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Crockpot chicken and dumplings is the answer for those nights when you wish dinner would just magically show up while you handle life or maybe sit down and breathe for two seconds. I mean, haven’t we all had one of those days? You want comfort food, but you don’t want a kitchen disaster or spend forever at the stove. I used to overthink easy dinners, but honestly, the best ones barely take any effort (trust me, this is easier than making toast some days). Hey, if you’ve already tried whipping up your favorite banana and chocolate chip bread or a batch of chicken quesadilla using masa harina, this slow cooker classic should be next on your to-do list.
How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Okay, listen up. There are exactly four ingredients in this 4 ingredient crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe. Four. Not a typo. You toss them in a slow cooker, set the button, and kind of forget about it (well, don’t literally forget or you’ll have a mess).
So what are the magical four, you ask? Chicken breasts, biscuit dough from a can (yup, that’s right), a couple cans of cream of chicken soup, and some chicken broth (trust me, use good broth, your taste buds will thank you). You just plop chicken in first, then soup and broth, plop the lid on and wait. After a few hours, shred the chicken roughly and toss in your biscuit dough pieces. About another hour and you have…pure comfort food. All with minimal cleanup, which is always a beautiful thing.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Step by Step
All right, pull out your slow cooker and let’s do this. Place chicken breasts in first – yes, you can use them straight from the pack (give them a little salt and pepper love if you want, no rules here). Slather over both cans of cream of chicken soup. Pour chicken broth on top. If you’re feeling rebellious, a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or parsley wouldn’t hurt.
Put the lid on, set it to low for six hours (or high for about three if you’re short on time). When things start smelling like grandma’s kitchen, grab two forks and shred up the chicken right in the slow cooker. Pop open your can of biscuit dough, rip it into small, bite-sized blobs, and drop them into the pot. Cover again and let them cook for another 45 minutes to an hour. Voila. Feel free to sneak a piping hot bite straight from the pot. You know you want to.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Tips and Notes
Wanna know where people trip up with 4 ingredient crockpot chicken and dumplings? Sometimes it’s overthinking (guilty). Here are my hard-earned tips. First, don’t peek too much or the dough won’t puff. Let it be. Second, use chicken thighs if you want juicier meat. Sure, purists swear by breasts, but I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. Also, seasoning is everything – if you want a little kick, add some garlic powder and black pepper with wild abandon. One more thing, if your dumplings seem doughy, cook a bit longer with the lid cracked. Boom, solved.
If you’re into experimenting, try tossing in some frozen veggies before adding dumplings for a stew vibe. Or be extra and finish with fresh parsley. Don’t mention it, just watch people devour.
3 Tips for Success
- Be sure your slow cooker lid fits tight. Otherwise, you risk soggy biscuits.
- Shred the chicken finely for even flavor and easy eating.
- Let dumplings cook long enough to firm up patience is delicious, I promise.
More Amazing Chicken Recipes You Should Try!
All fired up after making 4 ingredient crockpot chicken and dumplings? Well, you absolutely should keep going. If you haven’t tried garlic ranch chicken kabobs, you’re missing out. Or maybe you’ll want a change in scenery with a fresh chipotle chicken fresh mex bowl chilis. There’s a good chance you’ll get hooked on these, just saying. Also, don’t sleep on using your slow cooker for how to make chicken stock in a slow cooker, which kinda brings everything full circle.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yep, you can, but be aware it might add a little time. Make sure it reaches a safe temperature.
What if I don’t have canned biscuit dough?
You can make quick homemade dumpling dough, but honestly, the canned stuff just makes life easy.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Toss in carrots, peas, or even corn before you add the dough.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Sure, just use gluten-free soup and dough. It won’t be exactly the same, but still tasty.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container and it keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheats well too!
Ready, Set, Slow Cook!
So there you go. That’s my not-so-secret path to ridiculously easy 4 ingredient crockpot chicken and dumplings. If you’re craving extra-insider tips, check out this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Spend With Pennies or the fun take at Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings {Super Easy!} – Belle of the …. You got all you need to pull off a five-star restaurant cozy dinner in your own kitchen, without breaking a sweat. Give it a go and let me know how yours turned out. Warm plates and even warmer hearts, every single time.
PrintPerfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe for chicken and dumplings made with just four ingredients.
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Slather both cans of cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth on top.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker when done.
- Rip biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the pot.
- Cover and cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until dumplings are cooked through.
Notes
Avoid peeking too much, as it may affect the dumpling texture. Consider using chicken thighs for juicier meat and add seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg