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Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy, Comforting One-Pot Meal

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    When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. And when you add the convenience of a slow cooker, it becomes the perfect meal for busy days or cozy weekends at home. The beauty of slow cooker chicken and dumplings lies in its simplicity—it’s a one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, all cooked to perfection while you go about your day.

    This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic, comforting dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a special meal for a cozy Sunday dinner, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings will quickly become a go-to comfort food favorite.

    Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
    Hands-Off Cooking: One of the best things about using a slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. You just toss the ingredients in the pot, set it, and let the magic happen.
    Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, infusing the broth with savory goodness.
    Soft, Fluffy Dumplings: The dumplings cook right on top of the chicken and vegetables, absorbing the flavors of the broth and turning out light, fluffy, and delicious.
    Easy to Customize: This recipe is versatile. You can add extra vegetables, swap out the chicken for turkey, or even use cream for a richer, more decadent broth.
    Perfect for Meal Prep: Not only is it an easy dinner, but leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying for lunch the next day.
    Ingredients:
    For the Chicken and Broth:

    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
    4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
    1 medium onion, chopped
    2 carrots, peeled and diced
    2 celery stalks, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon dried thyme
    1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, added near the end)
    For the Dumplings:

    1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
    3/4 cup milk
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)

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    Instructions:
    Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
    Start by placing the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with dried thyme, rosemary (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
    Cook on Low:
    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
    Shred the Chicken:
    Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the broth and vegetables. If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them in at this point. (They only need about 30 minutes to cook, so adding them in now allows them to heat through.)
    Make the Dumplings:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Then, add the milk, melted butter, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the dumplings may be dense. The batter should be thick but still scoopable.
    Add the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker:
    Using a spoon, scoop the dumpling batter and drop it in heaping spoonfuls on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so try to leave a little space between each one. Don’t worry if some of the dumplings sink into the broth—it’s all part of the process!
    Cook the Dumplings:
    Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 1 hour or until the dumplings are cooked through and have puffed up. The dumplings should be light and fluffy when done. If you’re unsure, you can test one by poking it with a fork to see if it comes out clean.
    Serve:
    Once the dumplings are cooked, give everything a final stir to combine. Serve the chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.
    Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:
    Use Chicken Thighs: If you want even more flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add a deeper flavor to the broth and are just as easy to shred.
    Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the broth. Mushrooms, parsnips, or potatoes can be great additions. Just chop them small to ensure they cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
    Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier broth, add half and half or heavy cream to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
    Check the Broth: If the broth gets too thick after adding the dumplings, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
    Use Bisquick for Easier Dumplings: If you’re short on time, you can use Bisquick or any other baking mix to make the dumplings. Simply follow the instructions on the box for drop biscuits or dumplings, substituting the milk and butter from the recipe.
    Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is Perfect for Any Occasion:
    This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for:

    Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it! This meal is perfect for busy families who want a comforting dinner without the hassle of constant supervision.
    Cold Weather: There’s nothing better on a cold, rainy, or snowy day than a warm bowl of this hearty soup with fluffy dumplings.
    Family Meals: This recipe makes a big batch, making it ideal for families or gatherings. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

    For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friend

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    Meal Prep: Leftovers are even better the next day! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
    Final Thoughts:
    Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food: rich, warm, and satisfying, with tender chicken and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that comes together in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort.

    With its hearty ingredients and homemade flavors, this dish will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll want to make over and over again. So, the next time you’re craving something cozy and comforting, let your slow cooker do the work with this delightful chicken and dumplings recipe!

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