There’s something special about a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings that just hits the spot, no matter what time of year it is. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up on a chilly winter night or a soothing dish to help ease a summer cold, slow cooker chicken and dumplings are the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to make this classic comfort food in a slow cooker, including the benefits of using a slow cooker, the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious meal.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of using a slow cooker to make chicken and dumplings. Slow cookers are a great way to prepare meals because they’re convenient, easy to use, and allow for a high degree of flexibility. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people because they allow you to prepare a meal in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
- Easy to use: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, turn it on, and let it do the work for you.
- Flexibility: Slow cookers are great for cooking a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and casseroles.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shortening or butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
In terms of equipment, you’ll need a slow cooker, a large bowl, a whisk, a measuring cup, and a wooden spoon.
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
The first step in making slow cooker chicken and dumplings is to prepare the chicken and vegetables. Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. You can do this by hand or use a food processor to make the job easier.
Once the vegetables are chopped, add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Making the Dumplings
While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, you can start making the dumplings. To do this, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the warm water to the bowl, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Dumplings
Once the dough is ready, you can start shaping the dumplings. To do this, pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls. You should end up with around 8-10 dumplings.
Adding the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
Once the chicken and vegetables have cooked for 6-8 hours, it’s time to add the dumplings to the slow cooker. To do this, simply drop the dumplings into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have puffed up slightly.
Serving and Enjoying Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Once the chicken and dumplings are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy. You can serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Here are a few ideas for sides that go well with slow cooker chicken and dumplings:
- Salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad make a great side dish for chicken and dumplings.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli are a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with chicken and dumplings.
- Cornbread: For a more comforting side dish, try serving chicken and dumplings with a slice of warm cornbread.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making slow cooker chicken and dumplings:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content of the dish.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, try adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Use different herbs: Instead of using thyme and basil, try using other herbs such as rosemary or parsley to give the dish a different flavor.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings are a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year. By using a slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up on a chilly winter night or a soothing dish to help ease a summer cold, slow cooker chicken and dumplings are the perfect solution.
What is the best type of chicken to use for slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
The best type of chicken to use for slow cooker chicken and dumplings is boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. You can use either one or a combination of both, depending on your personal preference. Chicken breast will result in a leaner dish, while chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture.
It’s also important to note that you can use frozen chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw it first before adding it to the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, which will save you time on cooking.
How do I make the dumplings for slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
To make the dumplings for slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening or butter. You can also add some herbs and spices to give the dumplings extra flavor. Simply mix the dry ingredients together, then add the shortening or butter and mix until the dough comes together.
Once the dough is ready, you can drop it by spoonfuls onto the top of the chicken and broth in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. You can also cook the dumplings separately on the stovetop or in the oven if you prefer.
Can I add vegetables to slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to slow cooker chicken and dumplings. Some popular options include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Simply chop the vegetables up and add them to the slow cooker with the chicken and broth. You can also add frozen vegetables, such as peas and corn, towards the end of cooking time.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add. For example, if you add potatoes, you may need to cook the dish for an extra 30 minutes to an hour to ensure they’re tender. You can also sauté the vegetables in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
The cooking time for slow cooker chicken and dumplings will depend on the type of slow cooker you use and the ingredients you add. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook the chicken and dumplings. If you’re adding vegetables, you may need to add extra time to ensure they’re tender.
It’s also important to note that you can cook the dish on the stovetop or in the oven if you’re short on time. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a pan, then add the broth and dumplings and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through.
Can I make slow cooker chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken and dumplings ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great dish to prepare in advance because the flavors will meld together and the chicken will become even more tender. Simply prepare the dish up to a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to cook it.
When you’re ready to cook the dish, simply add it to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You can also cook it on the stovetop or in the oven if you prefer. Just be sure to thaw the dish first if you’ve frozen it.
How do I store leftover slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
To store leftover slow cooker chicken and dumplings, simply let the dish cool, then refrigerate or freeze it. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the dish, simply thaw it first if you’ve frozen it, then reheat it in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Is slow cooker chicken and dumplings a healthy meal option?
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings can be a healthy meal option if you make a few tweaks to the recipe. For example, you can use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of shortening or butter in the dumplings. You can also add plenty of vegetables to increase the nutrient content of the dish.
However, it’s worth noting that traditional slow cooker chicken and dumplings can be high in calories and fat due to the use of shortening or butter in the dumplings. To make the dish healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the amount of shortening or butter. You can also add lean protein sources, such as chicken breast, to increase the protein content of the dish.