Introduction
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that is easy to prepare? Look no further than crockpot chicken and dumplings. This classic dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making crockpot chicken and dumplings from scratch, so let’s get started!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 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 unsalted butter, melted
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Pour the chicken broth over the top, making sure the chicken is fully submerged. 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 easily shreds.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the broth and vegetables.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and melted butter. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough dumplings.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Dropping spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the chicken and broth mixture in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for an additional 1-2 hours, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Variations
While the classic crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is delicious on its own, you can also add your own personal touch by trying out some variations:
– Add frozen peas or corn for extra color and flavor.
– Stir in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
– For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or a can of cream of chicken soup.
– If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure that your crockpot chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time:
– If you prefer a thicker broth, remove the lid of the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
– For an extra boost of flavor, season the chicken with salt and pepper before placing it in the crockpot.
– If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that is sure to warm your heart and soul. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, with the convenience of the crockpot, it’s a meal that practically cooks itself. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself?
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to have more flavor and stay moist when cooked in the crockpot.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover crockpot chicken and dumplings. Simply let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients.
Can I use store-bought dumpling mix?
While making dumplings from scratch is relatively simple, you can use store-bought dumpling mix if you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the package and add the dumplings to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting and delicious meal with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, perfect for chilly nights and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup diced carrots
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1 cup diced celery
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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1 bay leaf
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup milk
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
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Start by placing the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf in the crockpot. Pour chicken broth over the top and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
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Shred the cooked chicken, return it to the crockpot, and stir it into the broth and vegetables.
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In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk and melted butter. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the chicken and broth mixture in the crockpot. Cook on high heat for 1-2 more hours, until the dumplings are cooked through.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
