If you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul, try my savory Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings! This easy recipe brings together tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, all made with simple ingredients. In just a few hours, you can enjoy a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the delightful steps that make this dish a kitchen favorite!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
– Salt and pepper to taste
For this recipe, I use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well in the slow cooker and stay tender. The chicken broth adds great flavor, and I use four cups to ensure everything stays moist.
Next, I add fresh vegetables for texture and taste. A medium onion, two sliced carrots, and two chopped celery stalks work perfectly. Minced garlic enhances the dish with rich flavor.
To season the chicken, I mix in a teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried parsley, and onion powder. Salt and pepper to taste add the final touch for flavor.
For a pop of color and sweetness, I stir in one cup of frozen peas. Lastly, I use two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. These create fluffy dumplings that soak up the broth.
This simple list of ingredients helps create a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s easy to find these items at your local store, making it a perfect dish for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken and Vegetables
First, I place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This keeps them juicy. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, dried thyme, parsley, and onion powder. These spices add great flavor. Next, I layer the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. This mix brings out a rich taste. After that, I pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. It should cover all the ingredients. This helps them cook evenly.
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to set the slow cooker. You can choose low or high settings. If you cook on low, it takes about 6 to 7 hours. On high, it cooks in 3 to 4 hours. I recommend the low setting for the best results. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. During cooking, the smell will fill your kitchen. It’s hard to resist!
Final Steps
Once the chicken is done, I remove it from the slow cooker. I use two forks to shred it into pieces. Then, I set it aside for a moment. Next, I stir in the frozen peas. It adds a nice pop of color and sweetness. I return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, I open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. I drop these pieces right on top of the chicken and veggies. I cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for another 30 to 40 minutes. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. Before serving, I stir gently. This helps coat the dumplings with the creamy broth.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To boost flavor in your slow cooker chicken and dumplings, I recommend using fresh herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can make a big difference. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Marinating the chicken is another great tip. Try seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs a few hours before cooking. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors soak in and gives you a more delicious meal.
Achieving Perfect Dumplings
For the dumplings, start with refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters, as this helps them cook evenly. Make sure not to overwork the dough. This keeps the dumplings light and fluffy. When you add the biscuit pieces to the slow cooker, cover it tightly. This traps steam and helps the dumplings rise. Cook them for 30-40 minutes on high heat. This will ensure they are fluffy and cooked through. When they’re ready, stir gently so they mix with the creamy broth.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch the chicken for other meats. Try turkey or pork for a new flavor. These meats work well in slow cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Turkey may need a bit more time, while pork can be tender quickly.
For a vegetarian version, use hearty veggies. Consider mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils. These options add protein and depth. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a great base. This choice keeps the dish rich and tasty.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Seasonal vegetables are the best choice. Think about zucchini, green beans, or sweet potatoes. You can mix and match based on what you have.
When you add extra veggies, adjust the cooking time. For quick-cooking options like spinach, add them in the last 30 minutes. For root vegetables, add them at the start. This way, they all cook evenly. Enjoy the colorful and tasty results!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your chicken and dumplings fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. Your leftovers will last for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Instructions
When you reheat chicken and dumplings, do it gently. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the dumplings moist.
You can also reheat on the stove. Pour the leftovers into a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to help with moisture. Heat it over low heat, stirring often.
If you want to freeze your dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it as mentioned above for the best results.
FAQs
Common Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add a little extra cooking time. I suggest cooking on high for about 4-5 hours. This way, the chicken will still turn out tender and juicy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the biscuit dough. Use gluten-free biscuits or make your own with gluten-free flour. Check the chicken broth for gluten-free options. Many brands offer gluten-free broth, so read the labels.
What to serve with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings are a full meal on their own. You can serve a simple salad on the side. Fresh greens with a light dressing work great. You could also add steamed vegetables for color and nutrition.
This post covered making slow cooker chicken and dumplings with ease. We looked at ingredients, simple steps, and ways to enhance flavor. You can swap meats or add veggies for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat to enjoy later. With these tips, your dish will be tasty and satisfying. Happy cooking!
