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Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

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A warm, comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Dumplings:
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Sprinkle dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly over everything.
  3. Pour the chicken broth gently over the layered ingredients. Avoid stirring to keep flavors distinct.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable—do not overmix.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the surface of the stew, spacing them evenly as they will expand during cooking.
  8. Cover and continue cooking on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep steam in for fluffy dumplings.
  9. Before serving, gently stir the stew to mix the dumplings slightly with the broth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not over-stir dumplings once added to avoid gummy texture. Use baking powder for fluffy dumplings, avoid baking soda. Keep slow cooker lid closed during dumpling cooking to retain steam. If broth is too thin before adding dumplings, thicken with cornstarch slurry. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter accordingly. Chicken thighs can be used but increase cooking time by 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken and dumplings, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade dumplings, cozy meal

Find it online: https://larameals.com/cozy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/