Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually stir in the milk until a soft, sticky dough forms.
4. If desired, fold in parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the hot chicken mixture in the crockpot. Aim for roughly 1–2 tablespoon-sized pieces.
2. Cover the crockpot tightly (this is crucial to trap the steam for cooking the dumplings) and continue cooking on HIGH for 1–1.5 hours or until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

1. About 10–15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas if using.
2. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of both dumplings and tender chicken. Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Thickening the broth: If you prefer a creamier texture, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot 20 minutes before adding dumplings.
• Dumpling size matters: Smaller dumplings cook more evenly; avoid making them too large.
• Flavor boosters: Add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of richness.
• Vegetable variety: Feel free to add potatoes or parsnips for a heartier stew.

Crockpot chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a bowl of homemade warmth. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this slow-cooked classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step guide with tips and pictures for this recipe—it makes it even easier to follow and very appealing for readers. Do you want me to do that?