Origin and Region: Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is popular throughout the United States, particularly in the Southern region. Its origins can be traced back to European settlers who adapted their traditional recipes to the ingredients available in America.
Introduction:
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. Made with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked in a savory broth, this dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Using a slow cooker makes it convenient to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup milk
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can brown the diced chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and continue cooking on high heat for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and puffed up.
- If using, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the slow cooker chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Description:
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a flavorful broth. It’s a timeless classic that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty meal. The slow cooker method makes it convenient to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, without optional toppings)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Total Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect dish for warming up on cold days or anytime you’re in need of some comfort food. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the cozy flavors of this classic dish!
