Mastering the Art of Chicken and Dumplings in Your Slow Cooker- A Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Can you make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker? Absolutely! This classic comfort food is perfect for those busy weekdays or when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of cooking. With a slow cooker, you can easily prepare this delicious dish while you go about your day, making it a favorite among many home cooks.

Chicken and dumplings are a comforting combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, diced
– 1/2 cup buttermilk

Follow these simple steps to prepare your slow cooker chicken and dumplings:

1. Begin by seasoning the whole chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, water, chopped onion, carrots, celery, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Drop the dumpling dough onto the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
8. After 30 minutes, check the dumplings. They should be puffy and golden brown. If they’re not, continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes.
9. Once the dumplings are done, remove the slow cooker from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chicken and dumplings with a side of your favorite vegetables or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, and the slow cooker method makes it even more convenient. So, the next time you’re wondering if you can make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker, the answer is a resounding yes!