23 Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipes (Easy, Comforting & Delicious)
If you love warm, comforting meals that taste like home, nothing beats a bowl of slow cooker chicken and dumplings. This Southern classic has been loved for generations—and today, thanks to modern kitchen tools, it’s easier than ever to prepare. The slow cooker does all the hard work, giving you tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this guide, you’ll find 23 Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipes, each with its own flavor twist. From creamy classics to bold new versions—like Cajun, Mexican, herb-infused, cheesy, veggie-loaded, and more—you’re guaranteed to find a version that suits your taste.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, these slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipes will become your go-to comfort meals all year long.
⭐ Why Chicken and Dumplings Work So Well in a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are designed for dishes that thrive with long, gentle cooking. Chicken becomes extra tender, vegetables develop deeper flavor, and the dumplings soak in broth while staying soft and pillowy.
Here’s why slow-cooking this dish is perfect:
- Minimal prep time — dump ingredients and walk away
- Perfectly tender shredded chicken
- Dumplings cook evenly without stirring constantly
- Rich, slow-developed broth flavors
- Affordable ingredients
- Family-friendly taste profile
Now let’s get straight into the recipes.
THE 23 BEST SLOW COOKER CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPES
Each recipe includes:
✔ Ingredients
✔ Instructions
✔ Optional add-ons
1. Classic Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 diced carrots
- 3 diced celery stalks
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits
Instructions
- Place chicken, vegetables, broth, soup, and spices into slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW 6–7 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, return to pot.
- Cut biscuits into small pieces; add for last 1 hour.
Optional: Finish with fresh parsley.
2. Rustic Chicken Thigh Dumpling Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 small potatoes, diced
- 3 cups broth
- 1 cup peas
- Herbs: thyme, rosemary
- Biscuit dough
Instructions
Same method as recipe #1, but cook an extra hour for potatoes.
3. Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings
Add 2 cups shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes.
Everything else follows the classic recipe.
4. Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Add fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary to the broth.
Make dumplings using biscuit dough mixed with parsley.
5. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup Parmesan
Cook as usual.
6. Chicken and Corn Dumpling Chowder
Add:
- 1 can corn
- 1 can creamed corn
- ½ cup heavy cream
Creates a chowder-like texture.
7. Cajun Chicken and Dumplings
Season with:
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spicy and bold.
8. Chicken and Dumplings With Homemade Dough
Make dumplings:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Drop dough into slow cooker for final hour.
9. Chicken Pot Pie-Style Dumplings
Add:
- Peas
- Corn
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
Taste like pot pie filling with dumplings.
10. Garlic Butter Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 4 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 extra tsp garlic powder
Very rich flavor.
11. Creamy Italian Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup spinach
Slow cook as usual.
12. Lemon Herb Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley & thyme
Bright and fresh.
13. Chicken Alfredo Dumplings
Add:
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup Parmesan
Ultra-creamy!
14. Chicken and Sweet Potato Dumplings
Replace potatoes with:
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
Adds natural sweetness.
15. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 2 sliced jalapeños
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Spicy comfort food twist.
16. Chicken and Broccoli Dumplings
Add:
- 2 cups chopped broccoli in the last hour
Great for veggie lovers.
17. Tomato Basil Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp basil
- ½ cup tomato sauce
Italian-inspired.
18. Creamy Bacon Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- ½ cup cream
- ½ cup cheddar
Savory and smoky.
19. Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Dumplings
Add:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- Crumbled blue cheese at the end
Sports-night comfort food.
20. Chicken and Dumplings with Spinach & Cream Cheese
Add:
- 1 cup spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese
Ultra rich and tasty.
21. Mexican Chicken and Dumplings
Add:
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Cilantro at end
Fiesta-style!
22. Chicken and Dumplings With White Beans
Add:
- 1 can white beans
More protein & hearty texture.
23. Chicken & Dumplings With Egg Noodle Dumplings
Replace biscuit dough with:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
Comforting and nostalgic.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
✔ Don’t over-stir the dumplings
✔ Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook
✔ Add dairy the last 30 minutes
✔ Shred chicken before adding dumplings
✔ Add biscuits gradually to avoid clumping
Final Thoughts
This collection of 23 Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipes gives you endless ways to enjoy a beloved classic dish. Whether you prefer creamy, spicy, cheesy, traditional, or veggie-packed variations, these recipes guarantee warm comfort in every bite.
