Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Recipe for Any Occasion

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of slow cooker chicken and dumplings wafting through your home. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creating a warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a hearty slow cooker chicken and dumplings dish. These components will create a deliciously warm meal that is perfect for any occasion.

For The Chicken Mixture

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion diced
3 large carrots sliced
3 stalks celery sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas

For The Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¾ cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook your slow cooker chicken and dumplings. The process is straightforward and results in a warm, comforting meal.

Prep

Prepare the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables: Dice one medium onion, slice two carrots, and slice two stalks of celery. Layer these vegetables on top of the chicken.
Seasoning: Sprinkle in one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Pour in four cups of chicken broth to cover the chicken and vegetables.
Combine Peas: Add one cup of frozen peas on top of the mixture. This will enhance the color and add extra flavor.

Slow Cooking: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.
Prepare Dumplings: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until a dough forms.
Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the shredded chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
Final Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting textures and rich flavors of this hearty dish.

Tools And Equipment

To prepare slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s a list to help you get started:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe to accommodate all the ingredients and allow even cooking.
Cutting Board: Use a sturdy cutting board for chopping vegetables and prepping the chicken.
Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing and dicing ingredients quick and efficient.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of ingredients are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is needed to combine the ingredients for the dumpling dough.
Whisk: Use a whisk to blend the dry ingredients for the dumplings thoroughly.
Spatula: A rubber spatula helps incorporate the dumpling batter evenly and scoop out any remaining mixture.
Shredder or Forks: For shredding the cooked chicken, you can use a meat shredder or two forks to achieve shredded chicken pieces.
Ladle: A ladle is handy for serving the finished dish, ensuring you get both chicken and dumplings in each serving.

Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking experience, letting you focus on creating the delicious flavors of this comforting dish.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can easily prepare the chicken and dumplings in advance to save time on a busy day. Here are the steps to ensure your dish is ready when you are:

Prep the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Mix well. Transfer this mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Store the Broth: Measure out the chicken broth and keep it in a separate container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh until you’re ready to start cooking.
Dumpling Preparation: For the dumplings, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley in a bowl. Store this dry mix in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, add the milk and melted unsalted butter to the mixture and stir until just combined.
Cooking Instructions: When you’re ready to cook, layer the chicken mixture into your slow cooker and pour in the chilled broth. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumpling batter and drop spoonfuls over the chicken mixture. Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy.

These make-ahead steps keep your meal simple and stress-free, ensuring a delightful repast with minimal effort when the time comes to eat. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your slow cooker chicken and dumplings without the rush.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Its rich flavors and tender ingredients make it a perfect choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With the ease of preparation and the ability to make it ahead of time, you can enjoy this hearty meal without the stress.

Whether you follow the detailed recipe or add your own twist, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to delight in a timeless classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite of this delicious comfort food.