Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 100g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it 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. Gradually add milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables into the slow cooker. If using, stir in heavy cream.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken and broth.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.