Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a hug in a bowl? This recipe will make you so happy. Are you looking for tasty crockpot meals with chicken ? This slow cooker chicken and dumplings will hit the spot! It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy to make.
Brief Overview
This recipe is a classic. It's proper chicken and dumplings comfort food . This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
It's inspired by home cooking. This recipe is easy and takes around 6 to 8 hours on low. This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This creamy chicken and dumplings is proper comfort food. It's perfect for a cold evening. It’s so easy, even I can't mess it up. Trust me.
Okay, let’s get to the ingredients. You will need chicken thighs, vegetables, and some pantry staples. This dish is simple, honest, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
For the Chicken: You'll need 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
You will need 1 tbsp olive oil. Plus, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Two carrots, peeled and chopped. Also, 2 celery stalks, chopped.
Don't forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced. You'll also need 4 cups of chicken broth. Use low sodium if you can.
Add 1 tsp of dried thyme and 1/2 tsp of dried rosemary. Season it all with 1/4 tsp of black pepper and 1/2 tsp of salt.
Finally, 1 cup of frozen peas. This adds a nice sweetness.
For the Dumplings: You'll want 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Add more for dusting! 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder.
And 1/2 tsp of salt. You'll need 6 tbsp of cold, cubed unsalted butter. And 3/4 cup of milk.
See? Nothing too scary. This comfort food slow cooker recipes is easier than you think. So, grab your ingredients, and let's get started! This one-pot chicken and dumplings will become a family favourite.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crockpot Meals with Chicken
Right then, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, crockpot meals with chicken are all about ease. But quality stuff makes a difference.
Think of it like this: the better the ingredients, the better the hug in a bowl you get at the end.
This easy chicken and dumplings recipe starts with the good stuff.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Opt for free range if you can. They just taste better, you know? For crockpot chicken thigh recipes , go for thighs. Dark meat stays moist.
- Veggies: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best for these.
- Broth: 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth. Low sodium lets you control the salt.
- Herbs: 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme, 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary. Fresh is fab, but dried works a treat too.
- Dumplings: 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp (7.5ml) baking powder, 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt, 6 tbsp (85g) cold, cubed unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (180ml) milk. Cold butter is key for fluffy dumplings.
- Peas: 1 cup (240ml) frozen peas. Add these at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Flavour!
This chicken and dumplings comfort food relies on simple seasonings. Thyme and rosemary are your workhorses here. They bring that lovely, earthy warmth.
A bit of pepper and salt, of course. Feel free to chuck in a bay leaf if you have one lying about.
For a richer flavour, use a bouillon cube. Honestly, these comfort food slow cooker recipes are customizable, so don't be afraid to experiment a bit.
Equipment Needed for Your Weeknight Chicken Crockpot Meals
- Crockpot: A 6-quart (6-litre) slow cooker is perfect.
- Skillet: Only if you're searing the chicken. It's optional, but adds flavour.
- Mixing Bowl: For the dumpling dough.
- Pastry Blender or Food Processor: To cut in the butter for the dumplings. A fork works in a pinch.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Standard baking stuff.
For those seeking slow cooker chicken recipes easy , simplicity is key. This recipe is a testament to that. It's also practically a one pot chicken and dumplings deal.
The creamy chicken and dumplings texture comes from the slow cooking process, creating the perfect chicken and dumplings from scratch style recipe that takes little to no effort.
Let's get cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Proper Comfort Food Made Easy
This chicken and dumplings comfort food recipe? It's basically a hug in a bowl, innit? Proper heartwarming stuff. We're talking tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings.
Plus, it's all done in the slow cooker! Perfect for a weeknight when you fancy something dead easy and comforting.
Think of this as your new weeknight chicken crockpot meals staple. The convenience of crockpot meals with chicken for the win!
Prep Steps: Getting Sorted Before the Fun
- Essential mise en place: Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Get your spices ready. It’s all about getting organised before you even think about firing up the crockpot.
- Time saving organization tips: I like to chop my veggies the night before. Honestly, it saves so much time, especially on a busy day.
- Safety reminders: Just remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? Basic hygiene, but it's gotta be said.
step-by-step Process: Easy as Pie (or Dumplings)
- Sear the chicken thighs in olive oil (3- 4 minutes per side) until browned. This adds a lovely flavour.
- Chuck the chopped onion, carrots, and celery into your slow cooker. Then, mince that garlic on top
- Place the seared chicken over the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, then add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Let it slow cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Check it's done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Make your dumpling dough. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it looks like crumbs. Add milk until it just comes together. Don't overmix or you’ll get tough creamy chicken and dumplings !
- Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in those frozen peas for a bit of greenery.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Space them out evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 15- 20 minutes , until the dumplings are cooked through. A toothpick should come out clean.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Dumplings
- Sear, Sear, Sear! Don't skip searing the chicken. It's a game changer.
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough or you’ll end up with hockey pucks instead of pillows. Also, it's an easy chicken and dumplings recipe , so keep it simple!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. Add more salt and pepper to your liking. For crockpot chicken thigh recipes feel free to experiment with different herbs, too!
So there you have it! Your own one pot chicken and dumplings cooked up in the slow cooker. Next time I would also like to attempt a chicken and dumplings from scratch recipe and also try to master comfort food slow cooker recipes .
You've got that proper, homely slow cooker chicken recipes easy feeling, right? This is a slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe that’s been a lifesaver on those hectic days! I hope you enjoy it!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to make some proper crockpot meals with chicken , eh? Before you dive in headfirst, let's chew the fat about some essential recipe notes for these slow cooker chicken and dumplings .
Honestly, these tips can be total game changers. They really can make your dish go from "meh" to "Oh my gosh!".
You know?
Serving Suggestions: "Put a Bird on It!" (And Dumplings!)
Let's talk presentation. Plating is all about making the dish look as good as it tastes. I reckon a rustic bowl shows off this chicken and dumplings comfort food best.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley. It adds a bit of colour. I'm thinking of a nice chunk of crusty bread for sopping up that creamy chicken and dumplings broth.
A simple green salad cuts through the richness. You know? Some cornbread is perfect. It makes a comfort food slow cooker recipes a complete meal.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right then, what if you have leftovers? No worries. Once the slow cooker chicken and dumplings are cool, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll keep for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, I'd recommend freezing the creamy chicken and dumplings and dumplings separately.
The dumplings can get a bit soggy otherwise. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Make sure it's piping hot - at least 75° C ( 165° F) .
Variations: Spicing Things Up
Fancy a change? Me too! This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is super versatile. For a dietary adaptation, try using gluten-free flour for the dumplings.
Honestly, it works a treat. For the crockpot chicken thigh recipes , You could add some swede (rutabaga) or parsnips with the carrots and celery for a bit of seasonal twist.
If you want to get a one pot chicken and dumplings , then make sure that your crockpot is big enough.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's keep it simple. This slow cooker chicken recipes easy is full of goodness. Chicken gives you protein. Veggies provide vitamins.
Dumplings offer carbs for energy. Each serving comes in at roughly 450 calories, with a good whack of protein, around 35 grams.
The fat content is about 20 grams. It will fill you up for a rainy day weeknight chicken crockpot meals .
Honestly, it's not just food, but a hug in a bowl! So, go on, give it a go. I bet you'll love it.
Enjoy making and devouring this dish, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own twist .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe using chicken breasts instead of thighs? What adjustments do I need to make?
You certainly can! Chicken breasts tend to be leaner, so they can dry out a bit more easily in a slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, I recommend reducing the cooking time by an hour or two, especially if cooking on high.
Also, consider adding a splash of cream or a knob of butter towards the end to keep things moist and lush, especially if the final result is dry at all.
My dumplings turned out tough. What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded tough dumplings! The most common culprit is overmixing the dough. Just like making a proper scone, you want to mix the dumpling dough until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.
Also, make sure you're cooking them long enough they should be cooked through, but not overcooked to a point where they dry out.
Can I freeze leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Freezing this dish can be a bit tricky as the dumplings can become a little mushy upon thawing. The chicken and broth freeze well on their own. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings, then make a fresh batch of dumplings when you're ready to reheat.
Alternatively, freeze the whole dish and accept that the dumplings won't be quite as perfect it will still be delicious!
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I make this "crockpot meals with chicken" recipe healthier?
Great question! Sodium can be a sneaky culprit in dishes like this. The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also adjust the amount of salt called for in the recipe - many people find they can cut it in half.
Finally, be mindful of any other salty ingredients you might be adding (like pre-made seasoning blends) and adjust accordingly.
What other vegetables can I add to this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe?
Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips would be a fantastic addition, echoing the English countryside feel of this dish. Green beans or corn would also be lovely, adding a touch of freshness and sweetness.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you're adding denser vegetables that need longer to cook.
My broth is too thin. How can I thicken my chicken and dumplings?
A thin broth is easily fixed! The classic method is to make a slurry of cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch and thicken the broth naturally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed after thickening.
Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |