Slow Cooker

The weather is cool today and It is perfect for a break from summer meals to have a nice hearty soup or stew. My family loves chicken and dumplings. I use the base of it as soup for my husband and set some to the side before I make the dumplings for everyone else. My husband can not get enough of classic chicken noodle soup. While we will not be staying cool like this for more than a few days the garden really needs cool weather for the tomatoes to ripen and It is giving us a chance to enjoy some favorite warm dishes like these chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker. What you need for Chicken and Dumplings For the Soup Base: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced 3 stalks of celery, chopped 1 medium onion, diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste For the Dumplings: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 3/4 cup (180ml) water How to make slow cooker chicken and dumplings Prep the Soup Base Begin by layering the bottom of your Crock Pot with the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is mostly covered. The liquid will help cook the chicken and create a flavorful base for the soup. Cook the Soup Base Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model, so make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot and give everything a good stir. Make the Dumpling Dough In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add water. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add the Dumplings Turn the slow cooker to high heat if it isn't already and let it get up to temperature. Roll out your dumpling dough using flour to prevent sticking to the board and roller. Cut the dumplings with a pizza cutter. Split the dumpling dough into pieces where you cut and drop onto the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Don't worry if they're not perfectly shaped; they will puff up as they cook. Cover the slow cooker again and let the dumplings cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is sure to be a hit. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty dumplings will warm both your body and your soul. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the comfort this dish brings. What to serve with this recipe Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, hollow out round loaves of bread (such as sourdough or whole grain) and use them as edible bowls for the chicken and dumplings. Not only does this add an extra layer of flavor, but it also makes for a hearty and impressive presentation. Cheesy Topping: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some grated cheese (such as cheddar or parmesan) over the chicken and dumplings before serving. The warmth of the dish will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, savory layer that complements the flavors perfectly. With a Side of Cornbread: Serve your chicken and dumplings alongside a slice of freshly baked cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the dish. Try my honey cornbread for this. Veggie Sides: A side salad is a great option you can also consider offering steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts as vegetable sides. These sides can add extra nutrients and textures to your meal. Why you should serve this Chicken and Dumplings recipe to your family Serving chicken and dumplings in the fall is a culinary choice that makes a lot of sense for a variety of reasons: Comfort and Warmth: Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, warm, and comforting dish. As the weather gets cooler in the fall, people naturally start craving comfort foods that provide a sense of warmth and coziness. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for fall dining. Seasonal Ingredients: Many of the ingredients used in chicken and dumplings, such as carrots, celery, and onions, are readily available and at their best in the early fall. Using fresh, in-season produce enhances the flavors of the dish and ensures that the vegetables are at their peak taste and texture. Nostalgia: Fall is often associated with nostalgia and traditions, and chicken and dumplings has a classic, timeless appeal that can evoke feelings of warmth and familiarity. This dish may remind people of family gatherings, cozy nights by the fireplace, and cherished memories. Satisfying and Filling: As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, our bodies tend to crave heartier meals that provide sustenance and energy. Chicken and dumplings is a satisfying meal that offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, helping to keep you full and satisfied during the cooler fall days. Cultural and Regional Significance: Chicken and dumplings is a dish that has deep roots in Southern and American cuisine. It's often associated with comfort, hospitality, and gatherings. In many regions, fall is a time for harvest festivals, family get-togethers, and communal meals, making chicken and dumplings a fitting choice for such occasions. Aroma and Aesthetic: The aroma of simmering chicken and dumplings can fill your home with a wonderful fragrance that's particularly inviting when the air is crisp and cool outside. The steam rising from a bowl of hot chicken and dumplings is not only visually appealing but also can provide a sense of warmth and coziness. Ease of Preparation: Fall can be a busy time for many people with school starting, holidays approaching, and work commitments picking up. Chicken and dumplings, especially when prepared in a slow cooker, offer the convenience of a one-pot meal that can simmer and cook on its own, allowing you to focus on other activities while still enjoying a delicious homemade meal. Try more slow cooker meals like homemade Bison Chili or Beef and Barley soup.