Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Try this Freezer Meal Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe
Try this Freezer Meal Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- mushrooms
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- carrots
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- yellow onion
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups each (peeled and chopped to bite size as needed):
- parsnips
- corn (i used frozen)
- peas (also frozen)
- these ingredients listed below are the amounts to
- 4 cups chicken broth (for later)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for later)
- 1 pound dried gnocchi (i used a package from target that w for later
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water (for l optional)
- Carbohydrate 166.230483557218 g
- Cholesterol 752.9633342 mg
- Fat 37.3290217767276 g
- Fiber 24.6158030068942 g
- Protein 186.04687811687 g
- Saturated Fat 9.43651481032837 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1970g)
- Sodium 861.165801274198 mg
- Sugar 141.614680550324 g
- Trans Fat 7.15328091264006 g
- Calories 1755 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare 2 gallon size freezer bags by labeling and propping open
- Cut chicken into bite sized chunks or leave whole and shred after cooking
- Add 1 pound of chicken to each freezer bag
- Add ½ of each vegetable, ½ cup of flour, and half of each seasoning to each bag
- Seal and remove all air and shake to coat flour on ingredients evenly
- Place in fridge for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 6 months
- To prepare as a meal thaw one freezer bag overnight
- Place thawed contents in slow cooker along with chicken broth
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
- Shred chicken if desired
- Stir in cream, gnocchi and cornstarch mixture
- Cover and continue heating on high for 15-30 minutes or until gnocchi is cooked tender and cream is heated through and sauce is to desired thickness
My Favorite Freezer-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do after a long day is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of freezer meals. They're my secret weapon for effortlessly providing my family with nutritious home-cooked meals, even on the busiest of weeks. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a perfect example of a freezer meal that's both incredibly convenient and surprisingly flavorful.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I typically prepare several freezer bags at once – a perfect weekend project! The process is straightforward: I chop the chicken and vegetables, mix in the flour and seasonings, and then portion everything into labeled freezer bags. This prepped meal is ready and waiting for a hectic weeknight or even a spontaneous dinner party. Once a bag is needed, it's simply a matter of thawing overnight, transferring it into the slow cooker, and letting the magic happen. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Time-saving: The prep work is done ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean protein.
- Delicious and comforting: The perfect family-friendly meal.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the vegetables to whatever you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
- Cost-effective: Buying ingredients in bulk and prepping multiple meals at once can significantly reduce grocery bills.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Aim for juicy, tender pieces.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
- Properly seal the freezer bags: Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date the bags: This helps you keep track of what's in your freezer and how long it's been there.
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saver, a stress-reducer, and a delicious way to nourish my family. It's the epitome of smart meal prepping, allowing me to balance the demands of my career and motherhood without sacrificing delicious home-cooked meals. Give it a try – I guarantee you'll love it!
Beyond the Basics:
Once you master this basic recipe, you can easily expand upon it. Try adding different vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. Experiment with different types of dumplings, such as homemade biscuits or store-bought refrigerated dumplings. You can also add a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Freezer meals are a game-changer for busy families, and this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a testament to that. It’s a delicious, convenient, and healthy option that fits seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. So go ahead, prep a batch this weekend and thank yourself later when you have a warm, comforting meal ready in minutes on a busy weeknight. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and in my book, a stocked freezer full of delicious freezer meals is definitely one of those little things.
