Introduction
Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of a delicious meal wafting from your kitchen. One dish that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction is an easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe. This homemade slow cooker chicken dumplings dish is a classic comfort food that is loved by many for its simplicity and heartiness. In this article, we will explore the best chicken and dumplings crockpot version and delve into various ways to customize this dish to suit different dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe so special is its convenience and versatility. Whether you are looking for a quick meal option or a dish that can be easily customized to meet specific dietary needs, this homemade slow cooker chicken dumplings recipe ticks all the boxes. It is not only a comforting and satisfying meal but also a healthy crockpot chicken and dumplings option that can be tailored to be gluten-free, vegan, low-fat, or keto-friendly.
For those seeking a high protein crockpot chicken dumplings dish, this recipe can be easily modified to include ingredients that boost its protein content. Additionally, the option to make crockpot chicken and dumplings with biscuits or without cream of chicken opens up a world of possibilities for creating a dish that suits your taste preferences perfectly.
Ingredients
For this easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– Chicken (you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
– Vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onion)
– Chicken broth
– All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
– Baking powder
– Milk (or dairy-free milk for a dairy-free version)
– Fresh herbs (like thyme and parsley)
– Spices (such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
– Optional: cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by placing the chicken, vegetables, chicken broth, and seasonings in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for a few hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the crockpot to create dumplings.
5. Cover and cook on high until the dumplings are cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
– To ensure tender chicken, avoid overcooking the chicken in the crockpot.
– For a thicker broth, mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
– Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the dish to your liking.
– If you prefer a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk as a substitute for regular milk.
Variations and Substitutions
If you are looking to switch things up, consider these variations for your crockpot chicken and dumplings:
– For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the broth.
– Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional dumplings for a low-carb alternative.
– Swap out the chicken for tofu or seitan to create a vegan crockpot chicken and dumplings option.
– Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to give the dish a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your crockpot chicken and dumplings experience, consider serving the dish with a side of freshly baked biscuits or a crisp green salad. A glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea pairs beautifully with this hearty meal. For dessert, a slice of apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can provide a sweet ending to your meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the dish in the crockpot when you are ready to cook.
Q: How can I make this dish keto-friendly?
A: To make a keto version, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of milk.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Final Thoughts
This easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal option that can be tailored to meet various dietary preferences. Whether you are craving a traditional southern-style dish or looking for a quick prep meal for two, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. So gather your ingredients, set up your crockpot, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade slow cooker chicken dumplings with your loved ones.
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
An easy and comforting homemade slow cooker chicken dumplings dish that is versatile and customizable to meet different dietary preferences. This classic comfort food is hearty, healthy, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups vegetables (carrots, celery, onion), chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme and parsley), chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
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Place chicken, vegetables, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the crockpot.
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Cook on low for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
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In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the crockpot.
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Cover and cook on high for 1 hour until dumplings are cooked through.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
