Crock pot chicken and dumplings—the ultimate comfort food! This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy, savory broth, topped with fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. Forget about complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this slow cooker version is surprisingly easy and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Get ready to experience the warmth and deliciousness of this classic dish elevated for the modern kitchen.
What You'll Need:
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 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 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
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
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Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Dumplings to Slow Cooker: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the top of the chicken and broth.
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Cook the 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 and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Add about an hour to the cooking time on low, or 30 minutes on high.
What if I don't have all the herbs?
Don't worry if you don't have all the herbs listed. You can substitute with other herbs you have on hand, or simply omit them. Dried oregano or parsley would be good substitutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The chicken and broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make the dumplings just before adding them to the slow cooker.
What type of slow cooker do I need?
Any slow cooker will work, as long as it's large enough to hold the ingredients. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they are cooked through and fluffy. You can test them by gently piercing one with a fork; it should come out clean.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its incredibly comforting taste, makes it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. Enjoy!
