Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that evokes the warmth and coziness of home. With tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy, pillowy dumplings, this recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Whether enjoyed during the chilly winter months or any time you’re in need of a warm, satisfying meal, Chicken and Dumplings never fails to hit the spot.

This traditional dish has been a family favorite for generations, often passed down from grandmother to mother to child. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to make, but still packed with flavor. The addition of tender, juicy chicken paired with soft, savory dumplings takes the dish to another level, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, holidays, or just a cozy night in.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create a bowl of Chicken and Dumplings that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to make everyone feel at home. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to your liking. Whether you use homemade or store-bought broth, chicken thighs or breasts, or prefer extra herbs and vegetables, this recipe is designed to be easy, approachable, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Dumplings

• Hearty and Comforting: With a rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your hunger and your soul.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. The chicken and vegetables simmer in the same pot as the dumplings, making for a simple yet flavorful meal.
• Easy to Make: While it sounds like an involved dish, Chicken and Dumplings is actually fairly easy to prepare. It requires just a few simple steps and ingredients, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
• Customizable: You can make this recipe your own by adjusting the vegetables, seasoning, or even the type of dumplings. Feel free to add extra herbs or switch up the vegetables to fit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal with the family, Chicken and Dumplings fits any occasion. It’s also a great dish for leftovers, as the flavors only improve with time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 5-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Special Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-duty pot is ideal for simmering the chicken and broth, and it will also be used to cook the dumplings. If you have a Dutch oven, it will work wonderfully for this recipe.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the broth and dumplings.
• Tongs: To remove the chicken from the pot after cooking.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the dumpling dough and one for prepping the vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure you’re adding the right amounts of seasoning and ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the pot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want the skin to be golden and crispy.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest. In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.

Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and parsley. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Shred the Chicken

While the broth is simmering, remove the skin from the cooked chicken and shred the meat using two forks. Discard any bones. Set the shredded chicken aside to add back to the broth later.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic and onion powders. Stir the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough just comes together. The dough should be thick but not dry.

4. Add the Chicken Back to the Pot

Once the broth has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir to combine. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

5. Form and Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. The dumplings will puff up and expand as they cook, so don’t overcrowd the pot. You should have enough dough to make 10-12 dumplings.

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, without lifting the lid. This will ensure that the dumplings cook through and become light and fluffy. Don’t stir the broth while the dumplings are cooking, as it could break them apart.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, making sure to include some of the chicken, vegetables, and broth in each serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Choices: You can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If using breasts, cook them just until they’re no longer pink in the center, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
• Simmer the Broth: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you allow the broth to simmer, the more flavorful it will be. Letting it cook for at least 20 minutes after adding the chicken will deepen the flavors.
• Dumpling Texture: If your dumplings are too dense, you may have over-mixed the dough. Stir the ingredients just until combined to keep them light and airy.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Peas, corn, or potatoes can be great additions to this dish.
• Extra Seasoning: If you want a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the broth.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time, then cook the dumplings when you’re ready to eat. However, it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh, as they can become soggy if stored in the broth.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to loosen up the mixture.

Variations of Chicken and Dumplings

• Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: For a richer dish, add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth before adding the chicken. This will create a creamy, luxurious broth that pairs perfectly with the dumplings.
• Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a bit of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce into the broth. This will give the dish a spicy kick while still maintaining its comforting flavor.
• Vegetarian Dumplings: If you want a vegetarian version of this dish, you can replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, potatoes, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a more flavorful base.
• Chicken and Biscuit Dumplings: For a slightly different twist, replace the dumplings with biscuits. Simply top the simmering chicken and broth mixture with biscuit dough and bake until golden brown and cooked through.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken and Dumplings is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat, adding extra broth if needed. You may need to add a little more liquid, as the dumplings tend to absorb some of the broth as they sit.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken and Dumplings

• Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a bit of crunch to your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings and add some freshness to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans to add a healthy side that complements the hearty main dish.
• Cornbread: A warm, buttery cornbread is another great side to serve with Chicken and Dumplings. Its slightly sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the savory broth.
• Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the rich flavors of this dish. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir would work well.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings in a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or just because, this dish will warm you up from the inside out. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and plenty of room for customization, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this timeless recipe!