Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most irresistible aroma of tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth! This Slow Cooker Texas Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a comfort food enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for those days when you crave something truly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the boneless chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned. This step is optional but adds flavor to the dish.
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned chicken, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated with the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors from the tomatoes and broth.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of the seasoned flour with enough water to create a soft dough. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Once the slow cooker has 30 minutes left, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling, as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker again and allow the dumplings to cook for the remaining 30 minutes. They should become fluffy and fully cooked through.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check that the dumplings are cooked through. If they are, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Texas Chicken and Dumplings with a side of your choice or on its own!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This simple step can dramatically enhance the dish's depth of taste.
- Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. A light touch ensures fluffy, tender dumplings that will soak up the delicious broth.
- If your dumplings seem too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. The consistency should be soft but not runny.
- Don't lift the slow cooker lid too often during cooking. Each time you do, you'll lose heat and increase cooking time.
- For a richer broth, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with cream of chicken soup or add a splash of heavy cream in the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the dumplings' texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
