Effortless Comfort: The Ultimate Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits Recipe

There’s a special kind of magic that fills the air when a delicious meal simmers slowly in the kitchen all day. For me, the comforting aroma of dinner cooking in the slow cooker is pure bliss. Among the many beloved comfort foods, chicken and dumplings stands out as a true classic, evoking feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and home. But what if you could achieve that same heartwarming flavor and tender texture with minimal effort? Enter this incredible Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, ingeniously made with canned biscuits, offering a surprisingly wholesome and incredibly easy twist on the traditional dish.

My slow cooker has become an indispensable tool for crafting hearty, wholesome meals without the fuss. This particular recipe epitomizes convenience: simply combine your ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen. The thought of a ready-to-serve, satisfying dinner waiting for you after a long day is a comfort in itself. While traditional dumplings are undeniably delicious, they often require a fair bit of time and skill – mixing, rolling, and cooking them just right. By swapping in canned biscuits, we drastically cut down on prep time without sacrificing that essential fluffy, tender dumpling experience. This ingenious shortcut ensures a delicious, homemade-tasting meal with significantly less time spent in the kitchen.

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is more than just easy; it’s a robust, flavorful, and surprisingly wholesome meal that’s perfect for feeding the entire family. It might not sound “healthy” at first glance, but with lean chicken breast and a generous medley of vegetables, it offers a well-balanced plate. It truly shines as an amazing weeknight savior, particularly during the colder months when you crave something deeply warming and utterly satisfying. The rich, savory stew combined with soft, pillowy biscuits creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone feeling nourished and content. So, if you’re looking for an effortless way to bring classic comfort to your dinner table, this recipe is an absolute must-try!

Why This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a Weeknight Essential

If you’re still not convinced, let me share three compelling reasons why this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits will quickly become a cherished staple in your meal rotation. It offers an unbeatable combination of flavor, convenience, and wholesome goodness that’s hard to beat.

1. Simplified Comfort: An Easier Take on a Classic Dish

Forget the hours of stirring and meticulous dumpling preparation. This recipe simplifies the beloved chicken and dumplings to an incredible degree without compromising on flavor or the rich, creamy texture you expect. We’ve found a way to achieve that deeply satisfying taste with minimal hands-on time, making it accessible even for novice cooks or the busiest of schedules. Just because it’s an easier, straightforward recipe, doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious or comforting than its more complex, traditional counterpart. The secret lies in the quality ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a dish that tastes like it took all day to make, but only minutes to prepare. This crockpot version truly delivers on the promise of homemade goodness without the fuss.

2. The Perfect Family Meal: Hearty, Balanced, and Loved by All

Finding a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy can often feel like a challenge. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe effortlessly solves that problem. It’s a well-balanced meal, featuring tender, protein-rich chicken breast and satisfying, buttery biscuits that provide comforting carbohydrates. The inclusion of plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion adds essential vitamins and fiber, making it a truly wholesome option. To complete your family dinner, simply add a simple green salad or some steamed green beans on the side, and you’re all set for a nourishing and universally loved meal. It’s the kind of dish that garners smiles and requests for seconds, proving that easy, healthy comfort food can indeed be utterly delicious and bring everyone together at the dinner table.

3. Ultimate Convenience: A True One-Pot Wonder

One of the greatest joys of slow cooker cooking is the minimal cleanup, and this recipe delivers on that promise. The entire dish, from the savory chicken and vegetable stew to the fluffy, cooked-to-perfection biscuits, is prepared right in your crockpot. This means no multiple pots and pans to scrub, no oven to preheat for biscuits, and significantly less time spent washing dishes after dinner. It’s the quintessential one-pot meal, allowing you to enjoy your evening without the daunting prospect of a huge mess. The convenience factor makes this recipe an absolute breeze, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal without the culinary chaos. Just imagine: one pot from start to finish, with all the deliciousness you crave!

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits

Gathering your ingredients for this comforting slow cooker meal is straightforward. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available components to create a rich, complex flavor profile that tastes like it simmered all day.

• 2 lbs (32 oz) raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures a lean protein source that cooks up tender and shreds easily into the stew. Cubing it helps it cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• 2.5 cups peeled and diced carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness, a vibrant color, and essential nutrients to the dish. Dicing them allows them to soften perfectly during the slow cooking process, becoming tender without turning to mush.
• 2 cups diced celery: Celery provides a subtle savory note and contributes to the classic mirepoix base of this comforting stew, adding depth to the overall flavor.
• 1.5 cups diced onion: Onion is the aromatic foundation, deepening the overall flavor of the chicken and dumpling mixture. Its gentle sweetness mellows during cooking, complementing the other vegetables and chicken.
• 2 cans (284ml each) low fat Campbell’s cream of chicken soup *or anything similar: This is the secret to achieving a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce with minimal effort. The condensed soup acts as a thickener and flavor enhancer. Feel free to use other brands or even a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer; condensed soups work best for consistency.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth adds liquid and depth of flavor to the stew, ensuring a luscious, pourable consistency before the biscuits are added. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the overall salt content.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings an earthy, aromatic herbaceousness that pairs wonderfully with chicken and vegetables, giving the stew a classic, comforting taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme offers a delicate, slightly minty, and peppery note, complementing the other flavors in the stew and adding another layer of aromatic complexity.
• 1 bay leaf: A single bay leaf infuses the entire dish with a subtle, aromatic background note, which is especially noticeable in long-simmered dishes. Remember to remove it before serving!
• 2 garlic cloves diced: Fresh garlic is indispensable for adding a pungent, savory kick that elevates all the other ingredients, creating a more robust and inviting flavor.
• ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors of all the components. Adjust to your taste preferences, adding more at the end if needed.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the stew to a perfect, spoon-coating consistency before the biscuits are introduced. It creates a velvety texture that holds all the ingredients together beautifully.
• 1 (7.5 oz) package Pillsbury country biscuits: The star of our easy dumpling hack! These canned biscuits puff up beautifully in the slow cooker, creating soft, tender, and incredibly satisfying “dumplings” without any of the traditional fuss. Note the specific package size for U.S. vs. Canadian variations for optimal results.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings With Canned Biscuits (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself, filling your home with wonderful aromas.

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by turning on your crockpot and allowing it to preheat. You can choose either the “high” setting for a faster cook (approx. 4-5 hours total) or the “low” setting for a longer, slower cook (approx. 7-8 hours total), depending on your schedule and when you want dinner ready. Preheating helps ensure even cooking from the start and gets your ingredients off to a good beginning.
2. Combine Main Ingredients: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 1-2 inch cube-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the stew. Place the cubed chicken into the preheated crockpot. Add all the diced vegetables – carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic – along with your dried seasonings: oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and the salt and pepper.
3. Add Liquids and Stir: Pour in the two cans of low-fat cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth. These liquids form the rich, creamy base of your comforting stew. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the creamy liquid and the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This initial stir sets the stage for a perfectly flavored dish.
4. Initial Cooking Period: Securely cover the crockpot with its lid and let it cook for the initial period. If you’re cooking on the “high” setting, this will be about 2.5 hours. If you’re cooking on “low,” this will be approximately 6.5 hours. During this critical phase, the chicken will become wonderfully tender, and the vegetables will soften, slowly infusing the broth with their deep, savory flavors.
5. Prepare Biscuits and Thicken Stew: While the stew is finishing its initial cook, prepare your canned biscuits. If you’re using the 7.5oz package of 10 biscuits (commonly found in the U.S.), use all 10 biscuits and cut each biscuit into 6 small pieces. If you are in Canada and using the larger Pillsbury country biscuits, use only 7 of the biscuits but still cut each biscuit into 6 pieces. After the initial cooking time (2.5 hours on high or 6.5 hours on low), carefully remove the lid and stir in the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This is key for thickening the stew to a perfect, rich consistency. If you were cooking on “low,” now is the time to switch your crockpot to “high” for the biscuit cooking phase to ensure they cook properly.
6. Add Biscuits and Final Cook (No Peeking!): Gently place the cut biscuit pieces directly on top of the thickened, stew-like mixture in the crockpot. It’s important not to stir them in; they should rest on the surface to cook effectively. Close the lid tightly and cook for another 1 to 1.5 hours on “high.” This step is CRUCIAL: DO NOT open the lid while the biscuits are cooking. The trapped steam is absolutely essential for them to puff up and cook through properly. Opening the lid releases the heat and steam, which can cause the biscuits to become dense or undercooked. Depending on your slow cooker’s efficiency and how well it seals, the biscuits may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. If you can’t see the biscuits without removing the lid, gently peek at about the 75-minute mark. If they don’t seem done (still doughy or pale), quickly replace the lid and continue cooking until they are golden brown and fluffy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the biscuits are cooked through and beautifully golden, your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is ready to serve! This recipe yields 10 generous servings of hearty, comforting goodness. Ladle the rich stew into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and those delicious, fluffy biscuit dumplings. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if desired for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this incredibly easy and satisfying comfort food meal that will warm you from the inside out!

Nutrition Information and WW Points for this Delicious Meal

One of the fantastic aspects of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is its surprising nutritional profile, especially when you’re looking for a hearty meal that fits into a balanced lifestyle. We’ve included the details below to help you plan your meals effectively and understand the goodness packed into each serving.

This recipe makes 10 servings. Nutrition information for 1 serving:

Calories 213, Fat 5 g, Saturated fat .51 g, Carbs 22 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugars 5 g, Sodium 1002.92 mg, Protein 22 g.

WW Points Breakdown for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

For those tracking Weight Watchers points, this recipe is a fantastic option that delivers big on flavor without breaking your point budget. The generous use of zero-point foods, like lean protein and vegetables, makes this dish surprisingly light while still incredibly satisfying. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points for each ingredient, which contributes to the overall serving total:

• Raw boneless skinless chicken breast: 0 points (a fantastic lean protein choice!)
• Peeled and diced carrots: 0 points
• Diced celery: 0 points
• Diced onion: 0 points
• Low fat Campbell’s cream of chicken soup: 9 points (per can, so 18 points total for 2 cans, divided by 10 servings)
• Chicken broth: 0 points
• Oregano: 0 points
• Dried thyme: 0 points
• Bay leaf: 0 points
• Garlic cloves, diced: 0 points
• Salt and pepper: 0 points
• Corn starch: 2 points (for 2 tablespoons total, divided by 10 servings)
• Pillsbury country biscuits: 16 points (for one 7.5oz package, divided by 10 servings)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, this dish comes out to approximately 3 points per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for a satisfying and point-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or comfort!

If you’re using an older version of WW, here are the points breakdown:

Points – 4

Personal Points – 3-5 depending on your 0PP foods

Smart Points – blue/purple – 3 using WW recipe builder

Smart Points – green – 5 using WW recipe builder

Points plus – 5 using PP calculator

Creative Variations to Customize Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own; the slow cooker is very forgiving!

• Soup Alternatives: If Campbell’s cream of chicken soup isn’t available or you’d like a different flavor profile, feel free to substitute with other condensed cream soups. Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup would work beautifully, adding their own unique depth to the stew. For a slightly different twist, you could even try a cream of potato soup for extra heartiness. Alternatively, for a lighter, homemade touch, you could whisk together some milk (or a dairy-free alternative), a little flour or cornstarch, and some chicken bouillon to create your own creamy base.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating more of your favorite veggies. Frozen peas, corn, or chopped green beans can be stirred in during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. Diced potatoes or sweet potatoes can also be added at the beginning with the other root vegetables for an even heartier stew. Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the very end, just before serving, will wilt nicely and add a fresh, green element.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the stew can add a pleasant kick. Smoked paprika can also introduce a wonderful smoky depth that complements the chicken.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs truly elevate the dish. Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprig of fresh rosemary can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. Dried herbs work well during cooking, but fresh herbs add a lovely finish.
• Cheese for Richness: For an extra layer of creamy, savory richness, stir a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or even Monterey Jack into the stew just before adding the biscuits. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even more decadent.
• Different Proteins: While boneless, skinless chicken breast is fantastic for a lean meal, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender results. If you’re really short on time, shredded leftover rotisserie chicken can be added during the last hour of cooking (after the cornstarch) for an even quicker prep time.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Every Time

Achieving the best results with your slow cooker chicken and dumplings is easy with a few insider tips. These simple suggestions will help ensure your meal is consistently delicious, hassle-free, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Meal Prep and Freezing for Convenience: This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and freezing, making your future weeknights even easier. Once completely cooled, you can portion individual servings into small, freezer-safe ziplock bags or airtight containers. This creates convenient grab-and-go meals for busy days or lunches. Alternatively, store all leftovers in a large freezer bag or container for a family-sized meal later. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the consistency seems too thick.
• Leftover Storage: If you don’t plan to freeze your leftovers, this dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any remaining chicken and dumplings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and meld even further overnight, making it taste even better the next day!
• Choosing Your Slow Cooker: For this recipe, a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal. This size allows enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly and provides ample surface area for the biscuits to expand and cook on top without being submerged, which is crucial for fluffy dumplings.
• The “No Peeking” Rule for Biscuits is Paramount: We cannot stress this enough – resist the urge to lift the lid while the biscuits are cooking! Every time you open the lid, you release valuable heat and steam, which are critical for the biscuits to rise and cook through properly. This can add significant time to the cooking process and result in dense, rather than light and fluffy, dumplings. Trust the process and your slow cooker to work its magic!
• Adjusting Stew Thickness to Your Liking: If, after adding the cornstarch, your stew still seems too thin for your preference, you can create an additional slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this into the hot stew (carefully avoiding the biscuits) and allow it to cook for another 15-30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thick, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until it thins to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Biscuits: While it’s important not to undercook them (as they’ll be doughy), be mindful not to overcook the biscuits either, as they can become tough or overly crusty. The ideal biscuit will be golden brown on top, light, and fluffy throughout.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Veggies: While fresh, diced vegetables are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and green beans) for even greater convenience. If using frozen, add them during the last hour of the initial cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Similar Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the ease, warmth, and comforting flavors of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’re in for a treat with these other delicious, family-friendly meals. They share the same spirit of homemade goodness with a focus on simplicity and satisfaction.

• Turkey Sausage Rolls
• Pizza Meatloaf
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up