The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Chicken and Dumplings is the Ultimate Comfort Food

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm, inviting smell of chicken and dumplings cooking in the crock pot. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug, with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy biscuit dumplings. This slow cooker version makes preparing chicken and dumplings incredibly easy, letting you enjoy that classic comfort food flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a hands-off meal that’s filling, flavorful, and family-friendly. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, and the crock pot takes care of all the work, making it ideal for fall and winter. If you’re ready to embrace this comforting classic in an easy way, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for a perfectly cozy chicken and dumplings recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that blend together for an easy, delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Chicken breasts cook up tender in the slow cooker and easily shred into the creamy broth.

• 12 ounces frozen mixed veggies (peas and carrots only)

• Frozen veggies save you time on prep and bring color and a touch of sweetness.

• ½ onion, diced

• Onion adds a rich, savory flavor as it simmers.

• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup

• Cream of chicken soup thickens the broth, creating a creamy base for the dish.

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Chicken broth is essential for depth of flavor; use low-sodium for a balanced taste.

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• Garlic salt adds subtle seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.

• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning

• This blend of spices adds a hint of classic herb flavor to the dish.

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Salt balances and enhances the flavors in the broth and dumplings.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Black pepper adds just a hint of spice to balance the creaminess.

• 1 (10-count) can of biscuits

• Canned biscuits are a shortcut to fluffy, delicious dumplings that cook right on top of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in a Slow Cooker

This slow cooker recipe takes you through each step to ensure every bite is tender, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying.

Step 1: Set Up Your Slow Cooker Base

To start, place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, frozen mixed veggies, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic salt, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to mix the soup and seasonings into the broth.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Once all your ingredients are combined, cover the crock pot with its lid. Set the slow cooker to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender, letting all the flavors meld together into a rich, creamy broth.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

After cooking, the chicken will be tender and ready to shred. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Shredding it allows it to soak up even more of the delicious broth, adding extra flavor and tenderness to every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Dumplings

Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. These pieces will act as the dumplings for your soup, soaking up the flavors of the broth while they cook into fluffy, tender bites.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker

Once your chicken is shredded and mixed into the broth, gently place the biscuit quarters on top of the soup. Spread them out evenly, so they don’t stick together. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high heat for 1 hour. During this time, the steam in the crock pot will cook the biscuits, transforming them into soft, fluffy dumplings.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

After the hour is up, check that the dumplings are fully cooked. They should be soft and slightly golden on top. Give the soup a gentle stir to mix the dumplings with the creamy broth. Spoon your chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm. This is a dish best served fresh, while the dumplings are tender and the broth is hot.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

1. Avoid Lifting the Lid

Once you’ve added the biscuit dumplings, resist the urge to lift the lid. Each time the lid is lifted, steam escapes, which can slow down the cooking process and make the dumplings dense.

2. Shred the Chicken Thoroughly

Shredding the chicken into smaller pieces lets it soak up more of the seasoned broth, adding extra flavor and tenderness to every bite.

3. Adjust the Seasoning at the End

Before serving, taste the soup to check if it needs more salt or pepper. Slow cooking can sometimes mellow the flavors, so a final seasoning adjustment can enhance the taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Cozy, Easy, and Satisfying

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why this crock pot version is especially wonderful:

1. Hands-Off Cooking

The crock pot takes care of everything, making this an ideal meal for busy days when you want something warm and hearty without much effort.

2. Creamy and Hearty

The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft biscuit dumplings is filling, satisfying, and full of flavor.

3. Perfect for Cold Weather

This dish is designed for chilly fall and winter days, providing a cozy meal that’s sure to warm you up.

Make-Ahead Tips: Save Time and Effort with This Recipe

This slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings is already simple, but here are a few tips to make it even more convenient:

• Assemble Ingredients the Night Before

You can add the chicken, broth, veggies, and seasonings to the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.

• Store Leftovers

Chicken and dumplings keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Variations to Try: Customize Your Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

1. Add More Vegetables

For added color and flavor, add frozen corn, green beans, or diced potatoes. Just add them at the same time as the mixed veggies for a heartier meal.

2. Use a Different Dumpling Base

If you prefer, you can make your own dumpling dough instead of using canned biscuits. Just mix up your favorite dumpling dough and drop spoonfuls on top of the soup.

3. Herb Variations

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be stirred in at the end for a pop of fresh, aromatic flavor.

4. Spice It Up

For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is a meal in itself, but here are some simple side ideas if you’d like to add a little variety to the table:

• Side Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.

• Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

• Roasted Vegetables

Try pairing this with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for an added texture and flavor that complements the dish.

Related Recipes to Try Next

If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting dishes, here are some other recipes to bring warmth to your table:

• Turkey and Cranberry Sliders – These sliders are perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers and work great for gatherings.

• Broccoli Cheese Soup Dupe – Creamy, cheesy, and just as cozy, this soup is ideal for chilly days.

These recipes pair well with the theme of comfort food, making them perfect for fall and winter meals.

November Bucket List: Cozy Activities for Fall and Winter

Be sure to check out my November Bucket List for more seasonal ideas. It’s packed with cozy recipes, DIY projects, and activities to make the most of the season.

Share Your Creations – Let’s See Your Chicken and Dumplings!

I’d love to see your take on this comforting classic! Be sure to tag me on social media (@AshtonSedita) if you make it so I can see and share your delicious creations with our community. And don’t forget