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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough - Salt and black pepper, to taste For this dish, you start with boneless chicken breasts. They cook up tender and juicy. The chicken broth adds rich flavor and moisture. I love using fresh veggies like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. They bring color and taste to the meal. Seasonings like thyme, parsley, and onion powder really boost the flavors. The frozen peas add a nice pop of color and sweetness. For the dumplings, I use refrigerated biscuit dough. It's so easy and gives a fluffy texture. You can feel the comfort in every bite. Don't forget to season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. This simple step makes a big difference! - Slow cooker - Cutting board - Forks - Measuring cups and spoons You will need a slow cooker for this recipe. It makes cooking simple and hands-free. A cutting board is great for prepping the veggies. Use forks to shred the chicken later. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the right amounts of each ingredient. With these tools ready, you can make this comforting dish with ease! - Seasoning the Chicken Breasts Start with the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried parsley, and onion powder on top. This makes the chicken tasty and juicy. - Layering Vegetables on Top Next, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Layer these vegetables over the seasoned chicken. This adds flavor and nutrients to the meal. - Adding Chicken Broth Carefully pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure everything is covered. This broth will keep the dish moist and rich in flavor. - Cooking Time Options (Low vs High) Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when time is up. - Shredding the Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker. Place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces and set it aside. - Adding Dumplings and Peas Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas into the slow cooker. This adds a pop of color and sweetness. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing it with the vegetables and broth. - Cooking the Dumplings Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them onto the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again. Cook on high for another 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of this dish as you ladle it into bowls, ready to savor every bite. - Best Seasoning Combinations: Use salt, black pepper, dried thyme, parsley, and onion powder. This mix brings out the chicken's natural taste. You can adjust these to fit your liking. - Importance of Broth Quality: A good broth makes a big difference. Look for low-sodium or homemade broth. It adds depth and flavor to your dish. - Cooking Time Adjustments: Dumplings need about 30-40 minutes on high heat. Adjust this time based on your slow cooker model. - Testing Doneness: Stick a toothpick into the dumplings. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, give them a few more minutes. - Garnishing Suggestions: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Sprinkle it on top before serving. This small touch makes the dish more inviting. - Serving Ideas: Serve in deep bowls for a cozy feel. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can change the chicken to turkey or beef. Turkey adds a nice twist. Beef brings a hearty flavor. Both options work well in this dish. Feel free to swap the veggies too. Mushrooms give an earthy taste. Corn adds sweetness and a pop of color. Both choices add fun to your meal. Want to spice it up? Add Cajun seasoning for a kick. Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. These spices create a whole new flavor. You can also make it creamier. Stir in cream cheese for richness. Sour cream adds a tangy twist. Both make the broth velvety and delicious. For gluten-free folks, choose gluten-free biscuit dough. Many brands offer tasty options. They fit perfectly into your dish without losing flavor. If you need low-sodium choices, look for low-sodium broth. This keeps the dish lighter and healthier. You can still enjoy all the flavor without the extra salt. - Proper Storage Methods: Let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This keeps the flavor locked in and prevents spills. - Recommended Storage Duration: Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Use them within this time for the best taste. - Best Practices for Freezing: Divide the chicken and dumplings into smaller portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. - Suggested Thawing Process: To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. - Methods for Reheating: You can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stove. If using the stove, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: Stir gently while reheating. This helps keep the dumplings soft and the chicken juicy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Just add them straight to the pot. You might need to cook them longer, around 7-8 hours on low. This extra time helps them cook through safely. Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork. Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal, but you can add sides. Try a simple green salad or steamed veggies. A slice of crusty bread also pairs well with the dish. Leftovers can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them before putting them away to keep them fresh. This blog post highlights a simple way to make chicken and dumplings. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, broth, and vegetables. You learned key steps—from preparing chicken to cooking in the slow cooker. We also shared tips to enhance flavor and presentation. In final thoughts, feel free to make this dish your own with swaps and variations. Whether you store leftovers or freeze portions, you can enjoy this comforting meal again. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Savor the warmth of comforting chicken and dumplings with this effortless slow cooker recipe! Perfectly seasoned chicken simmers in a rich broth with veggies, topped with fluffy dumplings for a delightful meal. Discover how each bite brings comfort and flavor in this easy-to-follow guide. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this timeless dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup frozen peas

2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Generously season the chicken with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried parsley, and onion powder to enhance the flavors.

    Next, layer the diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic over the seasoned chicken. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.

      Carefully pour the chicken broth over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that everything is well submerged in the broth for optimal cooking.

        Cover the slow cooker with its lid and select the cooking setting. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or opt for high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and incredibly tender.

          After the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then set aside while you continue with the next steps.

            Stir in the frozen peas into the slow cooker, adding a touch of sweetness and color to your dish, then return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker with the vegetables and broth.

              Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Drop the biscuit pieces directly onto the surface of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.

                Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked all the way through.

                  Before serving, gently stir the mixture to coat the dumplings with the creamy chicken broth, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Ladle the delicious chicken and dumplings into deep bowls. To elevate the presentation, garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch that enhances the comforting dish.