Slow cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (15 oz) of cream of chicken soup (or use homemade or low-fat version)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soup:
   • Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
   • Add the chicken broth, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary (if using), salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
   • Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
2. Shred the Chicken:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the soup.
3. Make the Dumplings:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
   • Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick.
4. Add the Dumplings:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the hot soup. Be sure not to stir after adding them. They will float on top of the soup.
   • Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. If you’re unsure, check with a toothpick to see if they come out clean.
5. Serve:
   • Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the peas (if using) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
   • Serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your cozy, comforting meal of slow-cooked chicken and dumplings!