If you’re longing for a cozy, soul-soothing meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered with aromatic garlic, fresh vegetables, and creamy soups until everything melds into a luscious stew. Then, fluffy biscuit dumplings loaded with sharp white cheddar and chives steam right on top, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that warms you from the inside out. This dish is perfect for busy days when comfort food is the hug you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in developing layers of rich taste, hearty texture, and vibrant color. From the fresh aromatics to the creamy base and the cheesy biscuits that crown the dish, preparation is straightforward and rewarding.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds savory warmth that infuses every bite.
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced: Brings a subtle crispness and freshness that balances the creaminess.
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced: Offers natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced: Deepens the savory base with gentle sweetness when cooked down.
- 2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich, velvety texture and layers of chicken flavor.
- 2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and complexity.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Lightens the mixture to the perfect stew consistency while intensifying the chicken essence.
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs: The tender protein that remains juicy during slow cooking.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Pops of sweet freshness and color inserted just before the dumplings.
- 1 (6-oz.) can buttermilk biscuits: The secret to creating fluffy, cheesy dumplings that soak up all those wonderful juices.
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.): Sharp and creamy, creating irresistible bursts of flavor in every dumpling.
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony brightness that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Chopped parsley, for serving: A fresh, herbal finish that elevates the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by layering minced garlic, sliced celery, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker. These veggies are the heart of your flavor foundation, slowly releasing their natural sweetness and aroma as they cook. Next, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth before pouring the mixture over the veggies. Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on top, cover, and cook on high for 2 hours. This step softens the vegetables and infuses the chicken with rich, comforting flavors.
Step 2: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove the thighs carefully from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks right down to tender, bite-sized strips. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add frozen peas, stirring everything gently to combine. This keeps the peas bright and sweet, ready to pop in your mouth when you taste the final dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Chive Biscuits
On a clean surface, lay out the buttermilk biscuits and sprinkle them generously with white cheddar cheese and fresh minced chives. Press the cheese and chives into the biscuit tops so they stick well. Next, cut each biscuit into four pieces and arrange them carefully on top of your slow cooker mixture. These biscuit pieces will steam atop the hearty stew, transforming into tender, cheese-studded dumplings.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking until the biscuits are puffed up and cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they feel light and soft to the touch, and the cheese has melted into irresistible little pockets of flavor. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a splash of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must to finish this dish beautifully — its vibrant green color and fresh notes linger on your palate just enough to balance the creamy richness. If you want to add a little extra zing, a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper works wonders. For those who love a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes bring a subtle sparkle without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for crunch and freshness. A simple side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also pairs well, adding a touch of earthiness without competing with the creamy comfort of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and chives on top. You could also ladle the chicken and dumplings over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for an extra indulgent take. If you’re hosting a cozy dinner, set the slow cooker right on the table and let guests serve themselves — it’s interactive and instantly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The dumplings might soak up some of the liquid over time, so give it a quick stir before warming up to restore that creamy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers to enjoy later! Portion the stew and dumplings into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator to help the dish reheat evenly.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the dumplings too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, heating in short intervals until hot all the way through. This way, you get a comforting meal that tastes almost as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more tenderness and flavor, chicken breasts can also be used. Just keep an eye on cooking time because breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Do I have to use canned soups?
Canned soups really make this recipe easy and help create that rich, creamy base, but if you prefer, you can substitute with homemade cream sauces or a roux-based cream sauce for a fresher twist.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch instead of using biscuits?
Definitely! You can use your favorite homemade dumpling dough if you prefer, but using canned biscuits saves time and still delivers fluffy, cheesy results that everyone loves.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
The biscuits or dumplings will be puffed up, soft, and lightly browned if exposed. They should spring back when gently pressed and not feel doughy. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so check around the 20-minute mark.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to customize! Vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or even mushrooms would complement the dish nicely. Just consider their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly together.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of comfort food made simple. It’s a meal that welcomes you home with every spoonful, full of warmth, flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, I promise this recipe will bring smiles and satisfy cravings like no other. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker dish.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich and creamy broth, loaded with vegetables and topped with cheesy buttermilk biscuit dumplings. Perfect for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
Broth & Protein
- 2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dumplings & Toppings
- 1 (6-oz.) can buttermilk biscuits
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.)
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Sprinkle minced garlic, sliced celery, carrots, and onion into the slow cooker. Add in both cans of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Whisk gently to combine the soups and broth with the vegetables.
- Cook Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of the vegetable and broth mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2 hours, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and flavors to meld.
- Shred Chicken and Add Peas: Remove chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using a fork. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add frozen peas. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Prepare Dumplings: On a clean surface, lay out the buttermilk biscuits. Sprinkle each biscuit evenly with the white cheddar cheese and minced fresh chives, pressing them into the biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into four pieces.
- Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking: Place the biscuit pieces on top of the slow cooker mixture in an even layer. Cover the slow cooker again and cook until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once done, serve the chicken and dumplings topped with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the dumplings and garnish.
- If you prefer thinner dumplings, you can slightly flatten the biscuit pieces before placing them on top.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs provides tender, juicy chicken, but you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
- You can add other vegetables such as corn or green beans for added texture.
- Adjust the cooking time if your slow cooker runs hotter or cooler to avoid overcooking.
