Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Slow cooker chicken dumplings have become a favorite among many households looking for simple, hearty meals that can be prepared in advance. This popular dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and soft dumplings makes it comforting and satisfying. If you're craving something warm and nourishing without having to slaving over a hot stove, this recipe will be your saving grace.

Ingredients

To make slow cooker chicken dumplings, start with:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 4 cups water (or chicken broth)

Steps for the Chicken Base

First, you'll need to prepare a base for your dumplings. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle the flour over everything and mix gently to coat the chicken evenly. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of dried thyme and season with salt and pepper. Pour the water or chicken broth over this mixture to ensure all ingredients are well-covered.

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through completely. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and let it cool enough for you to handle without burning yourself. Shred the meat using two forks; this will make shredding easier.

Making the Dumpling Batter

After your base is ready, it's time to prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of self-rising flour with one egg. The term "self-rising" refers to flour that already contains baking powder and salt, which helps in leavening the dough without having to add additional ingredients like yeast or baking soda. Mix these dry ingredients until well blended.

Once the chicken is shredded into small pieces, gently fold it into the batter until everything is evenly distributed but still retains its shape slightly – don't overmix as this might make your dumplings too dense upon cooking.

Cooking Time and Servings

This dish takes approximately 5-6 hours of total preparation time including both cooking phases (cooking the chicken for about 3–4 hours at low setting in the slow cooker, followed by another hour or so dedicated to making the dumplings). You can expect approximately 4 servings from this recipe.

Assembly

Add your prepared batter into the slow cooker over the simmering liquid. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the cooking pot. Cover again and cook on low heat for about an hour until your dumplings rise up like pillows, indicating they are done. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips and Variations

For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables such as carrots or celery along with your onion when placing them into the slow cooker initially. Adding a few tablespoons of heavy cream could also enhance the richness of the dish, making it more palatable for those who prefer creamier versions.

If you're looking to change things up, try substituting part or all of the chicken with ground turkey or pork for variety. You can even add a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce after the dumplings have risen and are ready to serve; this would give it that tangy kick!