Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts, diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook on Low:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If using frozen peas, stir them in now and allow them to heat through.
- Make the Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). In another bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy.
- Add the Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the chicken and broth mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to leave space between them as they will expand while cooking.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure they steam properly.
- Serve:
- Once the dumplings are cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniment: Serve this dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For Extra Flavor: Drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added depth.
Tips
- Make It Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next day.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With minimal effort, you can create a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop while you take care of your day. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this dish will wrap you in a cozy hug of flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade chicken and dumplings—comfort food at its finest!
