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
Pairing Ideas for Your Hearty Chicken & 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
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are ideal. Avoid using flaky or layered biscuits as they might not hold together well in the slow cooker.
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.
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
Ingredients to Create Comforting Chicken & Dumplings
For the Protein:For the Binding and Flavor Enhancers:For the Dumpling and Thickening Components: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
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Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
- 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
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
- Arrange chicken, butter, cream soup, and diced onion in a greased slow cooker, ensuring ingredients are fully submerged with water.
- Cover and set slow cooker to high temperature, allowing mixture to simmer and chicken to become tender for 5-6 hours.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, gently tear refrigerated biscuits into rustic chunks, lightly coating each piece with flour to prevent adhesion.
- Carefully distribute floured biscuit pieces across the surface of the simmering chicken mixture, spreading evenly.
- 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.
- Once completed, use two forks to shred chicken and gently incorporate dumplings throughout the creamy, savory stew.
- 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
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
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.