Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
   • Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.
   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is fully covered. Add more broth if necessary.
   • Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
2. Shred the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot.
   • Alternatively, you can just stir in the heavy cream for a creamier texture without thickening.
5. Add the Dumplings:
   • Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the dumpling dough on top of the stew in the crockpot. Try to space them out a bit as they will expand during cooking.
   • Cover and cook on high for another hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. They should not be doughy on the inside.
6. Serve:
   • Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the stew to mix everything together.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Serve hot, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings, a perfect meal for any day of the week!