Slow Cooker chicken and dumplings

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.)
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
• 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!