Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort dish featuring tender chicken simmered with vegetables in a rich broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly days and brings warmth to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a harmonious blend of succulent chicken, flavorful vegetables, and light, airy dumplings, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to various tastes and preferences, making it a staple in many households.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken: Typically, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs and breasts are used for maximum flavor.
• Vegetables: Common choices include onions, carrots, and celery, which add depth to the broth.
• Broth: Chicken stock or broth serves as the base of the dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper are often used to season the broth.
• Dumplings: Made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk or buttermilk.

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
   • In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
   • Return the chicken to the pot and add enough chicken broth to cover the chicken and vegetables.
   • Add herbs like thyme and parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
2. Make the Dumplings:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in milk or buttermilk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Cook the Dumplings:
   • Bring the chicken and vegetable mixture back to a simmer.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth.
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
4. Serve:
   • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings into bowls and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
• Preparation Time: About 20 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 70 minutes.
• Total Time: Around 90 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Choices: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, rosemary, or chives to customize the taste.
• Dumpling Styles: For a different texture, roll out the dumpling dough and cut it into strips to create “noodle” style dumplings, known as “chicken and pastry” in some regions.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up a bit.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat over low heat on the stove (or in the microwave), adding extra liquid as needed.

FAQs

How can I make my dumplings light and fluffy?

To achieve light and fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to toughness. Also, ensure the dumplings are cooked in a covered pot to steam properly.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used for convenience. However, bone-in pieces often provide more flavor to the broth.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure that the baking powder used is also gluten-free.

Can I add cream to the broth for a richer flavor?

Certainly! Adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can create a creamier broth, enhancing the richness of the dish.

How do I prevent my dumplings from dissolving in the broth?

Ensure the broth is at a gentle simmer when adding the dumplings, and avoid stirring them once they’re in the pot. Keeping the pot covered during cooking helps the dumplings set properly.

What can I serve alongside chicken and dumplings?

This dish is hearty on its own, but a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables can complement it well.

Can I prepare the dumpling dough in advance?

It’s best to prepare the dumpling dough just before cooking to maintain its leavening power and ensure fluffy dumplings.

How do I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?

If the broth is too thin, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering broth until it reaches the desired consistency.

Are there any shortcuts for making this dish on a busy night?

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and refrigerated biscuit dough can significantly reduce preparation time, making this dish more accessible for a quick meal.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in a slow cooker. Add the dumplings during the last hour of cooking, ensuring the slow cooker is set to high to properly cook the dumplings.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings, it’s a dish that invites customization and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a hearty meal any time of year, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are both comforting and nourishing.

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