Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially during chilly evenings. This classic dish brings together tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creating a heartwarming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, chicken and dumplings are a staple in many households.
Using a crockpot to prepare this dish adds an element of convenience that makes it even more appealing. With minimal prep time and the ability to let the slow cooker work its magic, you can come home to a delicious meal without the fuss. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a simple recipe to impress, this warm and cozy dish is sure to delight.
Prepare yourself for a culinary experience that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Let’s dive into the details of this easy and delicious recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery on top of the chicken.
3. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
7. Mix in the heavy cream and frozen peas, stirring well.
8. Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and drop the pieces on top of the mixture in the crockpot.
9. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Understanding the Ingredients
Overview of the Main Ingredients and Their Roles in the Recipe
– Chicken: Benefits of using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
– Vegetables: Importance of onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for flavor and nutrition.
– Broth: The role of low-sodium chicken broth in enhancing taste without excess salt.
– Herbs and Spices: Discuss the flavors brought by thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
– Cream and Peas: How heavy cream adds richness and peas introduce sweetness and color.
– Dumplings: The convenience and texture of using refrigerated biscuit dough.
Preparing Dumplings
Method of Incorporating Biscuit Dough for Fluffy Dumplings
To achieve perfectly fluffy dumplings in your crockpot chicken and dumplings, start with store-bought biscuit dough or a simple homemade dough mixture. Cut the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. As the chicken and broth cook and become aromatic, these dumplings will expand and absorb flavors, creating a delightful texture that complements the dish.
Cooking Process Explained
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Begin by placing your chicken in the crockpot alongside chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions.
2. Pour in your chicken broth and season with herbs like thyme and parsley.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. In the last 30 minutes, add the prepared dumplings to the top of the broth.
Layering and Seasoning
Ensure even flavor distribution by layering your ingredients thoughtfully. Place heartier vegetables at the bottom, followed by the chicken and broth to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Season throughout the cooking process, tasting as you go, to enhance the overall profile.
Time Management
Planning your cooking schedule is crucial for the best results. If you have more time in the morning, set your crockpot to low to allow the flavors to develop. For a quicker meal, set it to high. Just remember to add the dumplings in the final 30 minutes to keep them fluffy.
Final Cooking of Dumplings
Timing is key when cooking dumplings. If overcooked, they can become dense. Monitor closely during the last 30 minutes, and when they are puffed and cooked through, they’re ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal Accompaniments
Pair your crockpot chicken and dumplings with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to balance the meal. A light vinaigrette salad adds a refreshing contrast, while a warm loaf of bread can be perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Presentation Tips
Enhance the visual appeal of your dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Dumplings
Overview of Health Benefits
This dish offers a variety of nutritional benefits, as chicken is a great source of protein, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of broth helps with hydration and provides warmth, making it a nourishing comfort food.
Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist
By using lean chicken and plenty of vegetables, this recipe can be a wholesome family meal that satisfies both hunger and health goals. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without compromising on nutrition.
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
Emotional Connection to Food
Home-cooked meals like chicken and dumplings evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. They remind us of family gatherings and cherished moments spent together, reinforcing the emotional ties we have with food.
The Role of Family Meals
Encouraging family bonding through cooking and sharing meals together not only strengthens relationships but also creates lasting memories. Preparing this dish together can be a fun and engaging family activity.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken and dumplings is a simple, comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Its versatility makes it a family favorite suitable for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to cozy gatherings. Embrace the joy of creating hearty meals at home, and fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of this timeless recipe.
Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2.0 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.0 medium onion, chopped
- 3.0 cloves garlic, minced
- 3.0 medium carrots, sliced
- 2.0 stalks celery, chopped
- 4.0 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.0 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1.0 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.0 teaspoon salt
- 1.0 cup frozen peas
- 1.0 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2.0 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- On top of the chicken, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
- Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt over the top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, allowing it to warm through.
- Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently fold the dough pieces into the mixture in the crockpot, ensuring they are covered by the broth mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth!
