Introduction
Chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make it a beloved dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a chilly evening or seeking to impress guests with a traditional yet satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to please.
Who This Recipe is For
This chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a soul-warming meal that’s both delicious and comforting. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, it’s a great dish to make ahead for gatherings or potlucks, as it reheats beautifully and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why It’s Great
What sets this chicken and dumplings recipe apart is its simplicity and depth of flavor. By using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, without all the effort. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and pillowy dumplings makes for a truly satisfying meal that will leave you craving seconds.
Ingredients(Chicken and Dumplings Recipe)
To make chicken and dumplings, you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Cook until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot.
- Add the chicken broth and dried thyme.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.
4. Make the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined.
5. Add the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken Cut Into Pieces
- 2 Carrots Diced
- 2 Stalks Celery Diced
- 1 Onion Diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 Cup Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Cook until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
Simmer the Soup
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot.
- Add the chicken broth and dried thyme.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.
Make the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined.
Add the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this chicken and dumplings recipe, you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe? A: Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can certainly use it in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Simply skip the step of browning the chicken and add the cooked chicken to the pot along with the vegetables and broth.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings Recipe? A: While you can freeze Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. If you’re planning to freeze leftovers, it’s best to undercook the dumplings slightly to account for the reheating process.
Q: Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can substitute a dairy-free milk alternative and dairy-free butter for the milk and butter in the dumpling batter of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. The result will still be deliciously comforting.
Q: Can I add additional vegetables to this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, corn, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are tender.
Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe? A: While it’s best to prepare and add the dumplings to the simmering broth just before serving this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for optimal texture, you can certainly make the dumpling batter ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to give it a good stir before dropping spoonfuls into the broth.
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Food Pairings
Chicken and dumplings pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving it with a side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the flavors nicely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken and dumplings is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. Be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!
