Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken and Dumplings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy families. With just 5 simple ingredients, you get tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy gravy, topped with fluffy biscuit-style dumplings. It’s the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, and stress-free cooking. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly and kid-approved!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 medium breasts)
2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder for a milder taste)
1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, each biscuit cut into 6–8 small pieces
Optional Add-ins & Variations:
1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans)
Reduced-fat cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version
1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Boneless skinless chicken thighs for richer taste
Instructions:
Layer the Chicken Place raw chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
Add Creamy Base Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, spreading gently to coat. Pour chicken broth on top and sprinkle garlic powder evenly. Do not stir; let the layers remain as is.
Cook the Chicken Cover and cook:
Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Shred & Mix Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir into the creamy mixture until well combined.
Add Dumplings Cut each biscuit into 6–8 pieces and gently stir them into the hot chicken mixture, submerging mostly in the liquid.
Cook Dumplings Cover and cook on High for 45–60 minutes, until dumplings are puffed, cooked through, and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often to preserve steam.
Serve & Enjoy Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve in wide bowls, optionally over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:
Add vegetables for extra nutrition and color. Frozen peas and carrots work perfectly.
Swap chicken cuts: thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Make ahead: Assemble ingredients the night before (without dumplings) and refrigerate. Add dumplings closer to serving time.
Control thickness: Thin with extra broth/milk or simmer uncovered to reduce.
Benefits of This Recipe:
Quick & Easy Only 5 main ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights
Comfort Food Creamy, warm, and satisfying for the whole family
Nutritious Option Add vegetables for extra fiber and vitamins
Kid-Friendly Mild, creamy flavors kids love
Minimal Cleanup One pot, no stovetop fuss
