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

Name: Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough

Highlighted under: Homestyle Happiness

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, perfect for busy days.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:37:08.560Z

This recipe brings together tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings for a hearty meal that requires minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Effortless cooking with minimal prep time
Comforting flavors that warm the soul
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep

The Ultimate Comfort Food

There's something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you're enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Using a slow cooker not only simplifies the cooking process, but it also allows you to set it and forget it. You can go about your day, knowing that a delicious meal is being crafted in your kitchen. The aroma of chicken and vegetables slowly cooking together is enough to make anyone's mouth water, and by the time you’re ready to eat, everything is perfectly tender and flavorful.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a hectic weekday or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe fits right in. It's versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a comforting meal prep option. When you know you'll have a busy day ahead, you can prep the ingredients the night before and toss them into the slow cooker in the morning. By dinner time, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to serve.

This dish also makes for great leftovers. The flavors continue to deepen overnight in the fridge, making the next day's lunch even tastier. Simply reheat and enjoy the same comforting meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, and you have a complete dinner that satisfies without any fuss.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious chicken and dumplings.

Main Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough

Make sure you have everything ready before starting the slow cooker.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome.

Prepare the Ingredients

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook

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

Add the Dumplings

About 30 minutes before serving, cut the biscuit dough into quarters and drop them on top of the cooking chicken and broth. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve

Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, gently stir the mixture and serve warm.

Enjoy your hearty meal with family or friends!

Pro Tips

You can add your favorite vegetables to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are more forgiving during the slow cooking process, remaining juicy and tender while enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute chicken breast, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe. Adding peas, corn, or even green beans can introduce additional flavors and textures. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables so they don’t become mushy. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day. To freeze, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This will help maintain the quality and texture when reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the mixture if necessary. You can also microwave it in individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overheat, as the dumplings can become tough if reheated too long.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough from your local grocery store.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.