Crocker Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Dish
Are you looking for a comforting and hearty meal that will warm you up on a cold day? Look no further than crocker pot chicken and dumplings. This classic dish is a staple in many households and is known for its rich flavors and tender chicken. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making this delicious meal, from selecting the right ingredients to the final step of enjoying your homemade crocker pot chicken and dumplings.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The key to a great crocker pot chicken and dumplings recipe is starting with high-quality chicken. Choose a whole chicken, preferably organic and free-range, for the best flavor and tenderness. The chicken should be fresh and have a bright, pink color. Avoid any chicken that has a strong odor or appears to be discolored.
Ingredients for the Chicken and Dumplings
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this crocker pot chicken and dumplings recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 1 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Carrots | 2, peeled and sliced |
| Onions | 2, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Dumpling dough | 1 batch |
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. In a crocker pot, place the chicken breast-side down. Add the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves around the chicken.
Adding the Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, making sure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the crocker pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crocker pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
Preparation of the Dumplings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cut in 4 tablespoons of cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup of cold milk until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Forming the Dumplings
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out rounds of dough. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Final Assembly
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the crocker pot. Add the dumplings to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the crocker pot and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crocker pot chicken and dumplings hot,
