Introduction
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a perfect recipe for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Whether you’re dealing with chilly weather or simply craving something hearty, chicken and dumplings is sure to hit the spot.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds)
Salt: 1 teaspoon (plus more for seasoning)
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Thyme: 1 teaspoon (dried)
Bay leaf: 1
Chicken broth: 8 cups
Flour: 2 cups (for dumplings)
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
Milk: 1 cup
Butter: 1/4 cup (melted)
Parsley: 2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and preparing the chicken for cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the time it takes for the chicken and dumplings to cook thoroughly. The total time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers for lunch the next day.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some oil and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in some minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make the Soup Base
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, along with thyme, bay leaves, and any additional seasonings you desire. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the soup simmers, in a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in milk and melted butter until just combined to form a dough.
Add Dumplings to the Soup
Once the soup is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the soup. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.
Finish the Dish
After the dumplings are fully cooked, stir in some diced parsley for freshness. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
Serve
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy hot.
Notes
Chicken Options
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference.
Dumpling Variations
Feel free to add herbs or cheese to the dumpling dough for additional flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins
For extra nutrition, consider adding peas, corn, or green beans to the soup.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you can add a splash of chicken broth upon reheating.
Cook techniques
Cooking Chicken
To prepare chicken for this dish, start by simmering it gently in a flavorful broth until fully cooked. This method ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Making Dumplings
Dumplings are made from a simple dough mixture that is dropped into the simmering broth. They cook quickly, absorbing the flavors of the broth as they steam.
Thickening the Broth
As the dumplings cook, the broth thickens slightly. This is enhanced by stirring in a cornstarch slurry or allowing the dumplings to release some starch as they cook.
Flavoring the Broth
Adding herbs and seasonings, such as thyme and pepper, during the simmering process elevates the flavor profile of both the chicken and dumplings.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey or even a vegetarian protein of your choice.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, try mixing them less and ensure you are not using too much flour. They should be light and fluffy.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
Can I make dumplings in advance?
It’s best to prepare dumplings fresh, but you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it before cooking.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
Pairing chicken and dumplings with a light salad or steamed vegetables enhances the meal without making it too heavy.
Conclusion
The homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that is sure to please family and friends alike. This recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable, allowing you to make it your own based on your preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup packed with seasonal vegetables is a great pair for chicken and dumplings, offering a generous serving of nutrients and flavors.
Biscuits
Warm, flaky biscuits served alongside the chicken and dumplings can add an extra layer of comfort to your meal, perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Salad with Vinaigrette
A light salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings, providing a refreshing contrast.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes can be a flavorful addition, creating a filling plate that complements the soft dumplings perfectly.
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed green beans with almonds offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken and dumplings.
Apple Crisp
For dessert, an apple crisp served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be a sweet conclusion to the comforting meal.