Chicken and Dumplings
This homemade Chicken and Dumplings has a rich and creamy broth with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes! Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this dish offers comfort and satisfaction. With its hearty ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in about 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy broth is packed with flavor from fresh vegetables and spices, creating a satisfying meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or make it with raw chicken; this recipe adapts to what you have on hand.
- Homemade Touch: The fluffy dumplings are made from scratch, elevating the dish beyond store-bought options.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, perfect for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Chicken and Dumplings, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot that helps distribute heat evenly, preventing scorching while cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients efficiently before adding them to the pot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
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 Soup Base
- 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 Soup Base
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2: Create the Roux
- Add flour to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
- Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Slowly add evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
-
If using raw chicken:
- Add an extra cup of chicken broth (or water).
- Add the raw chicken.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the soup.
-
If using pre-cooked chicken:
- Bring the soup base to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
- While the soup simmers:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
- Stir in whole milk and melted butter until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into simmering soup.
- Cover pot tightly; allow dumplings to steam for about 15 minutes without lifting lid.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade Chicken and Dumplings!
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Serving homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience. The creamy broth and fluffy dumplings can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance the meal’s comfort and flavor.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh herbs: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A splash of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors and adds a refreshing note.
- Pair with crusty bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Family Style Presentation
- Use a large serving bowl: Present Chicken and Dumplings in a big bowl for a communal feel, encouraging everyone to dig in.
- Individual bowls: For a more elegant touch, serve in individual ramekins or bowls, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion.
Comfort Food Extras
- Top with crispy bacon: Adding crumbled bacon on top provides a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Include side salads: A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of Chicken and Dumplings nicely.
How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Perfecting your Chicken and Dumplings requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.
- seasoning: Use fresh herbs like thyme to elevate flavor; they add depth and aroma.
- Proper cooking time: Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding; this keeps it tender.
- Dumpling texture matter: Aim for dough that’s not too wet or dry—this affects fluffiness.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding dumplings; gentle simmering ensures they cook evenly.
- Quality chicken stock: Use homemade or low-sodium stock for richer flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings pairs well with several side dishes that complement its comforting qualities. Here are some excellent choices.
- Garlic Bread: A perfect accompaniment, garlic bread is great for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy crunch that balances the dish’s richness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the warm soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is ideal for soaking up any leftover broth, enhancing your meal experience.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that pairs well with Chicken and Dumplings.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, refreshing your palate after each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best Chicken and Dumplings. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the roux: The roux is essential for a creamy broth. Make sure to stir constantly when adding flour to prevent lumps.
- Overcooking the dumplings: Dumplings should be fluffy and tender. Keep an eye on cooking time; they typically only need about 15 minutes.
- Using the wrong chicken type: Raw chicken can lead to a richer flavor, but pre-cooked chicken is a quicker option. Choose based on your time and taste preference.
- Neglecting seasoning: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually ensures that your Chicken and Dumplings are well-seasoned.
- Ignoring the simmer: Allow your soup to simmer gently; boiling can make it tough. Lower the heat and let it cook slowly for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Chicken and Dumplings
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- For better texture, freeze dumplings separately from the broth.
Reheating Chicken and Dumplings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Chicken and Dumplings:
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use turkey or even tofu as alternatives. Both options work well with this dish.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in both the broth and dumpling recipe.
How do I keep my dumplings from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking them by following the recommended cooking times closely. Ensuring a gentle simmer helps too.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken and Dumplings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers warmth and comfort, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. It’s versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Featuring a rich, creamy broth and fluffy dumplings made from scratch, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings. In just about 50 minutes, you can create a heartwarming meal that delights both kids and adults alike. With its satisfying flavors and comforting ingredients, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 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 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 quart (32 oz) chicken stock
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 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)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Mix in flour and cook for another minute. Gradually add evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add shredded chicken (or raw chicken with an extra cup of broth). Simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes if using raw chicken.
- For dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, salt, thyme; stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover tightly and steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
