Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked comfort like chicken and dumplings. This timeless classic, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, offers tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. Perfect for chilly evenings or a family gathering, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Base

Begin by layering the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley, then place them on top of the vegetables.
Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.

Tip: For a richer flavor, you can lightly sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.