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 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup milk; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal.

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:28:18.375Z

This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, it's the perfect dish for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Effortless preparation with no fuss
Rich and savory flavors that warm the soul
Comforting dumplings that soak up the delicious broth
Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd

      

A Hearty Meal in One Pot

Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of convenience without sacrificing flavor. This dish is designed to be a one-pot wonder, where all the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth that is packed with nutrients. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings means you’re not just serving a meal; you’re offering a wholesome experience that nourishes both body and soul.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and intensify, ensuring that every bite is filled with deliciousness. Whether you're cooking for a large family or just for yourself, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a busy weekday after work or a relaxing weekend gathering, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion. The ease of preparation allows you to focus on other tasks while the slow cooker does all the hard work. Put everything in the pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to serve.

Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables to your preference or even add in some spices for an extra kick. This adaptability means it can suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, making it a go-to meal for any gathering.

Family-Friendly Comfort Food

Kids and adults alike will adore the comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings. The tender chicken pieces are easy to chew, while the dumplings are soft and pillowy, perfect for little mouths. This dish can help introduce children to the joys of homemade cooking, encouraging them to enjoy wholesome ingredients over processed alternatives.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables. With carrots, peas, and celery, you’re providing essential nutrients disguised in a tasty dish. It's a win-win for parents looking to offer healthful meals without the fuss.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Broth

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

Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Add Dumplings to the Slow Cooker

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it, and return it to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the top of the chicken mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Serve

Gently stir the soup to combine, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious chicken and dumplings!

Feel free to garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken and dumplings are perfectly cooked, always check the doneness of the chicken before adding the dumplings. If the chicken isn't shredding easily, continue cooking for an additional hour. This will help achieve the best texture and flavor in your dish.

For the dumplings, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined will help keep them light and fluffy. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding herbs or spices to the dumpling mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of this comforting dish again without sacrificing quality.

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and broth mixture without the dumplings. You can add freshly made dumplings when you're ready to enjoy it again. This will keep the dumplings from becoming soggy during freezing and will give you the freshest texture possible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure to cook it for a longer time if necessary.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and cook it the next day.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use turkey or a vegetarian protein alternative if preferred.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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