Prepare to indulge in a heartwarming, home-cooked meal that embodies comfort and flavor with every spoonful. The Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, soul-soothing broth. Let’s delve into the ingredients and steps to create this ultimate comfort dish!
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preparation: In the slow cooker, place the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Creating the Stew Base: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredable.
- Dumpling Preparation: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- Adding Dumplings to Stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the surface of the slow-cooked chicken stew.
- Further Cooking: Cover again and switch the slow cooker to high heat for an additional 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Thickening the Stew: Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir the cornstarch slurry, frozen peas, and heavy cream into the slow cooker.
- Final Cooking Stage: Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the stew thickens, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning if needed and remove the bay leaf before serving this comforting delight.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly day or a taste of nostalgia that warms the soul. With its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, pillowy dumplings, and creamy broth, it’s a dish that brings families together and leaves everyone satisfied and content.
Prepare this delightful meal to experience the magic of a slow-cooked masterpiece, where every bite speaks volumes about homey comfort and satisfying flavors.