Imagine stepping into your home and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of a homemade meal, simmering away in the crockpot. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved classic that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all bathing in a rich and creamy broth. This comforting dish warms your soul and brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite, making it the perfect choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients: For the chicken and vegetables:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, combine the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, and the vegetables should be soft and flavorful.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
5. Once the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked, increase the crockpot heat to high (if it wasn’t already on high). Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth, covering the top evenly.
6. Cover the crockpot again and let the dumplings cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it may affect the dumplings’ fluffiness.
7. After the cooking time, check that the dumplings are cooked through by inserting a toothpick into one of them. It should come out clean without any raw dough.
8. Gently stir the cooked dumplings into the broth, combining them with the chicken and vegetables. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings hot in bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting flavors and textures. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an added touch of freshness.

Indulge in the heartwarming delight of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, and let its savory combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings transport you to a place of comfort and happiness.