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How to Make CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
- Start by placing the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of your CrockPot. No need to cook the chicken beforehand—it will cook slowly and become wonderfully tender.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the dish, making it hearty and satisfying.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasoning
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This will serve as the base of your soup and help cook the chicken to perfection.
- Add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. These seasonings bring out the savory flavors in the dish.
Step 3: Add Soups
- Add the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups to the CrockPot, stirring gently to combine. These creamy soups create a rich, velvety texture that makes the dish extra comforting.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook through and become tender and juicy. If using boneless chicken breasts, they should shred easily with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
- About 30 minutes before serving, make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and dried parsley.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined, forming a thick batter.
Step 6: Add Dumplings to the CrockPot
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two spoons to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the soup mixture. You should aim for about 10-12 dumplings, depending on your preference for size.
- Cover the CrockPot and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and have puffed up. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
Step 7: Add Peas and Cream
- After the dumplings are done, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (if using). The peas will add a burst of color and a sweet, fresh flavor, while the cream makes the soup even richer and more indulgent.
- Stir gently to combine, and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes, just long enough to heat through the peas.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once everything is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, serve up this hearty, comforting meal in bowls. Enjoy the tender chicken, the fluffy dumplings, and the creamy soup base that ties it all together.
Tips for the Best CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Thighs for Extra Flavor: While chicken breasts are commonly used, chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay even more tender during the slow cooking process.
- Make It Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You can also use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in extra veggies like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your soup.
- Shred the Chicken for Texture: After cooking, you can shred the chicken with a fork and stir it back into the soup for a more traditional “chicken and dumplings” texture.
Why CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Will Become a Staple
This CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker brings out the rich flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and herbs, while the fluffy dumplings provide the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special Sunday meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your home for years to come!
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