Is there anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings on a chilly day? This classic dish is the epitome of home-style cooking, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, topped with soft, pillowy dumplings – it’s a taste of pure comfort food heaven. This recipe takes the traditional Chicken and Dumplings to the next level, offering a balanced flavor profile and easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the chicken to creating the perfect dumplings, so you can enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience the ultimate in cozy comfort food with this irresistible Chicken and Dumplings recipe! You’ll discover that homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a lot easier to make than you think.
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe uses readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it an accessible and enjoyable culinary experience. We’ll focus on developing deep flavors through layering and proper seasoning, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and complex. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner option or a way to warm up on a cold evening, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe is guaranteed to deliver.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (bone-in, skin-on thighs or a whole chicken) | 2-3 lbs |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups (for dumplings) + 2 tablespoons (for thickening) |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (for dumplings) + to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (for dumplings) + to taste |
| Shortening or Butter (cold) | 6 tablespoons |
| Milk or Buttermilk | 3/4 cup |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Carrots (diced) | 2 medium |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks |
| Chicken Broth | 8 cups |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish) | Optional |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve the broth. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
- Prepare the Broth: Strain the reserved chicken broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Return the strained broth to the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Broth: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pot with the vegetables and broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. This will thicken the broth slightly. Add the garlic powder and dried thyme.
- Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cut in the Shortening: Cut the cold shortening or butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk or buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Drop the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1-2 tablespoons per dumpling) into the simmering broth, spacing them evenly around the pot.
- Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Do not lift the lid during the first 15 minutes of cooking, as this can cause the dumplings to deflate.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Notes and Tips
For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken in the pot before adding the water to make the broth. This will add depth and richness to the dish. Another great way to deepen the chicken flavour for the Chicken and Dumplings is to use homemade Chicken Stock instead of Chicken Broth.
If you don’t have bone-in chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, using bone-in chicken will result in a more flavorful broth. For the best results, use a combination of chicken thighs and legs.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the Chicken and Dumplings, such as potatoes, green beans, or peas.
If the broth is too thick, add more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you prefer an even thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering Chicken and Dumplings during the last five minutes of cooking to ensure it thickens up nicely.
For lighter and fluffier dumplings, use buttermilk instead of milk. Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough, as this will result in tough dumplings.
To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot, make sure the broth is simmering gently and not boiling vigorously.
Leftover Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth as they sit, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating. Chicken and Dumplings is a great dish for meal prep, since it tastes just as good (or even better!) the next day.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your Chicken and Dumplings. Some good options include rosemary, sage, and smoked paprika. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings. Simply cut the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the simmering broth. However, homemade dumplings are definitely worth the effort for their superior flavor and texture. You can prepare the Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time, up to the point of adding the dumplings. Then, just before serving, drop the dumplings into the simmering broth and cook as directed. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate all of the ingredients. Serve this dish at your next family gathering and watch it disappear!
Enjoy the process of making this Chicken and Dumplings recipe, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your own tastes. The most important thing is to have fun and create a dish that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a tradition, and a taste of home.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a comforting and delicious Chicken and Dumplings masterpiece. Your family will thank you for it!
From our kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
The beauty of Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables or spices. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and create a dish that you and your loved ones will savor. This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and experience the magic of homemade Chicken and Dumplings!
Finally, remember that cooking is an art, not a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun. The best Chicken and Dumplings is the one that you make with love and care. Enjoy!
