Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy days. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings come together in a creamy, flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic on top. Sprinkle with dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Be careful as it may be hot.
5. Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add frozen peas if using, and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Step 6: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and place the pieces on top of the chicken mixture.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes until the biscuits are puffed and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting chicken and dumplings.

Tips & Variations

• For best flavor, use chicken thighs as they stay moist and tender.
• Add frozen peas for color and a pop of sweetness, but they are optional.
• Try homemade drop biscuit dumplings instead of canned biscuits for a personalized touch.
• If using frozen chicken, cook on high for the full 4 hours to ensure it is fully cooked.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the dumplings become dry or firm, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but cook the slow cooker on high for the full 4 hours to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Thawing overnight in the fridge is recommended for even cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. Add everything to the slow cooker in the morning and cook as directed. Alternatively, prepare the chicken and broth separately, then combine when ready to cook.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.5 from 146 reviews

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth. Perfect for busy days, it’s a set-and-forget meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction with minimal prep.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high plus 30-45 minutes final cooking
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Broth

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Place boneless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic on top. Sprinkle dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture to build flavor.
2. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken stays moist and creates a flavorful soup base.
3. Cook it Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the Chicken: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Handle gently as the chicken may still be warm.
5. Mix it All Together: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add frozen peas if using, then stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to create a rich, creamy texture.
6. Add the Dumplings: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and place the pieces over the top of the chicken and soup mixture in the slow cooker. The biscuit dough will puff up as it cooks.
7. Final Cooking Time: Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the biscuit dough rises and cooks through, becoming fluffy and golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• Frozen chicken can be used, but cook on high for the full 4 hours to ensure safe temperature.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate for convenient slow cooker mornings.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently, adding broth or cream if dumplings harden.
• You can substitute homemade dumpling recipes—just add during the final cooking stage and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken and dumplings, easy chicken stew, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken stew, biscuit dumplings, one pot meal