Chicken and dumplings—a comforting classic that warms the heart and fills the belly. This dish brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. With its tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth, it’s no surprise that this recipe has become a beloved staple in many homes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want a quick weeknight meal, chicken and dumplings deliver both satisfaction and nostalgia.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why choose homemade chicken and dumplings over store-bought options? For starters, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. It’s a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and the gooey, rich broth combined with the soft, pillowy dumplings provides a cozy experience everyone will adore.
When the weather cools down, and you crave comfort food, this recipe is your go-to. It’s an excellent option for feeding a crowd during family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special on a weeknight.
“My family raves about this chicken and dumplings recipe! It has become the highlight of our week. So simple yet so incredibly delicious!” – Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating chicken and dumplings is a straightforward yet rewarding undertaking. The cooking process consists of two main parts: preparing the dumplings and simmering everything together in a flavorful broth. You will combine dry ingredients, blend in the butter, then add milk to create a soft dough. After rolling and cutting the dumplings, they will simmer in a pot of boiling chicken broth along with tender, cooked chicken until they achieve that perfect texture.
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious dish:
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked chicken
- Broth: 6-8 cups chicken broth
- Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- About 1 cup of milk (possibly a bit less)
Feel free to tweak these ingredients; you can substitute the cooked chicken with any leftover poultry you have on hand, and even opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started on this delightful chicken and dumplings recipe.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the milk until the dough forms a ball. Adjust with a bit more flour or milk as needed for consistency.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough with a heavily floured rolling pin, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a floured cutter (a pizza cutter works well) to cut the dough into 2”x2” squares. Don’t worry about perfection; a variety of shapes adds character!
- Place the dumplings on a floured plate, layering them with flour between to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the dumplings one at a time, stirring gently as you go. The excess flour will help create a thicker broth.
- Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and no longer taste doughy.
- Finally, add your cooked chicken and give the pot a good stir. Season to taste with garlic salt and pepper, and let it cooking for an extra 5 minutes. Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving chicken and dumplings is an experience unto itself. You can plate this dish in shallow bowls, allowing the warm broth to fill the spaces between the dumplings and shredded chicken. Try garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Enjoy it alone, or serve it with a side of buttered cornbread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
You might be lucky enough to have some chicken and dumplings left over. To ensure they stay fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back some moisture since the dumplings tend to absorb liquid over time. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months; just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be moist but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
- Broth Versatility: Experiment with different flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth for an extra layer of taste.
- Chicken Options: Store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe and saves you time!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to elevate your chicken and dumplings:
- Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like parsley or sage to the dumpling mixture for a burst of flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in some peas, carrots, or corn into the broth to make it even heartier.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Your Questions Answered
- What’s the prep time? Prep will take about 20 minutes, and cooking will add an additional 30-40 minutes.
- Can I make this in advance? You can prepare the dumplings and store them separately from the broth and chicken for the freshest taste.
- Is this recipe freezable? Yes, you can absolutely freeze chicken and dumplings! Just be sure to thaw and reheat carefully to maintain texture.
Dive into this heartwarming dish, and you’ll discover why chicken and dumplings hold a special place in the hearts and homes of many. Enjoy!
