Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this easy and delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe. Just set it and let your slow cooker do the work!

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:16:09.356Z

This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With its simple preparation and heartwarming flavors, it's a dish that the whole family will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory flavors meld together for a comforting meal
Easy preparation means more time for family and fun
Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings create a heavenly texture

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that many associate with home-cooked warmth and satisfaction. This recipe offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you're in need of some comfort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, providing a rich and savory taste that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an impressive meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones while the magic happens in the kitchen.

A Family-Friendly Recipe

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your family's preferences by adding or substituting vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Kids love the fluffy dumplings, and they often help in the kitchen with the simple tasks, making it a fun family activity.

Additionally, this dish is an excellent way to introduce children to cooking. Measuring ingredients and stirring the mixture can engage their curiosity and teach them essential kitchen skills. By involving them in the preparation process, you create not only a meal but also lasting memories.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of this recipe is its suitability for meal prep. You can easily double the ingredients and prepare a larger batch for leftovers throughout the week. The flavors continue to meld as it sits in the refrigerator, making it even more delicious the next day.

Leftover chicken and dumplings can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. This recipe not only saves you time but also reduces food waste, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without the need for daily cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Stew

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Mix the ingredients well for a flavorful dish!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Stew

In the slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook the Ingredients

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.

Add Dumplings to Slow Cooker

After the cooking time, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the stew. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked, serve the chicken and dumplings hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade chicken and dumplings!

Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. They provide richer flavor and stay moist during the slow cooking process. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the mixture during the last hour of cooking.

Make sure to drop the dumplings gently onto the stew. If they are too heavy or compacted, they may not rise properly. Lightly spooning them in allows steam to circulate, resulting in light and fluffy dumplings.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the mixture to prevent it from drying out and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, do so over low heat to maintain the dumplings' fluffy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. However, the dumplings may lose some of their texture when thawed. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken and dumplings with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew, enhancing your dining experience. Additionally, consider serving crusty bread on the side for dipping into the savory broth.

For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the chicken and dumplings before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish with a burst of freshness that complements the hearty flavors beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or green beans.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.