Comforting Slow-Cooker Chicken & Herb Dumplings
Warm up with a bowl of our Comforting Slow-Cooker Chicken & Herb Dumplings, a delightful twist on the classic dish. Tender chunks of juicy boneless chicken thighs are immersed in a rich, savory broth enhanced by aromatic vegetables and herbs. The secret ingredient of cooking sherry adds depth of flavor, making every spoonful comforting and delicious. Topped with fluffy herb-infused dumplings that rise beautifully while cooking, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that warms the heart. This recipe yields enough to serve 6-8, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping for busy days. With a cook time of 4-6 hours, you can set it and forget it!
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 lbs (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
Onions
2 (chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Carrots
2 (peeled, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon
Bay leaves
2
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup
Cooking sherry
1/2 cup
Low sodium chicken broth
4 cups
Frozen peas
1 cup
All-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Whole milk
1 cup
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted and cooled)
Instructions
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1. Preparation: Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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2. Brown the Chicken: In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken, cooking until browned on all sides, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding another tablespoon of oil if needed.
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3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried thyme, cooking until fragrant (around 2 minutes).
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4. Create the Base: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring for about 1 minute to cook it slightly. Gradually whisk in the cooking sherry, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Gradually add in 1 cup of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer before transferring it to the slow cooker. Stir in the remaining 3 cups of broth.
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5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low until the chicken is tender, approximately 4 to 6 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
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6. Make the Dumplings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the whole milk and melted butter until just combined.
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7. Cook the Dumplings: Using a greased 1/4-cup measure, drop 8 dumplings around the perimeter of the stew in the slow cooker. Cover tightly and cook for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dumplings have doubled in size and are fluffy.
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8. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves and serve the chicken stew hot, making sure to include a generous portion of dumplings!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
45g
Carbs
27.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Comforting Slow-Cooker Chicken & Herb Dumplings.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields enough to serve 6-8 people.
What cut of chicken is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be browned in batches for approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and frozen peas.
What aromatics and herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
What is the purpose of adding cooking sherry?
Cooking sherry is used to add depth of flavor and to help scrape up browned bits from the skillet.
How much chicken broth is needed?
A total of 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth is required for this recipe.
What is the slow cooker setting and duration?
Cook the mixture on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
When should the frozen peas be added?
The frozen peas should be stirred in about 15 minutes before serving.
What are the ingredients for the dumplings?
The dumplings are made from 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, salt, whole milk, and melted butter.
How do I portion the dumplings?
Use a greased 1/4-cup measure to drop 8 dumplings into the slow cooker.
Where should the dumplings be placed in the slow cooker?
Drop the dumplings around the perimeter of the stew.
How long do the dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings need to cook for an additional 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I know the dumplings are finished?
The dumplings are done when they have doubled in size and are fluffy.
Should the lid be on while the dumplings cook?
Yes, cover the slow cooker tightly to allow the dumplings to rise properly.
What should be removed before serving?
Make sure to remove the 2 bay leaves from the stew before serving.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 437.5 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
The fat content per serving is 15 grams.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, its high yield and hearty nature make it ideal for meal prepping.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Why is the chicken patted dry before browning?
Patting the chicken dry ensures it sears and browns properly instead of steaming.
Why is tomato paste included in the recipe?
Tomato paste helps build a rich, savory base for the broth.
What type of oil is used for browning?
The recipe suggests using vegetable oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, but fresh can be substituted if adjusted for potency.
Does the recipe require unsalted or salted butter for dumplings?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter.
What type of milk is used for the dumplings?
The recipe uses 1 cup of whole milk for the dumpling batter.