Easy Southern Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort Food Made Simple

The Ultimate Southern-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings. This classic Southern dish combines tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings for the ultimate comfort food experience. Our slow cooker version makes this traditional recipe even easier, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want a home-cooked meal without standing over the stove. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender while the flavors develop into a rich, comforting broth. The dumplings cook right in the slow cooker, soaking up all that delicious flavor!

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (approximately 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tube (16.3 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the butter, condensed soup, diced onion, celery, carrots, thyme, sage, pepper, and salt.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, stirring gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Open the tube of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
7. Gently place the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken mixture, trying not to overlap them too much.
8. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 60-90 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

How to Know When the Dumplings Are Done

Properly cooked dumplings should be fluffy and light, not dense or doughy. To test if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – it should come out clean. The dumplings will also float to the top of the liquid when they’re fully cooked.

Making Chicken and Dumplings Ahead of Time

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare everything through step 5, then refrigerate the mixture for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken mixture in the slow cooker, then add the biscuit dough and continue with the recipe.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Variations on Classic Chicken and Dumplings

• Herbed Dumplings: Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs (like parsley, thyme, or chives) into the biscuit dough before adding to the slow cooker.
• Extra Veggie Version: Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream just before serving for an extra rich texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make homemade dumplings using gluten-free flour.

Why This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Works

The slow cooker method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully while producing fork-tender chicken. The dumplings cook in the flavorful broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors while maintaining their light, fluffy texture. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that delivers all the comfort of traditional chicken and dumplings with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting weekend dinner, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the classic Southern flavors with modern convenience!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes