Chicken and Dumplings

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe features a rich, creamy broth paired with fluffy dumplings that are easy to make from scratch. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and delightful dumplings makes it a standout meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavors: The rich broth and tender dumplings create a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a big hug.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or use leftover chicken, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Crowd Pleaser: With its delicious flavors and hearty texture, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.
• Homemade Goodness: Making the dumplings from scratch adds an extra touch that elevates the entire meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing burning while making the broth.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly without lumps when creating the roux.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent flavor every time.

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 Broth

• 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 Broth

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Create the Roux

1. Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
2. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
3. Slowly add evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring continuously until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• If using raw chicken:
• Add an extra cup of chicken broth or water along with raw chicken pieces.
• Simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

• Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.

• If using pre-cooked chicken:

• Bring the soup to a boil before adding shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt.
• Lower heat and let simmer uncovered while preparing dumplings.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

To prepare your dumpling mixture:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
2. Stir in whole milk and melted butter until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

• Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter directly onto the surface of simmering soup.
• Cover pot tightly with a lid; let cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Now you have a delicious bowl of homemade Chicken and Dumplings ready to serve! Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience, as this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Classic Serving Style

• Serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot in a deep bowl for a traditional presentation. The creamy broth and fluffy dumplings should be the star of the dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or additional thyme for a pop of color and flavor. This adds brightness to the rich dish.

Pair with Biscuits

• Offer warm biscuits on the side. They complement the soup wonderfully and allow for extra dipping into the creamy broth.

Add a Dash of Hot Sauce

• For spice lovers, provide hot sauce at the table. A few drops can elevate the flavor profile of the Chicken and Dumplings.

Serve with Salad

• A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the Chicken and Dumplings. Choose leafy greens like arugula or spinach for freshness.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Making perfect Chicken and Dumplings involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with good chicken stock for a flavorful base. Homemade broth works best but store-bought can be convenient too.

• Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough dumplings instead of fluffy ones.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before adding salt or pepper. Each broth has its own saltiness, so adjust accordingly for best flavor.

• Cook Dumplings Gently: Allow dumplings to cook in simmering broth without boiling. This ensures they remain tender instead of becoming dense.

• Keep Ingredients Warm: If you prepare ingredients ahead, keep them warm before serving. Cold ingredients can lower the temperature of your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Dumplings enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth; serve it warm with a spread of butter and minced garlic.

2. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the main dish.

3. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots offers a refreshing contrast in texture to the soft dumplings.

4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements savory flavors beautifully; serve it warm with honey butter for added sweetness.

5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside if you’re looking for an extra comfort food touch.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nutty, caramelized flavor that pairs well with Chicken and Dumplings’ creaminess; season them simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

7. Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers provide a tangy crunch that cuts through richness, making it an ideal side.

8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit medley adds natural sweetness; it’s a delightful way to finish off your meal on a lighter note.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Dumplings can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the roux: Not creating a roux can lead to a watery broth. Always cook flour with butter before adding liquids to thicken the soup properly.
• Overcooking dumplings: Cooking dumplings for too long can make them tough. Follow the cooking time closely to keep them fluffy and tender.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning your dish will result in bland flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper while cooking for the best results.
• Using raw chicken without extra broth: If you add raw chicken to the soup, remember to include extra broth. This ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly without drying out.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount as they are more concentrated.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings

• Freeze in portions within airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Consider freezing dumplings separately if you want a fresher texture upon reheating.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Dumplings:

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish consisting of shredded chicken served in a creamy broth with fluffy dumplings on top.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time when making Chicken and Dumplings.

How do I make gluten-free dumplings?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to create dumplings suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I customize my Chicken and Dumplings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try this comforting dish today, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken and Dumplings

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. With a rich, creamy broth and fluffy dumplings made from scratch, this dish brings together tender chicken and fresh vegetables for a satisfying experience.

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Ingredients

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• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 3/4 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir to combine and cook for a minute.
4. Gradually add evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring until smooth.
5. If using raw chicken, add it now with an extra cup of broth; simmer until cooked through, then shred and return to the pot. If using cooked chicken, bring soup to a boil before adding it along with thyme, black pepper, and salt.
6. For the dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder, pepper, salt, and thyme in a bowl. Mix in whole milk and melted butter until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering soup’s surface; cover tightly and cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg