Experience the ultimate in comfort food with our Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. In this article, we’ll guide you through the recipe and share valuable tips, answer frequently asked questions, and provide insights on storing and freezing this classic comfort meal.
Ingredients: For the Chicken Stew:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken Stew:
- In the crock pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Add Peas (Optional):
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas if desired.
- Prepare Dumplings:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the hot chicken stew in the slow cooker.
- Cook Dumplings:
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 1-1.5 hours until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy.
- Serve Warm:
- Ladle the warm chicken and dumplings into bowls. The dumplings will have puffed up and soaked in the flavorful broth.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time? A: Prepare the dumpling batter just before adding it to the slow cooker for optimal fluffiness.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Absolutely! Adjust the quantities to taste if using fresh herbs.
How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container, separating the stew and dumplings if possible. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.