Chicken and Dumplings

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich and creamy broth and fluffy dumplings made from scratch, this dish is sure to please family and friends alike. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Enjoy the delightful flavors that come together in just under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Chicken and Dumplings recipe comes together in about 50 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Scratch-Made Dumplings: You’ll learn how to make fluffy dumplings from scratch that elevate this dish to the next level.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is not only filling but also appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chicken and Dumplings, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing burning while cooking the broth.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in measurements leads to consistent results 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 Soup Base

• 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 Soup Base

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

Step 2: Create the Roux

Add flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly add evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously. This roux thickens the soup while making it creamy, so keep stirring to prevent burning or lumps!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

If using raw chicken, add an extra cup of chicken broth or water along with the raw chicken. Simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Shred the chicken before returning it to the soup. Lower heat and let simmer uncovered as you prepare dumplings.

If using pre-cooked chicken, bring soup to a boil after adding shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Lower heat again letting it simmer uncovered while you make dumplings.

Step 4: Prepare Dumplings

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, whole milk, melted butter until just combined.

Continue with cooking instructions as desired! Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Dumplings can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with complementary flavors. Here are some creative suggestions for serving this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Garnish: A few sprigs of fresh thyme enhance the aroma and flavor.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach with a tangy dressing adds brightness to your meal.

With Pickles or Relish

• Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles offers a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
• Relish Tray: A small tray of assorted relishes can add variety and excitement to the table.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

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

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken stock make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: Take your time when making the roux; it should be smooth and free from lumps for a creamy broth.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps develop rich flavors without overcooking the ingredients.
• Fluffy Dumplings: For fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing; combine ingredients just until moistened.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper will enhance overall flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps thicken the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Dumplings can elevate your meal. Consider these delicious options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
2. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch while balancing the meal’s richness.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with creamy dumplings.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus provides an elegant touch alongside your main course.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer an additional comforting element to your dinner plate.
6. Cucumber Salad: A chilled cucumber salad adds crispness and is incredibly refreshing against warm dumplings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Dumplings can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls you should avoid.

• Bold Start: Skipping the roux. Ensure you cook the flour with the vegetables; this thicken the broth and adds flavor.
• Bold Start: Overcooking the dumplings. Keep an eye on cooking time; fluffy dumplings need just the right amount of steam to rise.
• Bold Start: Using too much salt. Taste as you go to ensure your dish is flavorful without being overly salty.
• Bold Start: Not shredding the chicken properly. Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in your soup.
• Bold Start: Ignoring freshness. Use fresh herbs like thyme for enhanced flavor instead of relying solely on dried herbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings

• For longer storage, freeze Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove excess air.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Dumplings.

What is the best broth for Chicken and Dumplings?

Using homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock enhances flavor significantly compared to water or low-quality broths.

Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time, but it’s best to add dumplings right before serving for maximum fluffiness.

How do I make my dumplings fluffy?

Ensure not to overmix your dumpling dough; mix until just combined for that perfect light texture.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this Chicken and Dumplings recipe, saving you time and effort.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try it out today!