Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

$For this dish, you need 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut is perfect because it stays tender. You also need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth helps control the salt. Next, gather some fresh veggies. You will need: - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced These vegetables add great flavor and texture. They create a warm and hearty base for your meal. Now, let’s talk about the dumplings. You will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 cup butter, melted - 1 cup milk The flour and baking powder create the dumpling structure. The butter and milk keep them moist and fluffy. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon salt for taste! This combination of chicken, broth, vegetables, and dumplings makes a perfect comfort meal. Enjoy creating this dish that warms the heart! Start by placing 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. This mix adds great flavor. Make sure each piece is well coated. Next, chop 1 medium onion, 1 cup of carrots, and 1 cup of celery. Dice these veggies and pour them over the chicken. Then, mince 3 cloves of garlic and sprinkle that in too. Pour 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over everything. Add a can of cream of chicken soup. Give it a gentle stir to blend all the flavors. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add a pinch of salt for taste. Stir in 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of milk. Mix until it's just combined; don't overdo it. This batter creates fluffy dumplings. Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot. Stir in 2 cups of frozen peas. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the top. Cover and cook on high for another 30-40 minutes. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with 1/2 cup of fresh parsley for a bright finish. For the best flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well in the slow cooker. You can also use thighs for more richness. Chicken thighs add great taste and stay moist. If you prefer white meat, stick to breasts. They shred nicely and soak up the broth. To avoid soggy dumplings, don’t stir them too much. Drop spoonfuls of the batter on top of the mixture. Make sure the lid stays on while they cook. This traps steam and helps them rise. Cook the dumplings on high for the last 30 to 40 minutes. This ensures they stay fluffy and light. Add fresh herbs for a flavor boost. Try thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Use fresh garlic instead of minced for a punchier taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens and enhances the dish. For extra creaminess, mix in some sour cream before serving. Enjoy experimenting with spices and herbs to find your favorite mix! {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter if you want. Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add flavor and stay moist. Swap out cream of chicken soup for a homemade version or a low-fat option. You can also use whole wheat flour in the dumplings for extra fiber. Feel free to change the veggies. Instead of carrots and celery, use green beans or corn. You can even add spinach for a healthy twist. For the broth, try vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones work just fine. Want to switch things up? Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. For a savory note, toss in some bay leaves while cooking. You can also add different herbs, like rosemary or oregano, for a fresh taste. Experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. To store leftovers, let the chicken and dumplings cool down. Then, place them in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to seal the containers well to keep out air. You can freeze chicken and dumplings for later. First, cool them completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just label the bags with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat, take the chicken and dumplings out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a pot over low heat. Stir often until everything is warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just place the frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. You may need to cook it a bit longer, about 7-8 hours on low. The slow cooker will safely cook it through. Just make sure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. To make gluten-free dumplings, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. You can use a blend made for baking. Follow the same steps for mixing the dough. Keep an eye on the dumplings, as they may cook faster. Chicken and dumplings pair well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve warm bread rolls. It adds a nice touch and helps soak up the tasty broth. Consider a fruit salad for a sweet side, too. In this post, we explored how to make chicken and dumplings. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, veggies, and dumpling mix. I walked you through easy steps to prepare and cook everything. We shared tips for the best chicken cuts and how to avoid soggy dumplings. You can also try healthier swaps and store your leftovers properly. With these insights, enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food anytime. I hope you find joy in making this classic dish with your own twist!$

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Warm up your family meals with comforting slow cooker chicken and dumplings! This easy recipe combines tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy days, this dish is not only delicious but simple to make. Discover how to bring this hearty classic to your table with just a few easy steps. Click through to explore the full recipe and create a cozy meal your loved ones will adore!

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Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

2 cups frozen peas

1 cup milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley.

Add Vegetables: Pour the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Broth and Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and then add the cream of chicken soup, stirring lightly to combine all ingredients.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined.

Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is done, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker.

Final Cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6