Slow Cooker Indian Masala Chicken & Dumplings

A delightful fusion of comfort food, featuring tender ground chicken simmered in a vibrant, spiced Indian masala sauce with carrots and peas, topped with fluffy, homemade American-style dumplings. Perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 300 min
Total Time: 320 min
Servings: 4
IndianAmerican

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground chicken (lean)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 can Crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 3 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 1.5 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • to taste to taste Salt
  • to taste to taste Black pepper
  • 1 cup Frozen peas
  • 1.5 cups All-purpose flour (for dumplings)
  • 2 tsp Baking powder (for dumplings)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (for dumplings)
  • 1/4 cup Cold butter (cubed, for dumplings)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (plus more if needed, for dumplings)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and transfer the chicken to the slow cooker insert.

    Time: 8 min
  2. 2.

    Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

    Time: 5 min
  3. 3.

    Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

    Time: 1 min
  4. 4.

    Transfer the seasoned onion mixture to the slow cooker with the chicken. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and chopped carrots. Stir to combine.

    Time: 2 min
  5. 5.

    Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender and the sauce has melded.

    Time: 240 min
  6. 6.

    About 1 hour before serving, prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Time: 5 min
  7. 7.

    Gradually add the milk, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

    Time: 2 min
  8. 8.

    Stir the frozen peas into the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the hot stew. Leave a little space between each dumpling as they will expand.

    Time: 3 min
  9. 9.

    Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on low for another 45-60 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. An inserted toothpick should come out clean.

    Time: 60 min
  10. 10.

    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.

    Time: 1 min

Tips

  • 💡For extra flavor, you can sear the ground chicken directly in the slow cooker if it has a 'sear' function before adding other ingredients.
  • 💡Don't lift the lid too often during the dumpling cooking phase, as this releases steam and can prevent the dumplings from cooking properly.
  • 💡If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove a cup of liquid from the slow cooker, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and then return it to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • 💡Serve with a side of basmati rice or naan bread to soak up all the delicious masala sauce.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by smw355