Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings

Prepare to indulge in a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a hearty dish that promises to warm both body and soul. Bursting with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, savory bacon, and fluffy biscuit dumplings, this recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy sauce, this dish is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry crowd. So, let’s dive into the heartwarming world of slow-cooked goodness and savor every spoonful of this soul-soothing delight.

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

Directions:

1. Prepare Sauce: In the slow cooker, mix together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce.
2. Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion until they are well coated in the sauce mixture.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
4. Add Bacon and Peas: After 6 hours, add the crumbled bacon and frozen peas to the slow cooker, stirring them into the mixture.
5. Prepare Dumplings: Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and place the dough pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
6. Continue Cooking: Cook for another hour on high or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
7. Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the comforting aroma and flavors.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if you prefer. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
   • Absolutely! Fresh carrots, celery, and peas can be used instead of frozen. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure that the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
   • Certainly! Feel free to customize the flavor of the dish by adding your favorite herbs or seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
5. Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time?
   • While cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more fully, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of chicken and dumplings, perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers.
7. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
8. Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
   • Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this dish, or substitute it with vegetarian bacon if desired.

Tips:

1. Cook bacon until crisp: Ensure the bacon is cooked until crisp before crumbling it into the slow cooker for maximum flavor and texture.
2. Cut vegetables evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the carrots, celery, and onion into similar-sized pieces.
3. Add dumplings gently: Place the biscuit dough pieces on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture gently to avoid them sinking into the sauce.
4. Check dumplings for doneness: Test the dumplings with a toothpick to ensure they are cooked through before serving.

With these helpful tips and answers to common questions, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious batch of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Enjoy the cozy comfort of this classic dish and share it with loved ones for a memorable mealtime experience.

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