There is something undeniably comforting about a classic chicken and dumplings dish, and this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe takes that cozy goodness to a whole new level of ease and deliciousness. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich, creamy broth studded with sweet peas, carrots, and fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory flavors. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, this recipe offers a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy days when you want hearty comfort without fussing over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. A round white plate holds several thick round biscuit-like dough pieces placed in a circular pattern. Nearby are small white bowls: one with shredded light beige cooked chicken, one with chopped white onions, one with bright green sliced celery, and one with a mixture of greenish herbs and pale yellow minced garlic. There is a small dish with a square piece of pale yellow butter and two green bay leaves beside it. A small glass jug contains white milk, and a glass cup holds light brown broth. Another small bowl contains white flour. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role from the savory aromatics and herbs to the flaky biscuit dough that becomes those irresistible dumplings.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to develop deep flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and savory base.
Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and aromatic depth.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with warm, pungent notes.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that enhances complexity.
Rubbed sage: Offers earthy, slightly peppery undertones.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a bright, herbal lift that complements the chicken beautifully.
Flour: Thickens the base and helps the sauce become luscious and creamy.
Chicken stock: The heart of the broth, delivering savory depth and moisture.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenience and flavor, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Frozen peas and carrots: Offer sweetness and vibrant color without any extra chopping.
Bay leaves: Impart an aromatic richness that subtly warms the dish.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the broth indulgent.
Cornstarch: Used to gently thicken the cream for the perfect silky texture.
Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret to fluffy, tender dumplings with minimal effort.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh chopped parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the finished dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and season with salt and pepper. Cooking these until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes—builds the foundation of flavor that will infuse your entire dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Flour

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, fresh thyme, and 3 tablespoons of flour. Season with salt and pepper again. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to bloom the herbs and toast the flour, transforming it into a fragrant roux that adds depth and thickness to the dish.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in about a cup of chicken stock slowly, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those delicious browned bits. This deglazing step adds incredible savory notes that will deepen the broth’s flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Remaining Broth

Move the aromatic mixture to your crock pot and pour in the remaining chicken stock. This liquid base will become the heart of your creamy stew.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken, Vegetables, and Bay Leaves

Add your shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and bay leaves. Gently stir everything to combine so that the flavors meld beautifully during slow cooking. Set the slow cooker to high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours depending on your timeline.

Step 6: Mix in Cream and Cornstarch

In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1 cup of heavy cream. Pour the mixture into the crock pot and stir gently. Season again with salt and pepper to balance the richness and encourage the sauce to thicken into a velvety, comforting broth.

Step 7: Prepare and Add Biscuit Dough Dumplings

Using sharp kitchen shears, cut each refrigerated biscuit into 4 pieces. Lightly toss these quarters with a thin coating of flour to help prevent sticking. Carefully add the dumplings on top of the stew, floating them rather than submerging. This allows the dumplings to cook up soft and fluffy while soaking in some broth flavor.

Step 8: Cook Dumplings in Slow Cooker

Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. During this stage, the dumplings will puff up and become tender, marrying perfectly with the creamy chicken and vegetable base.

Step 9: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Once cooked, season the chicken and dumplings generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper—don’t hold back! Give everything a gentle stir to coat the dumplings in that luscious sauce. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish is filled with a creamy green pea mixture, with many small bright green peas scattered evenly throughout. On top, there are several pieces of raw white dough shaped in irregular triangles, placed flat and spread out to cover the surface. The mixture underneath looks smooth and lightly speckled with herbs and spices. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, seen clearly from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and freshness that brightens the creamy stew beautifully. If you like a little extra zest, a dash of cracked black pepper right at the end adds a pleasantly spicy contrast.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is hearty enough to be a one-pot meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or lightly steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus to add crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual bowls with extra parsley on top and maybe a small drizzle of olive oil or melted butter on the dumplings for an extra indulgent finish. For a family-style presentation, dish everything into a beautiful ceramic pot right at the table for sharing warm smiles and seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after sitting, making for an amazingly comforting next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While the dumplings are best fresh, you can freeze the soup base without the dumplings for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh biscuit dough if desired.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works beautifully and allows you to customize the flavor and texture, though using refrigerated biscuit dough is a fantastic shortcut that still yields delightful, fluffy dumplings.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

No worries! You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded by hand or with forks. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still smooth and creamy, not gelatinous. Adjust thickness by adding a bit more stock or cream as needed during cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap chicken stock for vegetable stock and replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein. Keep the dumplings and herbs the same for that classic feel.

Is it possible to cook this recipe without a slow cooker?

You can absolutely adapt the recipe by simmering everything on the stove in a large pot. Just reduce the cooking times and keep an eye on simmering to avoid overcooking the dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warming, comforting meal that is as delicious as it is easy. Give it a try and share the joy of this classic dish made simple with a slow cooker—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home too!

“`