When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like chicken and dumplings. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. This dish not only warms your belly but also fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, crockpot chicken and dumplings is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this classic dish effortlessly. We’ll also share tips to elevate your recipe and answer common questions to ensure your crockpot chicken and dumplings turn out perfect every time.
Ingredients
To make this hearty dish, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Base
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Stir the mixture to combine the shredded chicken with the vegetables and broth.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of the soup.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley add a burst of flavor. Simply double the quantity of herbs if substituting fresh for dried.
- Thicker Broth: For a creamier base, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or condensed cream of chicken soup during the last hour of cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making dumplings.
FAQs
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken, add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
While the chicken and broth freeze well, the dumplings can become soggy. To freeze, omit the dumplings and prepare them fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying. With minimal prep and a whole lot of flavor, it’s a meal that’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a versatile dish you can tweak to suit your taste. Whether you’re a crockpot novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.
Try this easy recipe today and let the crockpot do the work for a dinner everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists in the comments below!
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