Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker chicken and dumpling recipe! This recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken and dumplings dish without the fuss of stovetop cooking. It's perfect for a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even beginner cooks.
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For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions for Slow Cooker Perfection:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
- Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Step 2: Making the Dumplings
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the top of the chicken and broth mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
Step 3: Finishing the Dish
- Cover and cook on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the dumplings and broth.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Serve your delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This comforting dish is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the chicken broth while it's cooking. Remove before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken and broth mixture for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- Make it ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. The dumplings may become slightly softer upon reheating.
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!