Chicken and Dumplings

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy broth, paired with fluffy dumplings made from scratch, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a dish to impress guests, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavor: The creamy broth combined with tender chicken creates a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
• Homemade Dumplings: The fluffy dumplings are made from scratch in minutes—no need for store-bought options!
• Feeds a Crowd: With an output of six servings, it’s ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: This ensures even heat distribution while cooking, preventing burning or sticking.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when creating your roux.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of soup without spills.

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Ingredients

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings has a rich and creamy broth with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes!

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 (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)
– 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 Base

In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
* Add diced onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
* Add minced garlic and cook for one minute more.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Add flour to the pot and stir to combine.
* Cook for one minute while stirring constantly.
* Slowly add evaporated milk and chicken stock while continuing to stir. This will create a roux that thickens your soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

If using raw chicken:
* Add one cup more of chicken broth (or water) along with the raw chicken pieces.
* Simmer for twenty minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Shred the chicken and return it to the soup.

If using pre-cooked chicken:
* Bring the soup to a boil before adding shredded chicken along with thyme, pepper, and salt.

Step 4: Simmer While Making Dumplings

Lower the heat of your soup to allow it to simmer uncovered while you prepare your dumpling dough according to the next steps.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Classic Serving

• Serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor.

With Fresh Bread

• Accompany the dish with warm crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

Salad Pairing

• Offer a light side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Chicken and Dumplings.

Family Style

• Present the dish in a large pot on the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves for a communal dining experience.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Perfecting Chicken and Dumplings requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor of your broth significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper levels according to your preference for a well-seasoned dish.
• Avoid Overcooking Dumplings: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked dumplings can become tough instead of fluffy.
• Experiment with Broths: Different chicken stocks or broths can impart unique flavors—try homemade if possible!
• Shred Chicken Properly: Ensure your chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings

To complement your Chicken and Dumplings, consider these tasty side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory flavors; serve it warm with butter.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the main dish.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a savory bite that complements the comfort food vibes.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit; they soak up any leftover broth beautifully.
6. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs makes for a light yet filling option alongside this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Dumplings, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a successful dish.

• Skipping the roux: Failing to create a roux can result in a thin broth. Always cook the flour with the butter before adding liquids to thicken your soup properly.
• Overcooking dumplings: Cooking dumplings too long can make them tough. Follow the recipe timing closely and check for doneness by cutting one in half.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste your broth as you go and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper accordingly.
• Using low-quality chicken stock: A poor-quality stock can affect overall taste. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock for the best flavor.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can impact cooking times and texture. Make sure your chicken and other ingredients are at room temperature before use.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Best if consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Chicken and Dumplings, these FAQs should help clarify any questions you may have.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish made of flavorful chicken soup topped with fluffy dumplings. It’s perfect for chilly evenings!

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Just add it to the broth when it’s hot.

How do I make dumplings from scratch?

Dumplings are made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Mix these ingredients until just combined.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding vegetables like peas or corn or herbs such as rosemary or parsley for added depth of flavor.

How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?

Simply double the ingredients, ensuring you have enough pot space to accommodate the larger batch.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s a wonderful dish that brings comfort on any day—try it out soon!