Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Craving a comforting and hearty meal? Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is the answer.
This dish features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food.
Preparing it is a breeze – just throw everything in your slow cooker and let it do the job.
Enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.
Origins
Tracing its history back to the heartland of the United States, slow cooker chicken and dumplings are a beloved dish with deep roots in American comfort food.
Slow cooking is a method which involves simmering ingredients over low heat for an extended period, and is ideal for busy families. When slow cooked, the chicken and dumplings create a rich and savory dish, while the dumplings add a comforting and satisfying texture.
Over time, slow cooker chicken and dumplings have grown to become a classic comfort food, beloved by many.
Ingredients
For the slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here are the essentials:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of frozen peas
These components will form the basis of your delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings.
The boneless, skinless chicken breasts will provide the protein, while the low-sodium chicken broth will act as the flavorful base.
The chopped carrots and frozen peas will bring a burst of color and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered your essential ingredients, let’s get started making slow cooker chicken and dumplings.
- Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker and stir in the frozen peas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
- Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
Serve the slow cooker chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking
For the best results, follow these tips when making slow cooker chicken and dumplings. Begin by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Thighs are more flavorful and tender and will not break down in the slow cooker. Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices before adding it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking. Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, and it takes longer for the dish to cook. Lastly, do not overcook the dumplings. They should be light and fluffy, not dense and gummy. Adhere to these tips, and you’ll have a delicious and comforting slow cooker chicken and dumplings meal.
| TIPS |
|---|
| Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs |
| Season the chicken before cooking |
| Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid |
| Cook the dumplings just until they are light and fluffy |
Final Thoughts
To enjoy a delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings dish, it’s important to follow a few key tips.
- Start by browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, as this adds great flavor to the overall meal. Additionally, season the chicken with salt and pepper for extra taste.
- Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly, avoiding the chance of some pieces becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Lastly, be sure not to lift the lid too often while the chicken and dumplings are cooking. Each time you do, you let out heat and moisture, which can affect the outcome of the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in the Refrigerator?
You can keep slow cooker chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to place it into a tightly sealed container. When reheating, make sure to do so thoroughly to ensure food safety.
Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze slow cooker chicken and dumplings for later use. It is a great way to have a quick and easy meal ready when you need it. To keep its quality, make sure to store it correctly. Follow these guidelines and you will have a tasty dish whenever you want it.
Can I Substitute the Chicken With Another Protein, Such as Beef or Tofu?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with another protein such as beef or tofu. Remember to adjust the cooking time as different proteins might need different cooking times in the slow cooker.
What Are Some Popular Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Some popular variations of slow cooker chicken and dumplings include adding vegetables such as carrots or peas, experimenting with different spices for flavor, or substituting another protein such as beef or tofu.
Can I Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings on the Stovetop Instead?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken and dumplings on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken and broth, then add the dumplings and cook until tender. You can enjoy a delicious homemade comfort food meal!
