Hey y'all! If you crave hearty, soul-warming comfort food that's also a breeze to make, this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe is your new go-to. Juicy chicken, tender veggies, and fluffy biscuit dumplings come together in a creamy sauce the whole family will love. Whether it's a rainy day, a busy weeknight, or a cozy Sunday supper, this dish always hits the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
- Effortless preparation – let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
- Classic creamy and comforting flavors in every bite.
- Minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly and picky eater-approved.
- Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or dumpling styles.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 3 large breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands!), cut into 1-inch pieces
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Veggies
Add chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
Step 2: Build the Base
Sprinkle on the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and dollop in the cream of chicken soup. Give the veggies a quick stir (no need to stir the chicken in).
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and veggies tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Dumplings & Creaminess
Stir in peas and heavy cream. Place biscuit dough pieces on top of the mixture. Press down gently so they're partially submerged.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Re-cover and cook on high for 1 hour, or until dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. (Insert a toothpick to check for doneness!)
Notes & Tips for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
- For richer flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
- Frozen mixed veggies can be swapped for fresh in a pinch.
- Check out this guide to slow cooking chicken for even more tips!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Variations
- Herbed Dumplings: Toss biscuit pieces in fresh chopped parsley and chives before adding.
- Creamy Mushroom: Mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup with the chicken soup for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Required Equipment for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
- Large slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Storage Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed for creaminess. Dumplings may soften further during storage, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance.
- Pair with classic Southern cornbread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Try a chilled glass of white wine or sweet iced tea for a refreshing complement!
Pro Tips for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
- Don’t overmix your dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy.
- If your stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in 20 minutes before serving.
- Find more chicken and dumpling pointers here to perfect your technique!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor; simply use an equal weight and trim off excess fat.
What if I don’t have biscuit dough?
You can use homemade drop biscuit dough or even pre-made pie dough for a different texture.
Can I freeze Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings?
While the chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months, dumplings may become mushy after thawing. Store without dumplings for best results.
Looking for more comfort foods? See Bon Appetit's collection of comfort food recipes for inspiration!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 5-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
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1Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with carrots, celery, peas, and onion.
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2In a medium bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
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3Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
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4Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.
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5Add biscuit dough pieces to the slow cooker, pressing them slightly into the liquid. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 hour, or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
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6Serve hot and enjoy your easy slow cooker chicken & dumplings!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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