CROCK POT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

### How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Soup Base
1. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your Crock Pot. There’s no need to brown the chicken beforehand; it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

#### Step 2: Shred the Chicken
1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to combine. Discard the bay leaf.

#### Step 3: Make the Dumplings
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar (if using), and garlic powder (if desired).
2. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and lumpy.

#### Step 4: Add the Dumplings
1. Spoon the dumpling batter by tablespoonfuls onto the surface of the hot soup. You’ll want to place them evenly over the top, but don’t stir them in. They will rise and cook in the broth.
2. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it can affect the cooking process.

#### Step 5: Finish the Dish
1. Once the dumplings are cooked, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the Crock Pot, stirring gently to incorporate. This will add a rich, creamy texture to the soup.
2. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

### Tips for Success
– **Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor**: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly, chicken thighs will give the dish a richer, more savory flavor. If using thighs, you can even leave the skin on for extra depth of taste.
– **Add More Veggies**: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the soup, such as peas, corn, or green beans, to enhance the flavor and texture.
– **Make the Dumplings Ahead**: If you’re in a rush, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add them to the soup.
– **Thicken the Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup base, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

### Why This Dish is So Special

**Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings** is the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooking process melds all the flavors together, resulting in a rich and savory broth that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and vegetables. The dumplings are light, fluffy, and soak up all the delicious flavors from the soup, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet, without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples, making it an affordable and stress-free meal.

### Conclusion

**Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings** is a meal that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something comforting, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. With tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus, the Crock Pot does all the heavy lifting, making this a truly hands-off meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting dish that will make you feel right at home.