Homemade chicken and dumplings is a bowl of comfort. It is the perfect meal to warm the belly! I still remember when I made this for the first time. It was in my tiny first apartment and I had the recipe written on a sticky note from my grandma. I used to think dumplings were made only by seasoned cooks or chefs. It was a nice surprise to realize how easy dumplings are to make when I dropped my first spoonfuls of dough into dumpling broth. Nowadays, I make this when it’s cold, I feel sick, or I just want a spoonful of comfort.
For many years now, chicken and dumplings has been a go-to dinner dish and will continue to be for years to come. Wondering how chicken and dumplings became my go-to recipe? Read on to find out. Back in the early 2000s, we found a recipe for chicken and dumplings. This chicken and dumpling recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious. It’s basically chicken in broth with herbs and light dumplings. Just what you want in every warm bite. The meal that scents up the room with an inviting aroma lovely enough to have the whole clan surrounding the pot for a bowl. Whether you are looking for something to feed a crowd or you just want something to calm your soul, this one will do.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Large pot with a lid.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
- Ladle.
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 2 cups chopped onions.
- 1 cup chopped celery.
- 1 cup chopped carrots.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 4 FILLED CUPS OF BROTH.
- Two cups of shredded chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
For the dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted.
- 1 cup milk.
Directions:
Sauté the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onions, celery, and carrots until tender for 5-7 minutes in the pan. Combine the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the broth. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Prepare the dumpling dough. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mix melted butter and milk to form a loose, soft dough.
Cook the dumplings. Drop dollops of dough into the oozing soup with a spoon. Cover the pan and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. They should be firm and puffed up when done.
Add the finishing touch. Pour in the heavy cream and let it cook on a low flame for 5 minutes, uncovered.
Taste and serve. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations & Tips:
Add Diced Potatoes or Peas to Make it Heartier.
Adding a bit of white wine or a dash of smoked paprika would also bring the taste up a level.
You can make the broth and dumplings gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour like brown rice flour and a gluten-free broth.
If you want to use a shortcut, you can simply cut biscuits from a can into quarters and toss them in.
FAQs.
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes! Place the uncooked chicken into the pot with the sautéed veggies and broth. Let it simmer until fully cooked, about 20 minutes. Shred the chicken and add in the dumplings.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover food in a tightly sealed container and store it in the fridge for 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk as the dumplings may soak up more liquid.
3. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Although the soup freezes well, the dumplings can become mushy after thawing and reheating. If So, make the broth and chicken part first, then add fresh dumplings when you reheat it to freeze.
4. What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could serve a side salad or some roasted veggies with it. Using crunchy bread is also a great option to soak the delicious broth!
Chicken and dumplings are the kind of meal that makes you realize that homemade comfort food is special and so fulfilling. You can make this recipe for a special family event, to nurse a sick loved one, or even just for yourself. The best part? You will see how easy it is to bring everything together even if this is your first time making dumplings. Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated! Gather your ingredients, warm your pot up and enjoy every warm hearty bite!