Chicken and dumplings might just be the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, surrounded by fluffy dumplings that soak up every delicious drop of flavor. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day, but in culinary form.
This dish holds a special place in my heart, recalling family dinners where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited their bowl of this hearty goodness. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat, chicken and dumplings promise an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and dumplings recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors meld beautifully in one pot, ensuring fewer dishes to wash later
- Its visual appeal makes it a standout dish at any table, with textures ranging from creamy broth to fluffy dumplings
- Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for added versatility
Ingredients for chicken and dumplings
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do; adjust as needed based on your crowd size.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; slice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and complements the other veggies beautifully.
- Onion: A diced onion provides depth of flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the salt levels in your dish.
For the Dumplings:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the dumpling base; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient ensures your dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling dough; whole milk works best for richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make chicken and dumplings
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides—about five minutes per side should do. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In the same pot, toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties until they’re soft—around five minutes should suffice. The aroma will have you dreaming of grandma’s kitchen!
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth
Return the chicken to the pot and pour in about six cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while you season generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you fancy.
Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and melted butter until you get a sticky dough. You want it thick but manageable—like trying to convince your friend that pineapple belongs on pizza.
Step 5: Drop Dumplings into Broth
Once your broth is simmering gently (not boiling furiously), drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the pot. Cover it with a lid and let those little clouds cook for about fifteen minutes without lifting the lid—no peeking!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once those fluffy dumplings have cooked through (they’ll be nice and puffy), serve generous portions into bowls. Don’t forget to ladle some of that rich broth over everything—it’s like giving your dish a big hug!
Now gather around the table with friends or family (or just yourself; no judgment here) and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this delicious chicken and dumplings! Feel free to top it off with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pepper because we all deserve that little extra something special!
You Must Know
- This delicious chicken and dumplings recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and nostalgia
- With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s an easy family favorite that can be prepared in a snap
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with chicken and dumplings, start by searing the chicken to lock in juices. As it browns, prepare your dumpling dough and chop vegetables. Finally, simmer everything together for a delightful one-pot meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your chicken and dumplings! Swap out traditional herbs for something unique like smoked paprika or add vegetables such as peas or corn for extra color and flavor. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough; it should be slightly lumpy
- Always taste your broth before serving to adjust seasoning
- If using frozen veggies, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking for optimal texture
Cooking this dish always reminds me of cozy family dinners when my grandma would whip up her famous chicken and dumplings. The aroma filled our home, and everyone gathered around the table with big smiles.
FAQs:
What are the key ingredients for chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings require a few essential ingredients. You’ll need chicken, preferably bone-in pieces for more flavor, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. For the dumplings, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and butter are necessary. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley enhance the overall taste. These ingredients combine to create a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for family meals.
How long does it take to make chicken and dumplings?
The total time to prepare chicken and dumplings usually ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes about 30 minutes for preparation and approximately 1 hour of cooking time. If you’re using a slow cooker, you may need to allow around 4 to 6 hours on low heat. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the method used and the size of your chicken pieces.
Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken and dumplings ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables as directed but do not add the dumplings until you’re ready to serve. Store the mixture in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the mixture on the stove before adding fresh dumplings for that fluffy texture everyone loves.
What variations can I try with chicken and dumplings?
There are many delightful variations you can experiment with when making chicken and dumplings. You might consider using different proteins like turkey or even vegetarian options such as mushrooms or tofu. Adding herbs like dill or basil can also change the flavor profile significantly. For a spicy twist, incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the broth. These variations keep this classic dish exciting and allow you to cater it to different tastes.
Conclusion for chicken and dumplings:
In conclusion, chicken and dumplings is an incredibly versatile dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients like tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it serves as a perfect family favorite. Preparing this dish is straightforward, whether you’re following a traditional recipe or experimenting with your own twists. Enjoy making chicken and dumplings for your next gathering, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied!
Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken simmered in rich broth with fluffy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. This warm and inviting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, offering a heartwarming experience that leaves everyone satisfied. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, chicken and dumplings will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes each). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft (approx. 5 minutes).
- Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and desired spices; bring to a gentle boil.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and melted butter until thick dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into simmering broth. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Serve hot with plenty of broth over the dumplings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
