Easy Chicken Dumplings Recipe: A Simple Guide to Homemade Goodness
Are you craving delicious, homemade chicken dumplings but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy chicken dumplings recipe will guide you through the process, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. We'll focus on simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making this a beginner-friendly recipe that even busy weeknights can handle.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, ensuring you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
For Serving (Optional):
- Your favorite dipping sauce (soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, etc.)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
Let's get cooking! This recipe is broken down into manageable steps to make the process as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the celery and carrots and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Brown the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Making the Dumpling Dough
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix!
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender dumpling.
Step 3: Assembling and Cooking the Dumplings
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out dumplings: Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the dumplings: Place a spoonful of the cooled chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cook the dumplings: You can either boil the dumplings in boiling water for about 10-12 minutes, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 4: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Serve your warm, delicious chicken dumplings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!
Tips for Dumpling Perfection:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings.
- Let the dough rest: Resting allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender dumplings.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the chicken filling to your liking.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different vegetables or add some shredded cheese to the filling for extra flavor.
This easy chicken dumplings recipe is a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventures. With a little practice, you’ll be making delicious, homemade dumplings in no time! Remember to share your creations with friends and family—it's the best way to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
