Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of hearty and comforting meals, then chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that you must try. Traditionally, chicken and dumplings are cooked on the stovetop, but did you know that you can also make this delicious meal in a slow cooker?
Using a slow cooker to make chicken and dumplings is not only convenient, but it also helps to infuse the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a dish that is bursting with taste. By slow cooking the chicken and dumplings, the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the dumplings become soft and fluffy.
One of the great benefits of using a slow cooker is that it allows you to set it and forget it. You can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning or afternoon, and let it cook on low heat for several hours. This means that you can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, cooking chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker is a great option. Give it a try and you’ll fall in love with the convenience and deliciousness of this classic dish.
Why Cook Chicken And Dumplings In A Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker to make chicken and dumplings is a convenient and delicious option for many reasons. Here are some benefits of using a slow cooker for this classic comfort dish:
1. Time-saving:
One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker is the time it saves you in the kitchen. You simply add all the ingredients to the pot, set the cooker to the desired temperature, and let it do its magic. This means you can prepare chicken and dumplings in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal in the evening without any additional effort.
2. Tender and flavorful chicken:
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker allows it to become incredibly tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking method helps the chicken absorb all the flavors from the other ingredients, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe.
3. Dumplings with the perfect texture:
A slow cooker is ideal for making dumplings as it creates a moist and gentle cooking environment. This ensures that the dumplings come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked. They will absorb the delicious broth, enhancing their taste and texture.
4. Easy cleanup:
Using a slow cooker means less mess and cleanup. Since you are only using one pot, you won’t have to worry about multiple pans and dishes to clean up. Plus, most slow cooker inserts are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Overall, cooking chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker is a hassle-free way to enjoy this comforting dish. It saves time, produces tender chicken, creates perfectly cooked dumplings, and makes cleanup a breeze. Give it a try, and you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers several benefits:
1. Time-saving: One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker is that it saves time. You can simply toss all the ingredients into the pot, set the timer, and let it do its magic. You don’t need to constantly check on the dish or stir it, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
2. Tender and flavorful meals: Slow cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful meals. The low, consistent heat helps break down tough cuts of meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Energy efficient: Slow cookers use less energy compared to traditional oven cooking. They utilize a lower wattage, making them more energy efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
4. Versatility: Slow cookers are incredibly versatile appliances. You can use them to make a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, roasts, and even desserts. They allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, providing endless possibilities in the kitchen.
5. Convenience: Slow cookers offer convenience and flexibility. You can prepare the ingredients in advance and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, simply transfer the pot into the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day. This is especially helpful for busy individuals or families who want a hot meal ready when they come home.
Overall, using a slow cooker can simplify your cooking process, save time, and result in delicious, tender meals. It’s a must-have appliance for anyone looking to enhance their culinary skills.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, and this slow cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to enjoy this classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of prep work, you can have a delicious homemade meal waiting for you at the end of a long day.
To make this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of condensed chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
To start, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
To make the dumplings, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter in a bowl. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high heat for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, spooning the rich and creamy sauce over the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Tips for Cooking Chicken And Dumplings in a Slow Cooker
If you want to make a comforting and delicious chicken and dumplings dish but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, using a slow cooker is a great option. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker:
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they are more flavorful than chicken breasts and won’t dry out during the long cooking process.
2. Sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker: Searing the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with some oil will give them a golden brown color and enhance their flavor.
3. Add vegetables and seasonings: To add more taste and depth to your chicken and dumplings, add diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices to the slow cooker.
4. Use low-sodium chicken broth: Chicken broth is the base of the dish and adds richness to the sauce. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the overall dish.
5. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours: Slow cooking is the key to achieving tender chicken and well-developed flavors. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Make the dumplings separately: Avoid adding the dumplings directly into the slow cooker as they can become mushy. Instead, prepare the dumplings separately and add them to the dish just before serving.
7. Thicken the sauce if needed: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat.
8. Serve hot and enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked and the dumplings are added, serve the chicken and dumplings hot. The creamy sauce and tender chicken will make for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
FAQ
Is it possible to cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker can help to infuse flavors and keep the chicken tender.
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?
To cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and refrigerated biscuit dough.
How long does it take to cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat to cook chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker. It may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific slow cooker you are using.
Can I use frozen chicken in a slow cooker to make chicken and dumplings?
You can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker to make chicken and dumplings, but it is recommended to thaw the chicken before cooking for even and safe cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time accordingly.
