

  • Pair Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the chicken and dumplings, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the dish's warmth.
  • Create Tangy Coleslaw Side: Prepare a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw that provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, comforting slow cooker meal, balancing the richness with bright, acidic notes.
  • Elevate with Buttery Chardonnay: Select an oak-aged Chardonnay that mirrors the creamy soup base, adding layers of buttery complexity that match the tender chicken and soft dumplings.

Storing Chicken & Dumplings Without Losing Flavor

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Pour leftovers into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

  • What kind of biscuits work best for the dumplings?

Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are ideal. Avoid using flaky or layered biscuits as they might not hold together well in the slow cooker.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and dumplings recipe can be prepared ahead and reheated. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and maintains its delicious flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. Choose a non-dairy cream of chicken soup for a completely dairy-free version.

Cozy Up With Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Easy Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food with minimal effort.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a hearty, soul-warming meal that brings families together with its rich, creamy texture and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Requires no advanced culinary skills, making it an ideal recipe for new cooks or anyone wanting a stress-free cooking experience that guarantees tasty results every single time.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its classic, satisfying flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients to Create Comforting Chicken & Dumplings

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and juicy base that provides the main protein for this comforting dish.
For the Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Serves as a creamy base that thickens the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
  • Diced Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic quality to the dish.
For the Dumpling and Thickening Components:
  • Refrigerated Biscuits: Transforms into soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth.
  • Flour: Helps prevent the biscuit pieces from sticking and contributes to thickening the sauce.
  • Water: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking and creating the sauce's consistency.

Easy Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Easy Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Place chicken into the slow cooker. Add softened butter, cream of chicken soup, and diced onions.

Pour water until all ingredients are completely covered.

Step 2: Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it simmer on High heat for 5-6 hours.

During this time, the chicken will become tender and develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Dumplings

Grab refrigerated biscuit dough and gently tear each biscuit into bite-sized pieces.

Roll each piece in all-purpose flour to prevent sticking and ensure a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Drop and Cook Dumplings

Carefully drop the floured biscuit pieces into the slow cooker.

Spread them evenly across the surface of the bubbling chicken mixture. Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Check that the dumplings are fully cooked and have a soft, pillowy texture. The chicken should be falling apart and the sauce creamy.

Ladle into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the comforting, hearty meal.

Tips for Fluffy Dumplings and Tender Chicken Every Time

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
  • Dice onions finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks in the final dish.
  • Dust biscuit pieces generously with flour to create a light, fluffy texture and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
  • Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent heat loss.
  • Choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt levels and customize the dish's seasoning to your taste.
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Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker chicken & dumplings, blending Southern warmth with effortless cooking. Creamy, tender chicken nestled with fluffy dumplings promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave time and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup

Dough and Vegetables:

  • 2 small packages Grands Jr biscuits (10 biscuits)
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup flour (for coating biscuits)

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken, butter, cream soup, and diced onion in a greased slow cooker, ensuring ingredients are fully submerged with water.
  2. Cover and set slow cooker to high temperature, allowing mixture to simmer and chicken to become tender for 5-6 hours.
  3. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, gently tear refrigerated biscuits into rustic chunks, lightly coating each piece with flour to prevent adhesion.
  4. Carefully distribute floured biscuit pieces across the surface of the simmering chicken mixture, spreading evenly.
  5. Replace slow cooker lid and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until biscuit dumplings transform into fluffy, golden-edged morsels and reach full doneness.
  6. Once completed, use two forks to shred chicken and gently incorporate dumplings throughout the creamy, savory stew.
  7. Allow mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal consistency.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner dish that cooks evenly and absorbs more flavor.
  • Sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary into the slow cooker to enhance the overall taste profile and add depth to the chicken.
  • Swap regular biscuits with gluten-free biscuit dough and use cornstarch instead of flour for rolling to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Shred the chicken before adding dumplings for a more tender and integrated meal that allows the biscuit pieces to soak up more delicious broth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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