Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: 7 Heartwarming Tips for Comfort

chicken and dumplings recipe

By:

Julia marin

There’s just something so heartwarming about a big pot of chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove. This chicken and dumplings recipe is like a hug in a bowl! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for those cozy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled the house, and everyone gathered around the table, eager to dig in. My dad even declared it better than his own mom’s recipe! Trust me, once you savor the tender chicken paired with fluffy dumplings, you’ll want to make it a regular in your menu rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create the comforting chicken and dumplings recipe you’ll love:

  • 1 lb chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand)
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced (I like to use fresh for that vibrant color and crunch!)
  • 1 cup celery, chopped (adds that lovely aromatic flavor)
  • 1 onion, diced (for that savory base)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the dumplings that bring it all together)
  • 1 cup milk (makes the dumplings nice and fluffy)
  • 2 tsp baking powder (to help the dumplings rise)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (to season the dumplings)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted (adds richness to the dough)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (for a hint of herbal goodness)
  • 1 tsp pepper (for a little kick)

How to Prepare the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Making this chicken and dumplings recipe is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by grabbing a large pot and tossing in the diced chicken, chicken broth, sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, thyme, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

While your chicken mixture is simmering, it’s time to whip up the dumpling dough! In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir everything together until just combined; don’t overmix! You want that dough to be soft and a little sticky, which will help the dumplings turn out fluffy.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Now comes the fun part! Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of your dumpling dough right into the simmering chicken mixture. Make sure you cover the pot with a lid immediately after, as this helps the dumplings cook through by trapping the steam. Let them cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you uncover that pot to reveal fluffy, delicious dumplings swimming in savory broth!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • It’s the ultimate comfort food—each bite feels like a warm hug!
  • Super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Packs a punch of flavor with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in every spoonful.
  • Adaptable! You can easily throw in your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
  • A great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Perfect for family gatherings; everyone loves a big pot of this hearty dish!
  • It fills the house with the most inviting aroma—your family will come running!

Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chicken and dumplings recipe turns out perfect every time:

  • Use Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, opt for organic or free-range chicken for a richer taste.
  • Leftover Chicken is Great: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from another meal, feel free to use that! Just shred it and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in some extra veggies! Peas, corn, or even green beans work beautifully in this dish. Just chop them to a similar size as the carrots and celery.
  • Flour Alternatives: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings. Just make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dumpling dough, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Stir just until combined and let them be a little sticky.
  • Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to peek while the dumplings are cooking! Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is crucial for fluffy dumplings.
  • Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a kick!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious chicken and dumplings that will impress everyone at the table!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on the table! This chicken and dumplings recipe is not only delicious but also fairly balanced for a hearty meal. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 bowl):

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 25g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on common ingredients, so variations may occur depending on the specific brands and quantities you use. It’s always fun to tweak recipes to match your family’s tastes and dietary needs, so feel free to adjust ingredients as you see fit!

FAQ Section

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a fantastic way to save time and reduce waste. If you have cooked chicken on hand, just shred it and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it warms through without getting overcooked. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers on flavor!

What vegetables can I add to the chicken and dumplings recipe?

You can really get creative with the veggies! Some of my favorites to add are:

  • Peas: Throw in a cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Corn: A cup of frozen corn adds a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness, too.
  • Green Beans: Cut into small pieces, green beans add a lovely crispness.
  • Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
  • Potatoes: Diced potatoes can be added in the beginning with the other vegetables for extra heartiness.

Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! Just chop everything into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the chicken and dumplings cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through. Enjoy your cozy meal again!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying this chicken and dumplings recipe, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to the next level! Here are a few of my favorite options that complement the warm, hearty flavors of the dish:

  • Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings. It adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the meal beautifully!
  • Crusty Bread: Nothing beats a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping into that savory broth! Whether it’s a homemade loaf or your favorite bakery bread, it’s a delightful addition that everyone will love.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Keep it healthy and colorful by serving a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. They not only add nutrition but also bring a nice pop of color to your plate!

These sides will make your chicken and dumplings feel like a complete feast. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Personal Anecdotes

One of my fondest memories of chicken and dumplings is from a chilly winter evening when my whole family gathered for dinner. My mom had just made a big pot of this comforting dish, and the smell wafting through the house was pure magic. We all sat around the table, plates piled high, sharing stories and laughter. It was one of those moments where everything felt just right—warm food, happy faces, and the kind of joy that only family can bring. Now, whenever I make this chicken and dumplings recipe, I’m transported back to that cozy night, and it reminds me of the love and togetherness that good food brings.

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chicken and dumplings recipe

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: 7 Heartwarming Tips for Comfort


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
  • Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
  • Ernährung: Low Fat

Beschreibung

A comforting chicken and dumplings recipe that is easy to make and packed with flavor.


Zutaten

Skala
  • 1 lb chicken, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp pepper

Anweisungen

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering chicken mixture.
  5. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can use leftover chicken for a quicker option.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
  • Kategorie: Main Course
  • Methode: Stovetop
  • Küche: American

Ernährung

  • Portionsgröße: 1 bowl
  • Kalorien: 400
  • Zucker: 3g
  • Natrium: 800mg
  • Fett: 10g
  • Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
  • Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Kohlenhydrate: 50g
  • Faser: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterin: 60mg

Keywords: chicken and dumplings recipe

Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.

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