Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

History

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that has its roots in Southern American cuisine. It is believed to have originated during the Great Depression when home cooks needed to stretch their ingredients. Dumplings, made from simple dough, were an economical way to add substance to meals. This dish is a hearty, flavorful stew that combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

For the Chicken Stew:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a crockpot, place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top.
3. Season and Add Broth: Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves over the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot 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.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
6. Add Peas and Corn: Stir in the frozen peas and corn, and let them cook in the crockpot for an additional 30 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.

For the Dumplings:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy.

Combine and Cook:

1. Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the chicken stew in the crockpot. Space them out evenly.
2. Cook Dumplings: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Benefits

1. Nutrient-Rich: This dish provides a good balance of protein from the chicken, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the dumplings.
2. Comforting: Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, warming dish that is perfect for cold weather or when you need a comforting meal.
3. Easy Preparation: Using a crockpot makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime.
4. Versatile: You can customize the vegetables and herbs to your liking, making it a versatile dish that can adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its history of stretching simple ingredients into a filling meal is a testament to the creativity of home cooks. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delicious results with every bowl.