Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings- A Comforting One-Pot Meal You Can Make at Home
Can I make chicken and dumplings in a crock pot? Absolutely! This comforting and classic dish can be easily prepared in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings, crock pot chicken and dumplings are sure to delight the entire family. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delicious meal with ease.
First things first, gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, chicken broth, vegetables like carrots and celery, seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and of course, the key ingredient – dumplings. You can either purchase pre-made dumplings or make your own from scratch. If you’re up for a challenge, we’ll provide a simple dumpling recipe later in the article.
Once you have your ingredients ready, start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the diced carrots and celery on top of the chicken. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring that everything is well-coated.
Now, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. If you’re using pre-made dumplings, simply follow the instructions on the package. If you’re making your own, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and butter in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then roll it out on a floured surface. Cut the dough into small pieces and place them on top of the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Once all the dumplings are in place, cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The dumplings should be puffy and cooked through, and the chicken should be tender and falling off the bone. If you’re using a crock pot with a sauté function, you can also brown the chicken and vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
When your crock pot chicken and dumplings are ready, give it a good stir. The dumplings will have absorbed the flavors of the chicken and broth, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives, and enjoy this homestyle comfort food that’s been made even easier with a crock pot.
Remember, you can always customize this recipe to suit your taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn, or even switch up the seasoning to create your own unique twist. Crock pot chicken and dumplings are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. So, the next time you’re wondering, “Can I make chicken and dumplings in a crock pot?” the answer is a resounding yes!