Chicken and Dumplings

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With a rich and creamy broth complemented by fluffy dumplings made from scratch, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to make a hearty meal in just 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavors: The creamy broth combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the vegetables or use leftover chicken for added convenience.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like making dumplings from scratch; they are light, fluffy, and much better than store-bought.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Chicken and Dumplings even smoother. Gather your kitchen essentials to ensure an efficient cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for simmering the broth without burning it.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate ingredients smoothly while preventing lumps in your creamy broth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time you make this delicious dish.

Ingredients

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings has a rich and creamy broth with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes!

For the Broth

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or half and half)
• 1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock (+1 extra cup of broth if using raw chicken)
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1.5 lbs raw, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• salt (to taste)

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
• 3/4 cup (6 oz) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

1. Add flour to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
2. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
3. Gradually add evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• If using raw chicken:
• Add an extra cup of chicken broth or water along with raw chicken pieces.
• Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

• Shred the chicken before returning it to the soup.

• If using pre-cooked chicken:

• Bring the mixture to a boil before adding shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter

While your soup simmers, prepare your dumpling batter according to these steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
2. In another bowl, mix together whole milk and melted butter.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until just combined.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into simmering broth.
2. Cover the pot tightly and let dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience, as this dish brings comfort and warmth to the table. Pair it with some sides or garnishes to enhance the meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the dish.

With Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread adds flavor and makes for a hearty meal.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

With Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Offer dill pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that cuts through the creaminess.
• Pickled Carrots: These add a unique flavor and texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

To achieve the best Chicken and Dumplings, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, ensuring your dish is exceptional.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh ingredients contribute more flavor than dried alternatives.
• Cook Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently. This helps meld flavors together beautifully while keeping the chicken tender.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken stock or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings instead of fluffy ones.
• Test Dumpling Doneness: Ensure dumplings are cooked through by testing one before serving. They should be light and fluffy inside.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. This ensures balanced flavors in every spoonful.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Dumplings can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a savory crunch that complements the softness of dumplings.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a nice crunch and tangy flavor that contrasts well with creamy soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up broth, adding a delightful sweetness to each bite.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide additional comfort alongside your hearty dish, making it even more filling.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries make for an excellent side with their natural sweetness balancing out savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Dumplings can be a delightful experience, but several common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results.

• Bold measurement errors – Not measuring your ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistencies in texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Bold overcooking the dumplings – Cooking dumplings too long can make them dense instead of fluffy. Follow the cooking time closely for the best texture.
• Bold skipping the roux – Neglecting to create a roux will result in a watery broth. Always cook flour with butter before adding liquids to thicken your soup properly.
• Bold using low-quality chicken stock – Poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your dish. Opt for a good quality chicken stock or homemade broth for better flavor.
• Bold adding too much salt upfront – Seasoning too early can lead to overly salty soup, especially as it simmers. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Reheat over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Dumplings.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish consisting of tender chicken cooked in a creamy broth with fluffy dumplings on top.

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just remember to add extra broth during cooking to ensure everything is properly simmered.

How do I make my dumplings fluffier?

To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until combined for light and airy results.

Can I customize my Chicken and Dumplings?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or corn or even try different herbs for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers rich flavors with creamy broth and fluffy dumplings that everyone will love. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!