The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings
Highlighted under: Homestyle Comfort Plates
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this delicious recipe for The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings. Perfectly seasoned chicken is combined with fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth for a dish that's sure to warm your soul.
This recipe for Chicken & Dumplings has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and comfort to family dinners. The tender chicken and soft dumplings create a delightful balance that is both hearty and satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly nights
- Fluffy dumplings that soak up the rich broth
- Easy to make and perfect for family gatherings
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's something incredibly soothing about a home-cooked meal, especially on a chilly evening. The aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables fills the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Chicken and dumplings, in particular, evoke nostalgia for many, reminding us of family dinners and warm kitchens. This dish is not just about sustenance; it's about creating memories and sharing love through food.
The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings brings the comfort of tradition to your modern kitchen. With its creamy broth and tender chicken, this dish is a celebration of flavors that are both satisfying and wholesome. Each spoonful of chicken, accompanied by fluffy dumplings, transports you back to simpler times, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
A Meal for All Occasions
Whether it's a rainy day or a festive gathering, Chicken & Dumplings fits seamlessly into any occasion. Its hearty nature makes it a perfect choice for feeding a crowd, while its comforting flavors make it a beloved staple in many households. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your family's tastes. Add in some peas for color, or swap out the chicken for turkey leftovers. With a few simple adjustments, this dish can be reinvented, ensuring that it never gets monotonous in your weekly meal rotation.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
Creating the ideal dumpling is a skill that enhances your Chicken & Dumplings experience. One key tip is to avoid overmixing the dough; it should be combined until just moistened for light and fluffy dumplings. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or chives into the dough for an extra layer of taste.
Another important factor is the cooking time. Dumplings require just the right amount of steam to rise. Cover the pot while they cook to trap steam, ensuring they puff up beautifully. Keep an eye on them, as overcooking can lead to dense dumplings. With these tips, your dumplings will be the star of the show!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Gather all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken & Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
Combine and Cook
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken & Dumplings!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken & Dumplings can be served as a standalone dish, but pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables can elevate your meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dumplings beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
To enhance the dining experience, consider setting the table with warm, rustic dishes that reflect the comforting nature of this meal. Using bowls that retain heat will keep your Chicken & Dumplings warm for longer, allowing everyone to savor each bite.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is essential to maintain their deliciousness. Allow the Chicken & Dumplings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple; just add a splash of chicken broth to the pot while warming on the stove to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings. This way, you can enjoy the flavors fresh at a later date. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat, adding freshly made dumplings for that just-cooked taste.
Variations to Try
While the classic Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a favorite, there are numerous variations to explore. For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the broth. If you prefer a more aromatic flavor, consider using herbs like rosemary or sage to replace thyme.
Vegetarians can enjoy a delicious version by substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms or chickpeas, and using vegetable broth instead. This variation retains the comforting essence of the dish while catering to different dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can partake in the comfort.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free.
→ Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or any of your favorite vegetables.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this delicious recipe for The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings. Perfectly seasoned chicken is combined with fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth for a dish that's sure to warm your soul.
Created by: Olivia
Recipe Type: Homestyle Comfort Plates
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken & Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g