When the chill of evening sets in, there’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of homemade chicken and dumplings wafting through the house. This easy slow cooker recipe has been a lifesaver for my family on those busy weeknights when time is short but a hearty meal is a must. Picture tender chicken simmered with colorful vegetables in a velvety broth, all topped with warm, fluffy dumplings that are simply irresistible.

With just a bit of morning prep, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. By dinnertime, you’ll be greeted with a delightful medley of flavors that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table. Best of all, this comforting dish is a breeze to make, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—sharing good food and good times with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this warm embrace of home-cooked bliss!

Why are chicken and dumplings a family favorite?

Simplicity at its Finest: This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few steps, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
Deliciously Comforting: The creamy broth envelops tender chicken and veggies, creating a warm hug in a bowl that’s great for chilly nights.
Time-Saving Convenience: With the slow cooker doing the hard work, you can enjoy more time with family or tackling other tasks while dinner cooks itself.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves the fluffy dumplings, making this dish a guaranteed hit at family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Endless Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite veggies or spices, like thyme or rosemary, turning this classic into your signature dish! Try pairing it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

The Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

For the Chicken and Broth

Chicken Breasts (2 lb) – This main protein offers richness; chicken thighs can be swapped in for more moisture and flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup (21 oz) – Acts as the creamy base for the broth; two cans of condensed soup work as a great alternative.
Water (3 cups) – Essential for creating the broth; adjust quantity based on your desired thickness.

For the Vegetables

Carrots (1 large) – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color; cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Celery (2 ribs) – Contributes crunch and flavor; diced into 1/2-inch pieces to maintain texture.
Onion (1 yellow) – Provides depth to the flavor profile; diced into 1/2-inch pieces for easy incorporation.
Garlic (5 cloves) – Delivers savory notes; minced for even distribution through the dish.
Frozen Peas (1 cup) – Brings brightness and sweetness; add at the end to keep them vibrant and tender.

For the Seasoning

Thyme (4 sprigs) – Enhances the herbaceous aroma; fresh thyme is preferred for its superior flavor.

For the Dumplings

Refrigerated Biscuits (1 can) – The key ingredient for fluffy dumplings; cut into halves for optimal spacing in the slow cooker.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, carrot, and celery into uniform pieces; mince the garlic. Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Layer in Slow Cooker: Add the diced onions, carrots, minced garlic, and thyme to the slow cooker. Gently place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables, ensuring an even distribution.
Add Liquids: Pour the cream of chicken soup and water over the chicken, covering most of it. This will form the creamy broth as it cooks.
Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on High for about 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s tender and ready for shredding.
Shred Chicken: Once done, remove the thyme sprigs and shred the chicken right in the cooker. Add in the frozen peas and diced celery for extra color and crunch.
Prepare Dumplings: Cut the refrigerated biscuits in half and arrange them on top of the mixture in the slow cooker, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during cooking.
Cook Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again, and cook on High for 30 minutes. Then, stir gently to distribute the dumplings, and continue cooking for an additional 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Optional: Serve garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chicken and Dumplings Variations

Feel free to take this comforting classic and add your personal twist, transforming it into a custom favorite for your family.

Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with turkey for a delicious holiday-inspired spin. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or dill to infuse fragrant, garden-fresh flavors into the broth. Just a little can elevate the whole dish.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful veggie medley that brings both flavor and nutrition. These additions will make your dish even heartier.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits or make your own dumplings to cater to dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting delight.
Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving for an extra creamy texture that adds richness to every bite. It’s an indulgent warmth in a bowl!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat that perfectly complements the creamy broth.
Coconut Twist: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with coconut cream and add curry powder for a unique, tropical take on chicken and dumplings.
Noodle Addition: Instead of dumplings, toss in some egg noodles for a delightful twist that will take you back to mama’s kitchen. They offer a bit of chew that pairs beautifully with the rich broth.

How to Store and Freeze Chicken and Dumplings

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain that creamy consistency.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To do this, ensure the dish is completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Thawing: Thaw frozen chicken and dumplings overnight in the fridge before reheating them on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add broth if needed to avoid a dry texture.

Expert Tips for Chicken and Dumplings

Perfect Shredding: Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature and pull it out at 165°F to ensure it shreds beautifully, avoiding the mistake of overcooking.
Dumpling Spacing: Cut biscuits in half and arrange them in the slow cooker with enough space in between to allow for proper expansion, preventing dense dumplings.
Stir Regularly: Stir the mixture every 30 minutes during the last cooking phase to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors, which is key for the chicken and dumplings dish.
Adjusting Consistency: If the broth becomes too thick after adding dumplings, don’t hesitate to add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Veggie Variety: Feel free to customize your chicken and dumplings with additional vegetables like green beans or potatoes for added texture and flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These chicken and dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop all your vegetables and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store the diced carrots, celery, and onion in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can mix the cream of chicken soup and water in the slow cooker, which can be refrigerated until it’s time to cook. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the prepped ingredients in the cooker, add the remaining components, and start the slow cooker as directed. This way, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal with minimal effort after a busy day!

What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?

When it comes to creating a wholesome dining experience, pair your warm bowl of chicken and dumplings with delightful accompaniments that amplify flavors.

Crusty Dinner Rolls: These soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth, adding a delightful chewy contrast.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brings brightness and balance to the hearty dish.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts roasted with herbs provide a flavorful side that complements the robust chicken and dumplings.
Garlic Bread: For a satisfying crunch and a boost of flavor, serve toasted garlic bread alongside, making each bite an indulgent treat.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes offer a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and broth.
Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp, whose cinnamon-spiced flavors echo the comfort of the main dish.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage enhances the meal’s festive feel, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for chicken and dumplings?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their tender texture. However, if you’re looking for more moisture and flavor, I often substitute them with chicken thighs. They break down beautifully in the slow cooker and add a richer flavor to the dish.

How long can I store leftovers of chicken and dumplings?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating to maintain that creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Certainly! For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently heat on low, adding broth if necessary to keep it creamy.

What should I do if my dumplings turn out too dense?
This can happen if the biscuit pieces are too crowded. Always ensure there’s adequate spacing between them to allow for expansion. If they do turn out dense, you might want to try adding a bit more liquid next time, or consider cutting the biscuits into smaller pieces to help them cook through better.

Is this recipe suitable for people with food allergies?
Definitely! This recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs. If gluten is a concern, opt for gluten-free biscuits. For those allergic to dairy, using a non-dairy cream of chicken soup can work wonders. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary restrictions.

How can I customize the flavor of chicken and dumplings?
Endless customization is what makes this dish so enjoyable! Besides adding different vegetables, consider incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or spices such as paprika for a little kick. If you want to enhance the broth, adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice can brighten the flavors brilliantly!