Chicken and dumplings—the ultimate comfort food! This classic dish, traditionally simmered on the stovetop, is even easier and more convenient when made in a slow cooker. The crock pot allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the dumplings to cook perfectly in the flavorful broth. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and dumplings experience from the comfort of your slow cooker.
What Makes Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings So Special?
The beauty of a crock-pot chicken and dumplings recipe lies in its simplicity and the resulting incredible tenderness of the chicken. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to break down, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. This contrasts with stovetop methods where the chicken might be drier. Furthermore, the slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach; you can set it and forget it (almost!), leaving you free to attend to other tasks while a delicious meal simmers away.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
Step-by-Step Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
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Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Top with the chicken breasts.
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Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the dried thyme and rosemary.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Make the Dumplings: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
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Add Dumplings: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the vegetables and broth. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the chicken and broth mixture. Do not stir.
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Cook Dumplings: Cover and cook on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
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Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
How Long Does Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings Take to Cook?
The total cooking time for crock-pot chicken and dumplings is approximately 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high, plus an additional 30-45 minutes for the dumplings. This allows for the chicken to become incredibly tender and the dumplings to cook perfectly. The exact timing will depend on your slow cooker and its settings.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. However, you will need to increase the cooking time. For frozen chicken, cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, before adding the dumplings.
What Kind of Dumplings Are Best for Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings?
This recipe uses a simple drop biscuit style dumpling. You can experiment with other dumpling recipes, but ensure they are designed for a slow cooker environment to avoid them becoming soggy. Consider using self-rising flour for an even easier dumpling preparation.
Tips for the Perfect Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumpling batter: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Don't stir the dumplings after adding them: Let them cook undisturbed to ensure they rise properly.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to test the dumplings for doneness. They should be cooked through and fluffy.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting crock-pot chicken and dumplings! This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family meal. Remember to adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken breasts.
