Introduction
Cooking a delicious and comforting meal doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. One recipe that never fails to satisfy both the taste buds and the soul is Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re craving some homemade comfort food. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable dish, along with some handy tips and variations to suit your taste. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved dish among food enthusiasts. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This means you can whip up a delicious meal without having to make a trip to the grocery store. Secondly, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender chicken, flavorful broth, and pillowy dumplings. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your menu rotation.
Ingredients
To make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs) – 4 cups chicken broth – 1 medium onion, diced – 3 carrots, peeled and sliced – 3 celery stalks, sliced – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 1 teaspoon dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley – 1 bay leaf – 1 cup all-purpose flour – 2 teaspoons baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/2 cup milk – 2 tablespoons butter – Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and bay leaf.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Stir in the milk gradually until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the chicken and broth mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30-45 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
8. Remove the bay leaf from the crockpot before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve the Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
– For extra flavor, you can sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of butter or oil before adding them to the crockpot.
– If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– To make the dumplings fluffier, avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
– If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Follow the same steps for making and adding the dumplings.
Variations and Substitutions
– To add a touch of freshness, you can stir in a handful of frozen peas or chopped fresh parsley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
– If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with vegetable broth and add your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, and mushrooms.
– For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dumplings. You can also use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with some delicious side dishes. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. If you’re looking for a heartier option, serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. To complete the meal, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a warm cup of herbal tea for a cozy and satisfying dining experience.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use pre-made dumplings instead of making them from scratch?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough or canned biscuits. Simply tear the dough into small pieces and drop them into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the crockpot until warmed through. Make the dumpling dough fresh and cook as directed in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your crockpot, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will fill your home with delightful aromas and warm memories. Don’t forget to share your experiences and creations with us – happy cooking!
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
A classic and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and bay leaf.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk gradually until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the chicken and broth mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30-45 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Remove the bay leaf from the crockpot before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
