Introduction
Imagine coming home to the cozy aroma of a delicious, comforting meal simmering in your slow cooker on a chilly evening. One such classic dish that never fails to warm both the body and soul is slow cooker chicken and dumplings. This recipe is not just a hearty meal but a taste of nostalgia for many, evoking memories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the dinner table.
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a timeless favorite that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory broth. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Throughout generations, this dish has been a staple in many households, offering a fulfilling and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare yet impresses with its rich taste and comforting textures. Let’s dive into the world of slow cooker chicken and dumplings and discover why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
So, grab your ingredients, set up your trusty slow cooker, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth, flavor, and a touch of homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a beloved classic for several reasons. One of the best features of this dish is its simplicity – you can achieve a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
Additionally, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one comforting bowl. It’s a complete meal that is both filling and nutritious, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Moreover, slow cooker chicken and dumplings can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a thicker broth, extra vegetables, or a gluten-free version, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different tastes and needs without compromising on taste.
From its ease of preparation to its delicious end result, slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a versatile dish that promises to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
For this delightful slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup frozen peas
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– For the dumplings:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– ¾ cup milk
Feel free to make ingredient substitutions according to your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free flour for the dumplings, substitute almond milk for dairy milk, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for more variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and adding the chicken broth, water, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. In a small bowl, mix the flour and heavy cream until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the broth. Add the frozen peas and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
3. While the chicken mixture is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
5. Once the dumplings are ready, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the dumplings with the chicken and vegetables. Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
These step-by-step instructions ensure that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your slow cooker chicken and dumplings, resulting in a meal that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Expert Tips for Success
For the best results when making slow cooker chicken and dumplings, consider the following expert tips:
– Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs for added flavor.
– To make the dumplings extra fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to prevent dense dumplings.
– If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add more flour to the slurry or mix in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
– Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Sage, rosemary, or paprika can add a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can always experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your preferences:
– Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness and flavor.
– Substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier twist on the dumplings.
– For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the broth before adding the dumplings.
– To make the dish spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving slow cooker chicken and dumplings, there are various ways to elevate the dining experience:
– Serve the dish in deep bowls garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
– Pair the meal with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
– Enjoy a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea alongside your comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings.
– For a complete meal, serve the dish with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat or want a richer flavor profile.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings 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 chicken broth to maintain the consistency.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the chicken and vegetables freeze well, the dumplings may become soggy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, consider making the dumplings fresh when reheating the frozen portion.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by simmering the ingredients in a large pot over low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the dumplings are fluffy. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl that warms you from the inside out. With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and versatile nature, this recipe is a true gem in the world of home cooking.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or introduce your family to a timeless classic, slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a recipe that never disappoints. So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the magic of this dish unfold in your kitchen. From the first savory spoonful to the last fluffy dumpling, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite and savor the moments shared around the table with loved ones.
slowcooker chicken and dumplings
A classic slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory broth. This comforting and nostalgic dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a taste of home and warmth in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
Directions
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Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, water, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
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Mix flour and heavy cream in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, add frozen peas, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
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Prepare the dumplings by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in cold butter and stir in milk. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the chicken mixture, cover, and cook on high for 30-40 minutes.
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Stir gently to combine dumplings with chicken and vegetables. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
