Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) frozen peas
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until lightly browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic during the last minute.
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Place seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken mixture. Sprinkle frozen peas over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream for added richness, if desired. Let it heat through for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crock pot chicken and dumplings!
- Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.