Oh, let me tell you, there’s just something magical about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings! It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day, and I can’t get enough of it. This chicken and dumplings recipe is not just comforting; it’s super easy to whip up and packed full of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen rotation!
My love for this dish goes way back to family dinners when my grandma would make it from scratch. The aroma of simmering chicken and the fluffiness of those dumplings are forever etched in my memory. Every spoonful reminds me of home and warmth, and I just know it’ll do the same for you. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
When it comes to making my chicken and dumplings, having the right ingredients is key! You’ll see, it’s all about simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are easy to find, and each one plays a vital role in creating that rich, savory flavor we all adore. So, gather them up and let’s get ready to cook up something wonderful!
How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Making chicken and dumplings is a simple process, but trust me, the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s break it down step by step!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab a large pot and toss in the diced chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion. It’s like a colorful party in there! Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken is nestled among the veggies. This combination is the heart of your dish, and it’s going to smell amazing as it cooks!
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Alright, let’s turn up the heat! Bring your pot 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 the magic happens—your chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Just resist the urge to peek too often; let it do its thing!
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
While that’s simmering, it’s time to whip up the dumpling dough. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter until it forms a nice, soft dough. Don’t overmix it; we want those dumplings to be fluffy and light. The smell of the melted butter is just heavenly!
Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Pot
Once the 20 minutes are up, take a spoon and drop generous spoonfuls of your dumpling dough right into the simmering pot. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully as they cook! Cover the pot with a lid and let those dumplings steam for another 15 minutes. It’s like watching little clouds form in your savory broth!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to finish it off. Give your chicken and dumplings a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. I always say, don’t be shy with the seasoning—it makes all the difference! Serve it up hot, and watch everyone gather around the table, eager to dig into this comforting bowl of goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this chicken and dumplings recipe! It’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s also all the wonderful things that come along with it. Here’s why this dish has a permanent spot in my heart (and my kitchen):
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal on the table in about 50 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Comforting Flavors: Each bite is like a warm embrace, brimming with the savory goodness of chicken and veggies in a rich broth.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables or herbs! Whether it’s peas, corn, or some fresh thyme, make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the fluffy dumplings and tender chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Leftover Friendly: This dish is perfect for using up leftover chicken, making it even easier to prepare!
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash! Everything cooks beautifully in one pot, saving you time and cleanup hassle.
Trust me, once you dive into a bowl of this chicken and dumplings, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic!
Tips for Success with Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about some pro tips to make sure your chicken and dumplings turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that I can’t wait to share with you. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish to the next level!
- Use Leftover Chicken: Got some rotisserie chicken lying around? Fantastic! Using leftover chicken not only cuts down on prep time, but it also adds an amazing depth of flavor. Just shred it and toss it in with the broth—easy peasy!
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: The simmering step is crucial! It allows the chicken to become tender and lets all those wonderful flavors mingle. So, be patient and let it do its magic for the full 20 minutes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! If you’ve got some peas, corn, or even green beans, toss them in! Just remember to add them during the last few minutes of simmering so they don’t overcook.
- Fluffy Dumplings: For the fluffiest dumplings, be gentle when mixing your dough. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings, and nobody wants that! Just mix until combined and then drop them in.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t hold back on the seasoning! Taste your broth before adding the dumplings, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A well-seasoned dish is a happy dish!
- Leftovers are Gold: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just know that the dumplings may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the best chicken and dumplings ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this comforting chicken and dumplings recipe! While it’s packed with flavor and warmth, it’s also nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious serving. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for one cup of this hearty dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But don’t let the numbers scare you! This dish is all about comfort and satisfaction, and it’s a fantastic way to nourish your body and soul. Enjoy every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this chicken and dumplings recipe? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I’ve come across. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken works great here. Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing it up. If you’re in a pinch, you can even add it directly to the pot; just increase the simmering time to ensure it cooks through!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem at all! You can use vegetable broth or even water if that’s all you have on hand. Just note that using broth will enhance the flavor significantly, so try to opt for broth when you can!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make the dumplings fresh before serving for that perfect fluffy texture!
What vegetables can I add to the chicken and dumplings?
Oh, the options are endless! You can add peas, corn, green beans, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Just remember to add them in the last few minutes of simmering so they stay vibrant and tender!
Why are my dumplings dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it’s likely that they were overmixed. Remember to mix just until combined and drop them into the pot gently. They’ll puff up beautifully as they cook if you give them some love!
I hope these answers help you on your journey to making the perfect chicken and dumplings! If you have more questions, just ask—I’m here for you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious chicken and dumplings! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I highly recommend), here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for your next meal.
First, let everything cool down a bit before you store it. This helps prevent any condensation from making things soggy. Once it’s cooled, scoop the chicken and dumplings into an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember, the dumplings might soak up some broth, so they may not be quite as soupy when you reheat them.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them in a couple of ways. My favorite method is to warm them up on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot to loosen it up, then heat over medium-low until warmed through. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything heats evenly.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them! Just pop a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of liquid to keep it moist, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is warmed to your liking.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can make the most of your chicken and dumplings and enjoy that comforting goodness all over again. Happy eating!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe That Warm the Soul
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting chicken and dumplings recipe that is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering pot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings recipe
