Introduction:
Looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that will warm your soul? Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the answer! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all simmered in a savory broth. In this blog post, we’ll share a unique twist on this classic recipe that can be effortlessly prepared using a slow cooker. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the chicken and vegetables:
– 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup carrots, sliced
– 1 cup celery, sliced
– 1 cup onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the crock pot, combine the chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
2. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds apart.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, discarding any bones or excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring until a thick and sticky dough forms.
5. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the crock pot. Cover the crock pot again and cook on high heat for an additional 1-2 hours, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Once the dumplings are fully cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve the crock pot chicken and dumplings hot in bowls, spooning generous portions of the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into each serving.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, to add a touch of freshness and color.
Tips and Variations:
– To add more flavor to the broth, you can incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme. Simply tie them into a bundle with kitchen twine and add them to the crock pot at the beginning of the cooking process.
– For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or whole milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Add peas, corn, or diced potatoes for extra texture and taste.
– If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Conclusion:
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
