Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by preparing your chicken and vegetables. If you’re using bone-in chicken, remove the skin and trim off any excess fat. For boneless chicken breasts or thighs, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. These vegetables will provide a delicious base for the soup and infuse the broth with flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken (whole or chopped) in the bottom of your Crockpot, followed by the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season the broth. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are covered with liquid.
For a rich, creamy base, add 1 cup of heavy cream. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk, though the texture won’t be as thick and rich.
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, which brings a bit of depth and savory flavor to the soup.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken will cook through and become tender, while the vegetables will soften and meld into the broth, creating a deliciously comforting soup base.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir everything together.
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the soup is cooking, you can prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Stir until well combined.
Next, add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, and stir just until the mixture comes together. The dough will be thick and a little sticky. If you want a bit of extra flavor, fold in 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or some freshly chopped herbs.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
Once the chicken is shredded and the soup base is ready, it’s time to add the dumplings. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the Crockpot. They will float on top of the soup, and as they cook, they’ll puff up and become light, fluffy clouds of goodness.
Cover the Crockpot and cook the dumplings for an additional 30-40 minutes on high (or 60 minutes on low). It’s important not to lift the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to cook properly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy, your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get a good portion of both the creamy broth and the tender chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking powder and any other seasonings you use are also gluten-free.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as peas, corn, or green beans, for extra color and flavor.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, you can skip cooking the chicken from scratch and use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. Simply shred it and add it to the Crockpot in the last hour of cooking.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the cream, and substitute dairy-free butter for the melted butter in the dumpling mix.
Add Seasoning to Taste: Taste your soup before adding the dumplings, and adjust the seasoning as needed. A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten things up if you like a little zing!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:
Effortless: The Crockpot does most of the work for you, making this recipe perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without much fuss.
One-Pot Wonder: The entire meal cooks in one pot, meaning less mess and easier cleanup.
Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit your taste by adjusting the seasoning, adding different veggies, or using a different protein like turkey or even sausage.
Comforting and Filling: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to make a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a little extra comfort.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food for busy families, cold nights, or just when you need a little extra warmth in your life. With tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal effort—just let your Crockpot do the work, and you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of homemade goodness. Enjoy!
