Delicious High Protein Chicken and Dumplings in the Crockpot
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when it’s made in a crockpot. This high-protein meal is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty dish without sacrificing health. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to whip up this delicious recipe, including tips, tricks, and variations!
Why Choose Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights at home. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, making it a satisfying meal that warms the soul. By using a crockpot, you can enhance the flavors and ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Benefits of a High Protein Meal
Protein is an essential part of our diet, playing a critical role in muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. By incorporating high-protein ingredients like chicken into this dish, you can create a balanced meal that fuels your body. This recipe is perfect for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- In a crockpot, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your high-protein chicken and dumplings!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Green beans, corn, or mushrooms can be great additions.
- For a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken thighs. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the broth in the last hour of cooking.
Conclusion
This high-protein chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish while ensuring you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let the comforting flavors warm your heart!
