Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The creamy chicken broth, tender chicken pieces, and fluffy dumplings create a wholesome and satisfying meal that warms the soul. This recipe is popular because it is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you prefer your dumplings fluffy or dense, you can make them just the way you like them. So, if you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that will please the whole family, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Here is why you might love this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
1. Comfort food: Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that reminds people of home-cooked meals and nostalgia.
2. Easy to make: This recipe is easy to prepare and cook, requiring only a few ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Delicious flavors: The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings create a rich and delicious flavor that is hard to resist.
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
- 6 cups (1.4 kg) water
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (495 g) milk
- 2 cups (253.6 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (52 g) vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup (185.6 g) milk
Instructions
- Cut 1 whole chicken into pieces.
- In a pot, add the chicken pieces, 6 cups of water, 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped stalks of celery, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, around 30-40 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool.
- Strain the remaining broth through a sieve and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk until combined and smooth.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the reserved broth to the pot, whisking until smooth.
- Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Add the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup of milk, stirring until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the chicken mixture in the pot.
- Cover the pot and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through and tender, around 15-20 minutes.
Notes
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before cooking.
3. Sear the chicken in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side to get a nice golden crust.
4. Use a mixture of chicken broth and water to cook the chicken and vegetables for added depth of flavor.
5. Use fresh or frozen vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Do not overcook the vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy.
7. Make homemade dumplings using a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and milk for a tender and fluffy texture.
8. Drop the dumpling dough into the simmering liquid using a spoon, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
9. Avoid stirring the dumplings once they are added, to prevent them from falling apart.
10. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Main Ingredients | Brief Description | Possible Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Protein source | Turkey, tofu, seitan |
| Flour | Used to make dumplings | Gluten-free flour, cornmeal |
| Broth | Used as soup base | Vegetable broth, bone broth |
Storage Tips
Chicken and dumplings can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you need to store it for a longer period, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To freeze, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to label it with the date to keep track of when it was frozen.
To defrost, take the container or bag out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it’s fully thawed, reheat the chicken and dumplings in a saucepan or microwave until heated through. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid any uneven heating.
Always use your best judgment when it comes to food safety. If you notice any signs of spoilage or if it has been stored for an extended period, it’s best to discard the chicken and dumplings.
Recipe Variations
1. Classic Chicken and Dumplings – made with a whole chicken, onions, celery, carrots, and homemade dumplings made from flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. This version is simmered in a rich chicken broth and served hot.
2. Creamy Chicken Stew with Dumplings – a richer version, made with heavy cream instead of chicken broth. Additional vegetables like potatoes, green beans, and corn may also be added for more texture and flavor.
3. Southern Chicken and Dumplings – a Southern-style recipe that includes a mix of veggies like peas, okra, and lima beans. Spices like paprika, thyme, and garlic are also added, giving it a distinct flavor profile.
4. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings – a slow-cooker version of the recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked low and slow with vegetables and chicken broth until tender, and the dumplings are added in the last hour of cooking.
5. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings – a pressure-cooker version of the recipe that takes just a fraction of the time to cook. Chicken, vegetables, and chicken broth are cooked under pressure for 20 minutes, and then dumpling dough is added and cooked for another 10 minutes on the sauté setting.
6. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings – made with gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of wheat flour. The dumplings are made with a gluten-free flour blend and a combination of milk, eggs, and butter, resulting in a comforting meal that is safe for those with gluten allergies.
What To Serve With
Here are some ideas for what to serve with Chicken and Dumplings:
1. Green salad – a fresh salad can help balance the richness of the stew and add some more veggies to the meal.
2. Buttermilk biscuits – you can make biscuits from scratch or use store-bought ones to dip in the gravy.
3. Mashed potatoes – a classic comfort food pairing that will help soak up the sauce.
4. Steamed or roasted vegetables – green beans, carrots, and broccoli are all good options.
5. Cornbread – another classic Southern side dish that pairs well with stew and gravy.
6. Apple crisp – a warm and cozy dessert that will complement the rustic flavors of the chicken and dumplings.
7. Coleslaw – a crunchy and refreshing side dish that will add some texture and acidity to the meal.
8. Roasted sweet potatoes – a healthy and delicious side dish that will complement the savory stew.
9. Garlic bread – a buttery and garlicky bread that is perfect for sopping up the sauce.
10. Rice – a neutral and versatile side dish that will help stretch the meal and add some bulk.
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