Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A Symphony of Comfort

Delight in the simplicity and warmth of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a quintessential comfort food that transforms humble ingredients into a rich and hearty masterpiece. As the enticing aroma wafts through your kitchen, you’ll find solace in the velvety broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings. Join us on a culinary journey as we guide you through crafting this soul-soothing dish that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

  • 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For the Keto Chicken Stew:

  • 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (for thickening)

For the Keto Dumplings:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Stew:

  1. Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Place carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf into the slow cooker with the seared chicken.
  3. Create Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and flour until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker on low and let the chicken stew cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fork-tender.

Making the Dumplings:

  1. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
  2. Drop Dumplings into Stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the hot chicken stew in the slow cooker.
  3. Continue Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and let the dumplings cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.

For the Keto and Low-Carb Version:

Preparing the Keto Chicken Stew:

  1. Season and Sear Keto Chicken: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  2. Add Keto Vegetables and Aromatics: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  3. Create Keto Broth Mixture: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  4. Slow Cook Keto Perfection: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.

Making the Keto Dumplings:

  1. Prepare Keto Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt for the keto dumplings. Add almond milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
  2. Drop Keto Dumplings into Keto Stew: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  3. Continue Keto Cooking: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.

Cook Notes

  • Chicken Thighs for Flavor: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they add richness and flavor to the stew.
  • Slow Cooker Settings: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so monitor the chicken’s tenderness.
  • Dumpling Consistency: For lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough; a few lumps are okay.

Variations

Keto Version:

  • Keto Vegetable Swap: Substitute traditional carrots with lower-carb alternatives like chopped bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Keto Herb Infusion: Enhance the keto stew with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added depth of flavor.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Low-Carb Veggie Variety: Include colorful and low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for a vibrant twist.
  • Low-Carb Herb Burst: Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill to the low-carb stew for a burst of herbal freshness.

Assembling the Perfect Bowl:

  1. Serve Generously: Ladle the chicken stew and dumplings into deep bowls, ensuring a generous serving of both.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and added flavor.
  3. Pair with a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

The Coziness of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is an invitation to cozy moments—the tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creating a symphony of flavors that speak to the soul. Each spoonful is a reminder of home and the simple joys found in a bowl of comforting goodness.

Navigating Dietary Preferences

In the realm of dietary preferences, this recipe gracefully adapts to different lifestyles. The classic version captures the essence of a traditional chicken and dumplings dish, while the keto and low-carb adaptations offer alternatives that align with specific dietary goals. Whether you’re savoring the classic or exploring the keto and low-carb twists, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is an ode to versatile comfort.

Savoring the Culinary Serenade

As you savor each spoonful of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll find yourself immersed in a culinary serenade—the warmth of the stew, the tenderness of the chicken, and the cloud-like dumplings creating a melody that resonates with comfort. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that wraps you in a comforting embrace.

the Culinary Symphony

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is not merely a recipe; it’s a culinary symphony that unfolds in your kitchen, telling a story of warmth, simplicity, and comfort. Whether you choose the classic version or embark on the keto and low-carb variations, may each bite be a note in the symphony of a well-crafted and satisfying dish.

So, set your slow cooker to work, let the aromas fill your home, and savor the joy of a comforting meal. As you enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, may it be a culinary journey that warms your heart and creates moments of pure delight. Happy cooking and bon appétit!