Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Are you craving a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than slow cooker chicken and dumplings! This timeless dish combines tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings are a favorite comfort food for many reasons:
- Convenience: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop over time without constant monitoring.
- Versatility: You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences, adding vegetables, herbs, or spices to tailor the dish to your taste.
- Affordability: Chicken and dumplings are made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Nutrition: Despite its indulgent flavor, this dish can be made healthier by using lean chicken, whole wheat dumplings, and plenty of vegetables.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Chicken and Broth:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 |
| Celery, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Thyme, dried | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Butter, melted | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients until the chicken is fully submerged.
Step 2: Cook on Low Heat
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and chopped parsley until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the slow cooker, on top of the chicken and broth mixture.
- Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of slow cooker chicken and dumplings!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the dumpling dough, mix it just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings.
- Add Frozen Peas: For an extra burst of color and flavor, add a handful of frozen peas to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. So grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you.