Savour the Flavors of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nourishing. What if I told you that there is a dish that fits all of those criteria and more? I’m talking about chicken and dumplings – a classic American recipe that has been cherished for generations.
This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or family. It’s one of those meals that always hits the spot – it’s warm, filling, and simply satisfying. And the best part? You can make it in just one pot! From preparation to clean-up, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing any taste or comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner on a busy weeknight or something special to serve at your next party, chicken and dumplings is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. So let’s get started and make some old-fashioned comfort food that will be sure to warm your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a comforting and hearty meal that is simple to make yet flavorful? If you’re nodding your head, then you’re in the right place because this chicken and dumplings recipe has got you covered! I guarantee that this recipe will warm your soul, leaving you feeling satisfied and content.
Firstly, the creamy chicken soup base in this recipe is made from scratch, avoiding the use of canned or processed ingredients. The flavor of the homemade broth is unparalleled to any canned version. We use a combination of chicken broth and milk to create a velvety texture that coats every nook and cranny of the dumplings.
Speaking of dumplings, these are certainly not your average ones! Made with just flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley, these homemade dumplings are one-of-a-kind. The ingredients create an indulgent comfort food that everyone can enjoy.
Aside from being absolutely delicious, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can make it in a Dutch oven or slow cooker/crock pot. You can either use boneless skinless chicken breasts or a whole broiler-fryer chicken for the meat. Plus, there’s plenty of room for customization when it comes to veggies; you can add anything from fresh green beans to potatoes to shredded zucchini.
Lastly, let’s talk about how easy this recipe is to make – all it takes is one pot! Yes, you read that right – just one pot. From start to finish it takes under 2 hours for the dish to be ready (including prep time!). And with only a handful of ingredients needed for both the soup base and dumplings recipe, you won’t have to spend too much time at the grocery store gathering supplies.
Overall, this chicken and dumplings recipe offers something for everyone – a delicious and hearty meal that is easy-to-make from scratch, versatile when it comes to veggies and meats choices (great for using leftovers), perfect for winter months (or anytime really!), and budget-friendly! So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience pure comfort in your own home!
Ingredient List
For the Chicken:
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
This old-fashioned recipe for chicken and dumplings starts with a whole chicken that is cut into pieces. It’s then seasoned with salt and pepper and boiled with water and chicken broth. To add flavor to the broth, chopped carrots, celery ribs, onions, and parsley are added. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, it is removed from the pot and set aside. This hearty dish is made even heartier with homemade dumplings that are made from flour, baking powder, salt, poultry seasoning, cold butter — to create flakiness and a creamy and rich broth — and milk.
If you prefer boneless chicken pieces or skinless chicken breasts, these can be used instead of a whole chicken. Additionally, this recipe can be made using a slow cooker or Dutch oven for convenience. If you’re in a hurry or want to save time, canned chicken can be substituted for fresh chicken. For those who are vegetarian, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the chicken pieces to make it veggie-friendly.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all of the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking the Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe is perfect for a one-pot meal on a cold day to warm you up and provide comfort.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- First, remove the skin from the chicken and trim any excess fat.
- Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Over medium-high heat, warm a large pot or Dutch oven until hot.
- Add two tablespoons of butter and wait for it to melt.
- Once the butter has melted, place your chicken breasts in the pot and cook until browned on both sides for about 5 minutes per side.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Now, add one onion, diced into small pieces, along with three medium-sized carrots and three celery ribs that have been sliced thinly.
- Stir the vegetables frequently and let them cook in high heat for five minutes.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Bouillon
- To make the soup base, dissolve four teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules in eight cups of boiling water.
- After that, mix in four cans (14.5 ounces each) of low-sodium chicken broth into your pot of vegetables and chicken.
- Once those are combined, add in your dissolved chicken bouillon granules.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
- While you wait for the soup to simmer on medium-high heat, prepare a mixing bowl for making dumplings.
- Add two cups of all-purpose flour, four teaspoons of baking powder, one tablespoon of dried parsley, and one teaspoon of salt to a mixing bowl.
- Then, slowly pour in one cup of milk into your mixing bowl while stirring using a fork.
- Mix everything thoroughly until small dough balls form.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of your dough mix onto your pot chicken. Don’t worry if these aren’t perfect because it’s homemade!
Tip: Use an ice cream scoop if you have one to scoop out even portions of dough mix. - Let it cook for about 15 minutes by covering with a lid while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
- Finally, serve hot! You can also garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired or accompany with steamed green beans for added nutrition.
Now that you know how to make this easy and comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe from scratch at home, be sure to give it a try!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for chicken and dumplings is already a tried-and-true favorite, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up to make it your own. There are several substitutions and variations you can make to adjust the flavor or adapt the recipe to fit your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
– Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for a vegetarian protein such as tofu, seitan or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
– Slow cooker: Use a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven or crock pot to cook your chicken and dumplings. Just add all of the ingredients (except for the dumplings) to your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Then add the homemade dumplings and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
– Creamy chicken soup: Add a can of cream of chicken soup to the mix if you want extra creaminess in your dish.
– Spicy: Add some heat to your dish by adding chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
– Progresso or Campbell’s: If you don’t want to make homemade dumplings, canned dumplings from Progresso or Campbell’s will work just as well and save you some time in the kitchen.
– Healthy: To make this meal a little healthier, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole broiler-fryer chicken. You can also use low-sodium chicken bouillon granules and cut back on salt.
Regardless of which variation you choose, this dish will still be a comforting, wholesome meal that is perfect for serving at gatherings with friends and family.
Serving and Pairing
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings as a comforting meal on a chilly day. I highly recommend this recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering that calls for a warm and hearty meal. The creamy chicken soup paired with fluffy dumplings is irresistible on its own, but you can elevate the dish by serving it with your favorite sides.
To complete the meal, I like to add green beans or roasted carrots for extra vegetables. Mashed potatoes or rice also make excellent accompaniments if you want to have a starch element on the plate. If you want some crunchiness, try pairing the dish with crispy bread rolls or crackers.
For beverages, I recommend going with something simple and refreshing like iced tea, lemonade, or carbonated water to balance out the richness of the dish. For wine drinkers, I suggest pairing this dish with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti, which can complement the savory flavors from the chicken broth and herbs.
In conclusion, when it comes to serving and pairing chicken and dumplings, there are numerous possibilities. Experiment with your favorite sides and beverages until you discover what works best for you. Whether served alone or in combination with some other dishes and drinks, this traditional recipe is sure to impress.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key when preparing meals, especially when entertaining guests. This chicken and dumplings recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for easy reheating, making it a fantastic option for parties or family meals.
To make ahead, follow the recipe as directed until you reach the point of adding the dumplings. Instead of adding them to the pot, remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth and store separately in airtight containers. Allow the broth to cool to room temperature before storing in a separate container. You can then refrigerate or freeze each component individually.
Reheating this dish is simple; gently warm up the broth in a pot over medium-high heat. Once it begins to simmer, return the vegetables and chicken to the pot and cook until heated through. Finally, add in fresh dumplings and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender.
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chicken and dumplings can last up to four days. If you decide to freeze it instead, it will keep for up to six months. Make sure to label and date all containers before storing them.
In conclusion, this comfort food classic is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends with your family. Whether you prefer creamy or old-fashioned chicken dumplings, this recipe can be adapted to your taste preferences with ease. Prep ahead of time and enjoy delicious homemade chicken soup anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making chicken and dumplings, there are a few tricks that can take your dish from good to outstanding. The first tip is to use bone-in chicken, which will add more flavor to the broth. Additionally, removing the skin before cooking can help ensure an evenly seasoned broth. To get tender and fluffy dumplings, make sure not to overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will result in tough and dense dumplings. Instead, mix it until just combined.
Another tip for perfect results is to make the dumplings uniform in size so they all cook at the same rate. I recommend using a cookie scoop or a spoon to ensure equal portions of dough. Adding frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking can bring an extra pop of color and freshness to your dish.
For those who are health-conscious, try using low-fat milk instead of whole milk in the dumpling batter without sacrificing flavor. In addition, you can use unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium levels.
If you’re looking for a shortcut, try making homemade dumplings with Bisquick or other ready-to-use mixes. However, if you have the time and patience, making dumplings from scratch with flour, baking powder and other ingredients is worth the effort for a truly homemade comfort food experience.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations like poultry seasoning or thyme. These additions can add depth and complexity to your dish. Whether enjoying this comforting meal alone or serving it up at a party with green beans or other sides, these tips will ensure that your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking to make a comforting meal for your family or entertaining guests at a party, this recipe is sure to please. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
With the detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to make perfect chicken and dumplings every time. So why not give this delicious dish a try? You’ll see why it’s been a favorite for generations.
And don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions. You might find a new twist on an old favorite that becomes your go-to recipe. As always, happy cooking!
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2-1 teaspoon pepper
- water
DUMPLINGS
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Combine chicken, celery, carrots, onion, chicken broth, parsley, chicken bouillon granules, salt and pepper in a large pan or dutch oven; add enough water to cover chicken.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until chicken is done.
- Remove chicken and let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Remove skin from chicken and tear meat away from bones.
- Return meat to soup; discard skin and bones.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Return soup to a simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine dumpling ingredients and mix well to form a stiff dough.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls into simmering soup.
- Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
- *SOUTHERN STYLE DUMPLINGS (heavier and chewier) 2 cups flour, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 beaten eggs. Combine flour, broth, baking powder and eggs; mix well to form a stiff batter. Drop by tablespoonfuls into simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!