Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of soul-soothing comfort food. This hearty dish brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings for a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss, this recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible slow cooker delight.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can chicken broth
- 2 small cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 lb sliced carrots
- 4 ribs sliced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 bag frozen peas
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can biscuit dough
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the slow cooker, mix together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion into the slow cooker, folding them into the sauce mixture until well combined.
- Slow Cook:
- Cook the mixture on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Bacon and Peas:
- After 6 hours, add the cooked and crumbled bacon along with the frozen peas into the slow cooker, stirring them into the mixture.
- Prepare Dumplings:
- Cut the uncooked biscuit dough into quarters and place them on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cook for an additional hour on high heat or until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Serve:
- Once the dumplings are cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
FAQs:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before serving.
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
- Absolutely, fresh peas can be used as a substitute, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the slow cooker the next day.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Tips:
- Add herbs for extra flavor: Enhance the taste of the dish by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley during the cooking process.
- Ensure even cooking: Stir the ingredients occasionally during the cooking process to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Keep an eye on the dumplings: Check the dumplings periodically to prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.