Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a timeless comfort food classic that warms both the body and soul with its hearty combination of tender Chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth.
This beloved dish has been passed down through generations, cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia with every comforting bite.
What Is The Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Chicken and Dumplings start with savory chicken soup with vegetables in a creamy broth. The soup is topped with uncooked dumplings that are then steamed.
It’s a popular comfort food in the Southern US. The thickness of the soup and the kind of dumplings used can vary.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes to gather ingredients, chop vegetables, and prepare the Chicken.
- Cooking Time: About 30 minutes to simmer the Chicken with vegetables and spices until the Chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Dumpling Preparation: 10-15 minutes to mix the dumpling dough and drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth.
- Dumpling Cooking Time: Another 15-20 minutes for the dumplings to cook through and puff up.
- Serving: 6 people
In total, the time from start to finish will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes.
This time frame allows for some variation in cooking times and ensures you have a delicious homemade chicken and dumplings dish ready to enjoy.
How Do You Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Essential Ingredients For Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
For the Chicken
- One whole Chicken, cut into pieces (or you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One onion, diced
- Three cloves garlic, minced
- Four carrots, peeled and sliced
- Three celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- One bay leaf
- One teaspoon of dried thyme
- One teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon of baking powder
- One teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Essential Instructions For The Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
Cooking the Chicken
Step 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the Chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Return the Chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the Chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5
Once the Chicken is cooked, please remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded Chicken to the pot.
Making the Dumplings
Step 6
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7
Stir in the milk until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth and chicken mixture.
Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and puffed up.
Serving
Step 8
Remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving. Ladle the Chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Additional Tips For Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: While store-bought broth works fine, using homemade chicken broth adds an extra depth of flavor to your dish. You can make it by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for a few hours.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Consistency of Dumplings: The consistency of the dumpling dough is crucial. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. Adjust the amount of milk or flour as needed to achieve the right texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When making the dumpling dough, mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings.
- Simmer Gently: Once you add the dumplings to the pot, simmer them gently without stirring too much. Stirring too vigorously can cause the dumplings to break apart.
- Cover While Cooking: Covering the pot while the dumplings cook helps them steam and cook evenly. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often, as this can extend the cooking time.
Precautions For Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
- Handling Chicken Safely: When handling raw Chicken, be sure to wash your hands, utensils, and cutting board thoroughly afterward to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the Chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding it and returning it to the pot. The internal temperature of the Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Avoid Boiling Dumplings: Once you add the dumplings to the pot, maintain a gentle simmer rather than vigorously boiling the broth. Boiling can cause the dumplings to break apart.
- Watch for Allergies: If you or your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be mindful of the ingredients you use and make appropriate substitutions if necessary.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Fat | 25 |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on factors like the type of broth used and the amount of added salt.
It’s advisable to use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning to taste to control sodium intake.
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Suppose you’re monitoring your calorie or nutrient intake. In that case, you can adjust the recipe accordingly by using leaner cuts of Chicken and whole wheat flour for the dumplings and incorporating more vegetables for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you prefer a creamy variation, an herb-infused twist, or a spicy kick, there’s a version of Chicken and dumplings to satisfy every palate.
Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your signature version of this classic comfort food. Enjoy!