Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier stew)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
For the Chicken Stew:
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chicken pieces, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add peas and cream (optional): If using frozen peas and heavy cream, stir them into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For the Dumplings:
- Prepare the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley (if using). Add the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Drop dumplings into the stew: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked and the optional peas and cream have been added, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the surface of the stew.
- Cook the dumplings: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. They should be fluffy and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!
- This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving comfort food. The tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a satisfying and delicious dish.