Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender chunks of chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. This hearty, classic dish is made even easier with the convenience of a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to slowly meld together while you go about your day. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm, satisfying meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings all the cozy, home-cooked vibes. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
   Add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
2. Shred the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Cream:
   Stir in the heavy cream or milk to make the broth rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Make the Dumpling Batter:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly sticky.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
   Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the stew in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
6. Serve:
   Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers all the flavors of a traditional dish with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cozy, homemade meal with your family or guests!