Today, I’m sharing my Best Dumplings Recipe, which is a total game-changer when it comes to easy dinner ideas. It’s perfect for those days when you need a meal that basically cooks itself, like all those Chicken Crockpot recipes easy and Crock Pot Dumplings that make dinnertime a breeze. We’re talking about a comforting Crockpot stew that comes together with just a little prep.
This Dump and Go Crockpot dinner is exactly what you need on a busy day when you don’t have time for anything complicated. Toss some ingredients in the Crockpot, and a few hours later, you’ve got a hearty, delicious meal. We’re talking stew and dumplings—the kind of winter Crockpot meals that make you feel all cozy inside. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered how to cook dumplings, I’ve got you covered. You won’t believe how easy it is. Trust me, this one’s gonna become one of your go-to easy Crockpot dinners.
Ready to get your hands dirty (in the best way possible)? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I go with thighs ’cause they’re juicier, but either works)
- 1 can (14 oz) of full-fat coconut milk (trust me, don’t use the light stuff—it won’t be the same)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (I like mild curry powder, but go bold if that’s your vibe)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (the ginger really adds to the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (this gives it that pretty golden color!)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (I use low-sodium, but do you, boo)
- 1 bag of frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn—whatever you have in the freezer)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of self-rising flour (this is key for fluffy dumplings)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (just ‘cause we can)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (I use whole milk, but whatever you got works)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional, but super cute and fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Crockpot
First things first—grab your trusty Crockpot and toss the chicken in there whole. No chopping needed, just plop ‘em right in. I use chicken thighs because they stay nice and juicy, but chicken breasts are totally fine too.
2. Mix the Curry Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, chicken broth, curry powder, ginger, turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper. You’ll know you’re doing it right because the smell is gonna make you wanna dive right in. Pour this beautiful sauce over the chicken in your Crockpot. Don’t be shy—get all of it in there!
3. Add the Veggies
Next, throw in the frozen veggies. I usually grab a bag of mixed veggies—peas, carrots, corn, whatever I have on hand. They’re gonna cook down perfectly as the chicken does its thing. No need to thaw ‘em first—just dump ‘em straight in!
4. Set It and Forget It
Put the lid on your Crockpot and cook it on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, this is where you get to live your best life. Go do something fun (or nap… I won’t judge). Your house will start smelling like heaven, and you’ll be so ready for that dinner to be served.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up and your chicken is tender (you should be able to shred it easily with a fork), pull it out and shred it up. Don’t stress about making it perfect—just get it shredded and toss it back in with all those delicious juices.
6. Make the Dumplings
Alright, now let’s talk dumplings. In a bowl, mix together the self-rising flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Stir it just until combined—don’t overmix it, or the dumplings won’t be as fluffy! The batter should be thick and sticky.
7. Drop the Dumplings
Spoon little mounds of the dumpling batter right on top of the chicken and veggies in the Crockpot. You can fit about 8-10 dumplings on top, depending on how big you want them. Cover the Crockpot again and let the dumplings steam for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’re fluffy and cooked through. The dumplings should rise and look golden on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked, scoop out a big ol’ bowl of this creamy coconut curry chicken goodness. If you’re feeling extra, garnish with some fresh cilantro for a little pop of color. Then, just dig in and enjoy that cozy hug in a bowl.
FAQs for Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken and Dumplings
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! I personally love chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work just fine. They might be a little drier, so I’d recommend making sure you shred the chicken really well and mix it with the sauce for extra moisture.
Can I make this without coconut milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or don’t have any on hand, you can definitely substitute it with heavy cream or even regular milk. The flavor will be a bit different, but still creamy and delicious. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Can I add extra veggies to this recipe?
Totally! Feel free to throw in some extra veggies like sweet potatoes, spinach, or butternut squash. Just remember, if they’re a firmer veggie, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces to make sure they cook through by the time the chicken is done.
Can I make this quick Crockpot recipe in less time?
If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-7 hours on low. The chicken will cook faster, but the flavors might not have as much time to develop, so it’s a trade-off. Either way, it’ll still be yummy!
Can I make this without dumplings?
Of course! If you’re looking to skip the Crockpot dumplings or just don’t have the ingredients, this curry chicken and stew is still amazing on its own. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes if you’re craving something starchy.
Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card
Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can coconut milk 14 oz full-fat
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 bag frozen mixed veggies peas, carrots, corn, etc.
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the Crockpot.
Make the Curry Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, curry powder, ginger, turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken in the Crockpot.
Add the Veggies:
- Toss in the frozen mixed veggies.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the Crockpot.
Make the Dumplings:
- Mix the self-rising flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, milk, and melted butter in a bowl.
Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture on top of the chicken and veggies.
Steam the Dumplings:
- Cover the Crockpot and let the dumplings cook for 20-30 minutes until fluffy.
Serve:
- Scoop a big bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutes: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs or switch out coconut milk for heavy cream for a different twist.
- Make It Healthier: Use skinless chicken breasts, swap coconut milk with almond milk, or add extra veggies.
- Freezing: Leftovers freeze well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This is definitely one of my go-to easy Crockpot meals. The combination of that creamy coconut curry with Crockpot dumplings on top is like a big bowl of cozy! It’s perfect for winter Crockpot meals when you need something filling and hearty, and the best part is—it’s a total dump and go Crockpot dinner. You know I love Crockpot dump recipes because they make life so much easier, especially when you have kids running around.
I hope you love this Crockpot stew with dumplings recipe stew as much as we do. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that can quickly become your family’s favorite. It’s definitely one of those easy dinner ideas you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to do much else.
So, grab your Crockpot and get cooking—healthy Crockpot meals, Crockpot easy meals, and Crockpot dumplings are about to make your dinner stress-free and super tasty! Happy cooking, mama!
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