Craving a warm, comforting meal that practically makes itself? Look no further than this incredible crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe. This recipe delivers fluffy dumplings and tender chicken in a rich, savory broth—all with minimal effort! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this slow-cooker masterpiece allows you to enjoy the deliciousness without the fuss. Let's dive into the details and create a culinary masterpiece!
What Makes This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe So Special?
This recipe isn't your average chicken and dumplings. We've focused on several key elements to ensure a truly exceptional dish:
- Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures fall-apart chicken, bursting with flavor.
- Flavorful Broth: We're not skimping on herbs and seasonings to create a deeply satisfying broth.
- Light and Fluffy Dumplings: The secret to perfect dumplings? A simple, yet effective dough that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker's gentle heat.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot, minimal dishes – more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Begin by searing the chicken breasts in olive oil until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the seared chicken (or unseared chicken) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly lumpy.
- Add Dumplings to Crock Pot: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve: Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely use bone-in chicken. Just increase the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time to become tender. Expect to cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What kind of slow cooker do I need?
Any slow cooker of at least 4-quart capacity will work for this recipe.
What if my dumplings are too dense?
This might happen if the dough is overmixed. Make sure to only mix until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or green beans. Just add them along with the onions, carrots, and celery.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this comforting classic! Remember to adjust seasoning to your preference. Happy cooking!
