Chicken and dumplings is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. This classic comfort food brings families together, evoking cherished memories and family traditions.
Picture yourself gathered around the table, sharing stories as the savory aroma fills the air. You’ll appreciate how easy it’s to prepare, especially with a slow cooker. Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. The addition of low sodium chicken broth ensures that you can enjoy this dish without worrying about excess salt.
Whether you opt for homemade dumplings or shortcut biscuits, you’ll create a hearty meal that warms both the body and soul. Enjoying this dish means more than just satisfying hunger; it’s about nurturing connections and celebrating the love that home-cooked meals inspire.
What ingredients do you need?
To whip up a delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- Chicken: Use 1 1/2-2 pounds of boneless skinless thighs or breasts. Frozen chicken works too, but adjust your cook time.
- Vegetables: Grab celery, carrots, onions, garlic, and frozen peas for a hearty mix. Including hearty meals makes this dish particularly appealing for a family-friendly dinner.
- Broth and Dumplings: You’ll need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, flour, baking powder, whole milk or buttermilk, and melted butter. For a quick fix, refrigerated biscuit dough makes a great dumpling variation.
Feel free to make ingredient substitutions based on what you have on hand.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by preparing your slow cooker with the chicken and aromatics. Place boneless, skinless chicken at the bottom, then add chopped onion, garlic, celery, and other vegetables.
Mix in spices and cream of chicken soup, then pour chicken broth to cover everything.
Follow these steps for best results:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker for even flavor enhancements.
- Add biscuit pieces, cooking for an additional 1-2 hours until they’re puffed.
These cooking techniques guarantee your dish is flavorful and comforting. Using regular-sized biscuits ensures they soak up the gravy perfectly.
Cooking Tips
When making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a few cooking tips can elevate your dish to the next level.
First, choose your cooking techniques wisely: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, adjusting for frozen chicken.
For dumplings, you can opt for flat rolled or drop biscuit versions based on your preference. If using drop biscuits, chop them into quarter-sized chunks and press them into the gravy to absorb flavor.
To thicken the broth, whisk cornstarch into milk or use condensed soup for added richness.
Remember to minimize opening the lid and guarantee your vegetables are defrosted for even cooking.
Also, consider ingredient substitutions like boneless chicken thighs or breasts for versatility.
Serving Suggestions
After perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings with those handy cooking tips, it’s time to think about how to serve it for maximum enjoyment.
Pair your dish with steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for vibrant flavor pairings that elevate your dining experiences. A simple garden salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes can lighten the meal, while a spinach salad with strawberries adds a sweet twist.
For starchy sides, consider comforting mashed potatoes or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
Don’t forget beverages; hot chamomile tea or freshly brewed coffee can complement the flavors beautifully.
Storing
Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings can be a comforting treat for days to come, but proper storing is vital.
For effective leftover storage, place your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll last up to 3 days. Make sure the container is covered, and keep the dumplings on top of the chicken stew to retain their texture.
If you want to store them longer, use freezer-safe containers. These can keep your dish fresh for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Always label your containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Health Benefits
Storing Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings properly not only preserves their flavor but also allows you to enjoy the health benefits of this delicious dish.
With a nutritional comparison showing just 266 calories per serving in the healthified version, you’ll feel good about indulging.
By making ingredient substitutions like using whole wheat flour for dumplings and fat-free milk, you lower fat content to only 8g per serving while boosting protein to 23g.
This dish is also free from common allergens, making it suitable for various diets.
Plus, the inclusion of fresh and frozen vegetables enhances fiber content, ensuring a balanced meal.
What to serve with it
When you’re ready to serve your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, consider pairing it with a variety of delicious sides that enhance this comforting dish.
For perfect side dish pairings, try roasted Brussels sprouts or Southern collard greens, which add healthy, complementary flavors. A simple green salad with homemade vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast, while creamy mashed potatoes bring that extra comfort.
If you’re in the mood for bread, fluffy buttermilk biscuits or cornbread are fantastic options. For something different, serve a fresh corn and tomato salad to brighten the plate.
These sides not only balance the richness of chicken and dumplings but also elevate your meal with delightful textures and tastes. Enjoy!
