Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are the epitome of comfort food. The tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings create a hearty meal that warms the soul. Using a slow cooker simplifies the process, making it easy to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld together beautifully over several hours of slow cooking.
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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (deboned) | 4 |
| Butter | 20 ml |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans (10.75 oz each) |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Celery (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Carrots (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup |
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Salt (for dumplings) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Melted unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Milk (for dumplings) | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Slow Cooker
Start by setting your slow cooker to low. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the cooker. This will allow them to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors from the other ingredients.
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2. Adding the Vegetables and Broth
Next, combine the chicken broth, sliced onion, celery, chopped carrots, butter, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to soften, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
3. Shredding the Chicken
After the initial cooking time, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the broth and vegetables.
4. Adding the Peas and Milk
Pour the whole milk and frozen peas into the slow cooker. Stir well to integrate these ingredients into the broth. The milk adds a creamy texture to the dish, while the peas provide a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
5. Preparing the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, melted butter, and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough. The mixture should be slightly sticky and soft.
6. Cooking the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the slow cooker on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. Let it cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have a light, fluffy texture.
Serving and Enjoying Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, your slow cooker chicken and dumplings are ready to serve. Scoop generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving includes plenty of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. This dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing the warmth and comfort of the meal to be fully appreciated.
