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- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 carrots, peeled and diced - 3 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Chicken thighs are my go-to. They stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. The chicken broth adds depth and flavor. Onion and garlic bring a tasty base. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. Frozen peas give a fresh pop of color. Thyme and rosemary are two herbs that enhance the dish. They add warmth and earthiness. Salt and pepper are key for flavor balance. - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings) - ¾ cup milk (for dumplings) - 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For the dumplings, the flour gives structure. Baking powder makes them fluffy. Salt helps the flavor shine. Milk keeps the batter moist. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. It adds color and a fresh taste. This mix of ingredients creates a cozy, comforting meal. Each bite is rich and satisfying. Layering Ingredients Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. They will soak up all the flavors. Next, add the chicken broth. This will keep everything moist and tasty. Then, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. These veggies add great taste and nutrition. Mixing for Flavor Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix everything well. It’s important that all the ingredients blend together. This step builds the base for rich flavor in your dish. Cooking Duration Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it on low heat and let it cook for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken easily pulls apart. Shredding the Chicken Once the cooking time is up, use tongs to remove the chicken thighs. Place them on a plate. With two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This helps it soak in all those delicious juices. Making Dumpling Batter In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will be the dry mix for your dumplings. Gradually add the milk, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should stay thick and a bit lumpy for soft dumplings. Adding Dumplings to the Cooker Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir! Just cover it with the lid and let it cook for an additional hour. This time lets the dumplings rise and cook through, making them fluffy and light. Spoon the dish into bowls, and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness! To keep chicken tender, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, making them moist. Always cook on low heat for the best texture. Let it cook for 5-6 hours. This slow method helps the chicken become soft and flavorful. For fluffy dumplings, mix the batter gently. Overmixing makes them tough. The batter should be thick and lumpy. Drop spoonfuls over the chicken mixture without stirring. Cover the slow cooker and let them rise for an hour. This allows the dumplings to cook through and become fluffy. Serve the dish in shallow bowls. Make sure each bowl has chicken, dumplings, and creamy sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. This adds a nice touch and brightens the dish. Pair this dish with crusty bread or a simple salad. Bread helps soak up the creamy sauce. A salad adds a fresh crunch to your meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a cozy gathering! {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken thighs with other proteins. Chicken breast works well, too. If you want a twist, try turkey or pork. For a meatless option, use chickpeas or lentils. These swaps make the dish fun and fresh. Feel free to change the veggies in your dish. You can add green beans or corn for variety. Sweet potatoes or mushrooms add a nice touch, too. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking. Want to kick up the flavor? Add spices like paprika or cumin. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice heat. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also brighten the dish. Experiment with flavors to find what you love. If you want more creaminess, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also stir in some cream cheese for a richer texture. For a lighter option, use coconut milk. It adds a unique twist and makes it dairy-free. - Storing Leftovers: After enjoying your dish, let it cool. Place any leftovers in the fridge within two hours. This keeps the food safe. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. - Recommended Containers: Use airtight containers for storing your creamy chicken and dumplings. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep moisture in. - Freezing Instructions: You can freeze this dish too! Let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air for better storage. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Thawing Process: To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight. For faster results, use the microwave on low. Once thawed, reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker. Add a splash of broth or cream for extra moisture. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast. It cooks faster than thighs. However, chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. If you choose breasts, check for doneness early. How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy? To avoid soggy dumplings, do not stir them once added. Keep the lid closed while they cook. This helps them rise and stay fluffy. What to do if the dumplings turn out dense? If your dumplings are dense, they may be overmixed. Mix the batter just until combined. Also, ensure you use fresh baking powder. Old baking powder can affect fluffiness. How to adjust cooking time for different slow cookers? Cooking times can vary. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken sooner. If it runs cool, add an extra hour. Always use a meat thermometer for safety. This post covered the key ingredients for a delicious meal, step-by-step cooking tips, and how to store leftovers. With the right mix of chicken, veggies, and herbs, you can create a tasty dish anyone will love. Remember, don’t hesitate to swap proteins or add your favorite spices for extra flavor. Use these tips to make perfect dumplings and impress at your next meal. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

Savor the comfort of Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Dumplings with this easy recipe! Discover how to make tender chicken combined with fresh veggies, simmered to perfection in a creamy sauce, topped with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a warm family meal, this dish is a must-try! Click through now to explore the step-by-step guide and create a delicious dinner your loved ones will adore. Enjoy the cozy flavors today!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, peeled and diced

3 celery stalks, diced

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)

¾ cup milk (for dumplings)

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In the slow cooker, layer the boneless chicken thighs. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients gently to combine thoroughly.

    Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.

      Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker using tongs. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return this shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

        Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and the frozen peas into the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Mix everything well to ensure the cream is evenly distributed. Keep the slow cooker on low heat while you prepare the dumplings.

          Make the Dumplings: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the dumpling batter should remain thick and slightly lumpy.

            Dumplings in the Slow Cooker: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir; simply cover with the lid and cook on low for an additional hour, allowing the dumplings to rise and cook through.

              Serve: Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked, gently stir the entire mixture before serving. Spoon into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, ensuring each portion includes a delightful mix of chicken, lush creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings. For an extra touch, sprinkle more fresh parsley on top just before serving.