Dump, Walk Away, and Come Home to Magic
Is there anything better than throwing dinner in the crockpot and forgetting it until the house smells like Grandma came over with a casserole and a hug? Chicken and dumplings is one of those pure comfort dishes — creamy, filling, and perfect for picky eaters, chilly nights, or “I can’t even” days. And the slow cooker makes it even better.
These 10 recipes are all about ease, stretch-your-budget smarts, and that nostalgic, cozy flavor your crew will devour. Some are classic, some get a little creative, but all of them are slow cooker gold.

1. Classic Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The OG comfort food — tender chicken, soft biscuits, and that creamy, cozy broth. No fuss, no fancy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (cut into pieces)
Directions:
- Add chicken, onion, carrots, soup, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Shred chicken, add biscuit pieces, and cook on high for 1 hour until dumplings are fluffy.
Real Mom Tip:
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray — makes cleanup way easier with creamy dishes.
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$8
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.33
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add peas or celery
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep even more
2. Creamy Biscuit-Topped Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Like a slow cooker chicken pot pie with dumplings — hearty, rich, and perfect for scooping with a spoon or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (whole, not chopped)
Directions:
- Add everything except biscuits to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook on low 4–6 hours.
- Place whole biscuits on top, cover, and cook another hour until biscuits are puffed.
Real Mom Tip:
Flip the biscuits halfway through the last hour so they cook evenly top to bottom!
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Swap cream of celery for cream of mushroom
- Use half a biscuit per person for smaller appetites
3. Tex-Mex Chicken and Corn Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold, slightly spicy, and totally different from your usual dumplings — think creamy chicken chili meets biscuit love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut into small pieces
- Optional: shredded cheese, cilantro
Directions:
- Mix chicken, tomatoes, corn, soup, and cumin in slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add biscuit pieces, stir, and cook on high 1 hour until fluffy.
- Top with cheese or cilantro if using.
Real Mom Tip:
Use spicy Rotel if your crew likes heat — or mild salsa if not!
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Use cornbread mix dumplings instead of biscuit dough for a fun twist
- Add black beans or bell pepper
4. Crockpot Chicken and Herb Drop Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Homemade dumplings made easy — soft, fluffy, and loaded with herby flavor. Perfect for when you’re out of biscuits but still craving comfort.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup Bisquick
- 1/3 cup milk
Directions:
- Add chicken, veggies, broth, and seasonings to slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours.
- Shred chicken.
- Mix Bisquick and milk with herbs. Drop spoonfuls into the pot.
- Cover and cook on high 1 hour.
Real Mom Tip:
Lift the lid only once while dumplings are cooking — no peeking = better fluff!
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$8
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.33
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add frozen peas with the dumplings
- Use fresh parsley if you’ve got it
5. Buffalo Ranch Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
For when you want comfort food with a kick. Creamy, spicy, and topped with cooling ranch drizzle = total win.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut into pieces
Directions:
- Mix chicken, buffalo sauce, soup, ranch seasoning, and broth in slow cooker.
- Cook on low 6–7 hours.
- Add biscuit dough and cook on high 1 hour until puffed and cooked.
Real Mom Tip:
Drizzle ranch dressing over bowls before serving for a kid-friendly flavor boost.
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add celery or blue cheese crumbles
- Use Frank’s or a milder buffalo sauce based on heat level
6. Freezer-to-Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Meal prep DREAM! Dump it all in a bag, freeze it, and slow cook when you need dinner to make itself.
Ingredients (for freezer bag):
- 2 raw chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
Day-of Cooking Add-ins:
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut up
Directions:
- Place all freezer ingredients in a gallon zip-top bag and freeze flat.
- Thaw overnight or cook from frozen on low 8 hours.
- Add biscuit dough 1 hour before serving, cook on high.
Real Mom Tip:
Write directions right on the bag — no brain power needed at 8 a.m.
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$8.50
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.42
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Swap in frozen peas or green beans
- Use gluten-free biscuit mix if needed
7. Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Garlic + cheese = a no-brainer hit. This version brings cozy Italian vibes to your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut up
Directions:
- Add chicken, soup, broth, garlic, and Parmesan to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add biscuit pieces and cook on high 1 hour.
- Stir and sprinkle more Parmesan to serve.
Real Mom Tip:
Want it extra creamy? Stir in 2 oz cream cheese when adding dumplings.
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add spinach at the end
- Use shredded mozzarella on top
8. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s mac and cheese meets chicken and dumplings — creamy, cheesy, and full of hidden veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of cheddar soup (or regular + cheese)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can biscuit dough, chopped
Directions:
- Add everything but biscuits to slow cooker. Cook on low 5–6 hours.
- Stir, add biscuit dough, and cook on high 1 hour.
- Top with extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
Real Mom Tip:
Microwave the broccoli first if you want it softer — some kids are picky about texture!
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9.50
- Per Serving (6 servings): ~$1.58
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Sub cauliflower or spinach
- Add garlic powder or paprika
9. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Dumpling Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
All the goodness of a pot pie — minus the fuss. Biscuit dumplings replace the crust but keep all the cozy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut into small pieces
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients (except dough) in the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours.
- Add biscuit dough, cook on high 1 hour until fluffy.
- Stir gently and serve.
Real Mom Tip:
Let kids pick their own toppings (like more peas or cheese) — they’ll be more likely to eat it!
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$8.50
- Per Serving (6 servings): ~$1.42
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms
- Use puff pastry on top if baking instead
10. Chicken and Dumplings with Sweet Potato Biscuit Toppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Sweet, savory, and a little unexpected — these golden sweet potato dumplings make this dish feel extra special.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup milk
Directions:
- Add chicken, veggies, soup, and broth to slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours.
- Mix sweet potato, biscuit mix, and milk. Drop by spoonful into slow cooker.
- Cook on high 1 hour until dumplings are set.
Real Mom Tip:
Use leftover roasted sweet potatoes or canned puree — makes this one super easy.
Budget Breakdown:
- Total Cost: ~$9
- Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50
Add-Ons & Variations:
- Add cinnamon or sage to the dough for extra fall flavor
- Swap in pumpkin if needed
Cozy Dinners Without the Chaos
Chicken and dumplings in the crockpot is basically the gold medal of mom wins. You toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a pot full of creamy, fluffy, comfort that feeds everyone — with maybe even leftovers for lunch (hallelujah!). Whether you’re sticking to the classics or trying a spicy or sweet twist, these recipes are built for real life: minimal prep, pantry-friendly, and full of that “mmm what smells so good?” magic.
From biscuit-toppers to freezer bags to garlic-cheese heaven, there’s a dumpling dish here for every night of the week (and every picky eater in the house).
Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting — you’ve got enough on your plate. 💛
