Comfort food doesn’t get any easier or more satisfying than this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly delicious recipe that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Prepare for requests for “more”!

Effortless Comfort: The Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings to chase away the chill of a cold day. This classic dish, known for its tender chicken, rich creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, is the epitome of home-cooked goodness. And when you can achieve that comforting perfection with minimal effort, thanks to your slow cooker, it becomes an absolute weeknight dinner hero! Get ready to discover a recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings that promises ease, incredible flavor, and a meal your entire family will adore.

Joining the #12bloggers Series: Simple Slow Cooker Soups

We’re thrilled to share that Love Bakes Good Cakes has embarked on a new culinary adventure for 2015! I’ve teamed up with eleven other talented bloggers to bring you an exciting “12 Bloggers Series.” On the 12th of each month, we’ll unveil a new themed recipe, linking to all the other delightful creations so you can easily explore a world of flavors. We have an array of fantastic themes planned, so be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for this monthly series!

What makes this series truly special for busy home cooks is our commitment to simplicity: every recipe features 12 ingredients or less. This focus on straightforward, accessible cooking ensures you can whip up impressive meals without the stress of extensive shopping lists or complicated steps. It’s all about making delicious food approachable and enjoyable for everyone. This month, we’re diving into the heartwarming world of slow-cooker soups, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my family’s favorite.

The Perfect Winter Warmer: Our Signature Chicken and Dumplings

For this month’s “12 Bloggers” theme – comforting slow cooker soups – my choice was clear from the start. Nothing says comfort on a chilly day quite like this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. It’s a dish my family absolutely adores, and for good reason! The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying, warming meal with very little hands-on time, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness.

If you’re new to using refrigerated biscuits to create your dumplings, you might feel a touch skeptical at first. Many people envision traditional, from-scratch dumplings that require more time and effort. However, let me assure you, this brilliant shortcut really works! The ready-made biscuits puff up beautifully in the slow cooker, absorbing the rich chicken broth and creamy soup base, resulting in incredibly soft, fluffy, and flavorful dumplings that perfectly complement the tender chicken and savory sauce. It’s a game-changer for homemade comfort food, delivering all the warmth and flavor with none of the fuss. You’ll be amazed at how easily these biscuit dumplings achieve that beloved classic texture.

A quick note on slow cooker performance: some models tend to cook hotter than others. If your slow cooker runs on the hotter side, I recommend checking your dumplings a bit earlier than the specified time – perhaps 20 minutes before the end of the cooking cycle. This will prevent them from overcooking and ensure they remain delightfully tender and not overly firm. This dish is always a smash hit with my family, generating smiles and requests for seconds, and I genuinely hope you’ll savor this incredibly easy and delicious version as much as we do!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card

4.31 from 439 votes

Servings:

8
servings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

By
Jamie Sherman

Comfort food doesn’t get any easier than this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings! It’s a hearty and delicious recipe that will have your family begging for more!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

7 hours
hrs

Total:

7 hours
hrs
10 minutes
mins

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted, 10.5 oz. each
• 1 can chicken broth, 14.5 oz.
• 14.5 oz water, measured using the empty broth can
• 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces, 7.5 oz.
• Fresh chopped parsley, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breast halves in the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle them with the poultry seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the two cans of undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup, the chicken broth, and the measured water until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, or on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Approximately 90 minutes before you plan to serve, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, roughly chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Add the torn pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough to the slow cooker, gently pressing them down into the liquid to ensure they are mostly submerged. Continue cooking for another 60-90 minutes, or until the biscuit dumplings are cooked through and no longer raw in the center. They should be puffed and tender.
6. To serve, ladle generous portions of the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and fresh flavor.

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Notes for Success

• Slow Cooker Temperature Variation: As mentioned, slow cookers vary. If yours tends to cook on the hotter side, begin checking your dumplings around the 60-minute mark to ensure they don’t become overdone or tough. They should be fluffy and cooked through, not mushy or hard.
• Biscuit Dough Choice: Any brand of standard refrigerated biscuit dough will work well. For larger, fluffier dumplings, you can use grand-sized biscuits and tear them into 4-6 pieces each. Smaller biscuits can be torn into 2-3 pieces.
• Thickening the Broth: If you prefer an even thicker broth, you can remove about a cup of the liquid before adding the dumplings, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water to form a slurry), and then return it to the slow cooker to thicken briefly before adding the biscuits.
• Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, or peas along with the chicken at the beginning of the cooking process.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 136kcal,
Carbohydrates: 6g,
Protein: 14g,
Fat: 6g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Trans Fat: 0.01g,
Cholesterol: 43mg,
Sodium: 744mg,
Potassium: 256mg,
Fiber: 0.05g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 189IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 18mg,
Iron: 1mg

Please note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and may vary. It should be used as an approximation.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Here’s why this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home:

• Effortless Preparation: The beauty of the slow cooker shines through here. With minimal prep work, you can set it in the morning and return to a fully cooked, delicious dinner waiting for you. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when time is precious.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying – this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, a thick, flavorful broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings creates a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that truly warms you from the inside out.
• A Guaranteed Family Favorite: This classic dish appeals to almost everyone. Both kids and adults adore the tender chicken and the wonderfully fluffy dumplings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will ask for again and again.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: True to our #12bloggers series theme, this recipe uses a concise list of readily available and affordable ingredients. This makes grocery shopping simple and preparation straightforward, proving that you don’t need a long list of exotic items to create an incredibly flavorful meal.
• Highly Customizable: While perfect as is, this recipe also serves as a fantastic base for your creativity. Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables, additional seasonings, or even different cuts of chicken to make it uniquely yours.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Achieving the perfect consistency for your slow cooker chicken and dumplings is key to an outstanding meal. Here are a few extra tips to ensure your dish turns out flawlessly every time, delivering that ideal balance of tender chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy dumplings:

1. Resist the Urge to Peek: As tempting as it may be, try to avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently during the initial cooking phase. Each time you open it, the internal temperature drops significantly, which extends the cooking time and can affect the final texture of your chicken.
2. Optimal Chicken Shredding: While simply chopping the chicken works, shredding it with two forks directly in the slow cooker after it’s cooked is a fantastic method. It not only saves you an extra dish but also helps the chicken pieces absorb even more of that delicious, savory broth, enhancing their flavor and tenderness. Ensure it’s in bite-sized pieces for easy eating with your dumplings.
3. Mindful Dumpling Placement: When it’s time to add the biscuit pieces, don’t just dump them in. Spread them out evenly across the top of the liquid. Then, gently press them down into the broth to ensure they are mostly submerged. This crucial step ensures even cooking, allowing them to puff up beautifully and cook through without any dry or doughy spots.
4. Adjust for Your Slow Cooker’s Temperament: As we discussed, slow cookers vary in how hot they run. If you know your appliance tends to cook on the hotter side (some older models or specific brands are known for this), start checking the dumplings at the 60-minute mark instead of the full 90. This proactive check will prevent them from becoming too firm, dense, or even drying out, ensuring they remain wonderfully soft and tender.
5. The Power of Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the very end isn’t just for garnish. It adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that truly brightens the entire dish and lifts the rich, savory flavors. Fresh dill or chives can also make wonderful additions for a slightly different aromatic profile.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is undoubtedly a complete and satisfying meal on its own. However, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides that can complement its rich flavors and textures. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, cutting through the creaminess of the dish, or a side of steamed green beans adds a nice touch of extra vegetables and a bit of crunch. For a heartier meal that leaves no delicious drop behind, consider serving it with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread to soak up every last bit of the savory, creamy broth.

Looking to put your own unique twist on this comforting classic? Here are some fantastic ideas to customize your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:

• Boost with More Vegetables: Easily incorporate frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, or green beans) during the last hour of cooking for added color, nutrition, and texture. Sautéed mushrooms, a handful of fresh spinach, or even diced potatoes could also be folded in with the chicken before adding the dumplings.
• Spice It Up Slightly: If you enjoy a hint of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper added to the broth mixture can provide a subtle, pleasant heat without overpowering the dish.
• Explore Different Herbs: Beyond parsley, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs directly to the slow cooker during the initial chicken cook time. Their aromatic flavors will infuse the broth beautifully. Just remember to remove the woody stems before shredding the chicken and adding the dumplings.
• Indulgent Cheesy Dumplings: For an extra special and indulgent twist, you could sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese) over the dumplings during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, savory topping.
• Alternate Chicken Cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient and popular, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. They tend to be even more tender and offer a richer, more succulent flavor. If using thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook a bit faster.

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite comfort food board on Pinterest!

Explore More Delicious Slow Cooker Soup Recipes from the #12bloggers Series!

For even more fantastic and easy slow cooker soup recipes, be sure to check out the other talented participants in the #12bloggers series. Each month brings a new theme and delicious creations that are perfect for simple, flavorful meals. There are so many yummy choices, you might have trouble deciding which one to try next! Remember, every recipe is designed to be simple, with 12 ingredients or less, making meal prep a breeze for everyone.

• Crockpot Pork Ramen Soup from BetsyLife – A flavorful and easy take on a popular noodle soup.
• Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup from Home Cooking Memories – A classic, hearty and wholesome soup made simple.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup from Cooking on the Front Burner – All the flavors of chicken parmesan in a comforting soup.
• Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings from Love Bakes Good Cakes – Our very own featured recipe, simple and satisfying!
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili from Million Moments – A sweet and spicy twist on traditional chili.
• Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup from White Lights on Wednesday – A rich and flavorful vegetarian option.
• Crock Pot French Onion Soup from A Night Owl – The elegant flavors of French Onion, made easy in your crock pot.
• Beef Stroganoff Soup from Pink Cake Plate – A creamy and hearty soup inspired by a beloved classic.
• Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup from I Love My Disorganized Life – Enjoy all the layers of lasagna in a comforting soup form.
• Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup from See Vanessa Craft – The ultimate remedy and comfort in a bowl.
• Green Chile Pork Stew from Around My Family Table – A vibrant and hearty stew with a touch of heat.
• Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup from Big Bear’s Wife – A classic, nourishing soup packed with tender beef and garden vegetables.