When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can hold a candle to the creamy, flavorful goodness of chicken and dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a warm hug, making even the dreariest of days instantly brighter. If you’re looking for a dish that is not only delicious but also convenient, then our Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is here to save the day! With tender chicken, an array of vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is a surefire hit with the whole family!

Did you know that chicken and dumplings have roots that trace back to the early American settlers? They were known for creating hearty meals using simple ingredients, making this dish a true representation of comfort food. This recipe stands out from others because it allows for a hands-off approach, simmering all the flavors together in a slow cooker while you attend to life’s demands. If you love quick, family-friendly meals but have also enjoyed our other crowd-pleasers like meatloaf or beef stew, this dish will fit right into your rotation. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this comforting delight!

What is Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?

You might be wondering, “What exactly is chicken and dumplings?” Well, it’s a dish that combines tender chicken, and a savory broth with fluffy biscuits or dumplings floating on top. But where does the name come from? Some say it’s because the dumplings are dropped into the pot like little clouds, while others suggest it’s a nod to the comforting nature of the meal. Regardless of its origins, one thing is for sure: this dish is loved by many! After all, who can resist a meal that proves the old saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? So why not try this wholesome recipe and see for yourself how quickly it wins everyone over?

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

There are three main reasons why the Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings will become a staple in your kitchen:

Tender, Flavorful Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes meltingly tender, absorbing all the fragrant herbs and spices, offering your palate a delightful experience.
Cost-Efficient and Family-Friendly: Cooking at home not only saves you money but allows you to use high-quality ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal. Plus, everyone in the family will love this snuggly dish!
Irresistible Dumplings: Fluffy, fluffy dumplings sit atop a creamy chicken broth, offering a delicious texture that balances perfectly with the savory chicken. It’s like having a warm pillow of comfort in every bite!

If you’re a fan of comforting stews or casseroles, you’ll definitely want to dive into this dish next. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you later!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Quick Overview

This dish is easy to whip up and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have a soul-satisfying meal ready to go in a few hours!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into chunks)
4 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of carrots (sliced)
1 cup of celery (diced)
1 onion (chopped)
2 cups of frozen peas
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cans of refrigerated biscuits (for the dumplings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In your slow cooker, place the chunks of chicken and add in the carrots, celery, and onion. Season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
Cook: Secure the lid and set the slow cooker on low for about 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Make the Dumplings: After the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken with two forks. Then cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker.
Final Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and allow the dumplings to cook for an additional 30 minutes, until they are flaky and cooked through.
Serve: Once cooked, gently stir everything together and serve hot! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.

What to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings With

Looking to enhance your meal? Pair your chicken and dumplings with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans for a colorful and nutritious dinner plate. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, consider serving it alongside some warm, crusty bread to scoop up all that delicious broth.

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as corn or green beans if you want to switch things up!
Adjusting Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high, but the low setting genuinely allows for a richer flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Make sure not to lift the lid too often while it’s cooking, as it can extend the cooking time and cool down your broth!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which honestly can be quite rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to two months. To reheat, simply place them in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain the creamy texture.

Now that you have all the insights and tips for making the Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start creating this deliciously comforting meal that will surely become a family favorite!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting dish of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups frozen peas

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Dumpling Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated biscuits Cut each biscuit into quarters

Instructions

Preparation

In your slow cooker, place the chunks of chicken and add in the carrots, celery, and onion. Season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Cooking

Secure the lid and set the slow cooker on low for about 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Adding Dumplings

After the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken with two forks. Then cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and allow the dumplings to cook for an additional 30 minutes, until they are flaky and cooked through.

Serving

Once cooked, gently stir everything together and serve hot! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.

Notes

Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as corn or green beans. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high, but the low setting genuinely allows for a richer flavor. Avoid lifting the lid too often while it's cooking to maintain temperature.

Keyword Chicken and Dumplings, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family-Friendly, Slow Cooker