One chilly afternoon I was craving something warm comforting and completely hands-off so I decided to toss some chicken broth and biscuit dough into my slow cooker with a few classic veggies. By dinner time the house smelled like a hug and the dumplings were perfectly fluffy soaking up all that rich savory flavor.

Now slow cooker chicken and dumplings is my favorite no-fuss comfort food and it’s cozy hearty and filled with tender chicken soft vegetables and dumplings that melt in your mouth and it’s perfect for family dinners busy days or when you just need a bowl of something soul-soothing.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs – The tender protein base of the dish
Carrots – Add natural sweetness and color to the broth
Celery – Gives a subtle earthy flavor and classic soup feel
Onion – Builds flavor right from the start
Garlic – Adds warmth and depth to the base
Chicken broth – The flavorful liquid that ties everything together
Cream of chicken soup – Adds creaminess and body to the broth
Refrigerated biscuit dough – Shortcut dumplings that cook up light and fluffy
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning for balance
Parsley – A fresh garnish that brightens the finished dish

Tools You’ll Need

Slow cooker – The main tool that slowly transforms simple ingredients into a rich stew
Cutting board and knife – For chopping chicken and vegetables
Mixing spoon – To stir in the cream and dumplings at the right time
Can opener – For the soup cans if you’re using store-bought
Serving spoon – To scoop hearty portions from the pot to the bowl

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by adding the chicken breasts chopped carrots celery onion and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker

Step 2:

Next I pour in the chicken broth and spoon in the cream of chicken soup then season everything with salt and pepper and give it a gentle stir

Step 3:

I cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred

Step 4:

Once the chicken is ready I shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks and stir everything together

Step 5:

I then cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and gently place them over the top of the soup mixture without stirring

Step 6:

I cover again and cook on high for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through

Step 7:

Right before serving I give everything one last gentle stir and garnish with fresh chopped parsley

Tips

Don’t stir the biscuit dough too much or it won’t rise properly

Add peas or corn in the last hour for extra color and sweetness

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version—just reduce the cook time

Ways to Serve

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the extra broth

Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced dinner

Top with a little extra pepper or hot sauce for a kick

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dumplings in slow cooker chicken and dumplings?

Yes just shape and drop them in the same way and adjust cooking time if needed

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes but dumplings can soften slightly when reheated so reheat gently

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and firm to the touch not doughy in the center

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this slow cooker chicken and dumplings a try and it’s everything cozy filling and satisfying you need in one dish. Let me know how you make it your own or who you shared it with at your table!

Happy Cooking!