The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for any family dinner. With tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
This recipe for Chicken & Dumplings has been handed down through generations, each adding their own twist to the beloved classic. It's the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul on cold days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavors that warm your heart
- Tender dumplings that soak up the delicious broth
- A family favorite that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy
A Hearty Family Meal
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings families together. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth is not just delicious; it's also filling. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will surely impress and satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What sets this chicken and dumplings recipe apart is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your family's preferences. Add vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition, or spice things up with a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick. The possibilities are endless!
Additionally, this dish is not limited to just home-cooked meals. It makes for excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day. Simply reheat and savor the flavors that deepen with time. If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, this recipe is your go-to choice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken & Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
Combine and Cook
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the broth. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Enjoy your Chicken & Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Dumplings
To achieve the fluffiest dumplings, be careful not to overmix the dough. Combine the ingredients just until they come together; this will ensure a light and airy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding herbs or spices directly into the dumpling mixture for an extra layer of taste.
Another tip is to keep the broth at a gentle simmer while cooking the dumplings. A rolling boil can cause them to break apart, so patience is key. Cover the pot during cooking to trap steam and help the dumplings rise perfectly.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth, but they will still taste great. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture and heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later without losing the dumpling's texture. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a longer cooking time.
→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock as a substitute.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time, but it's best to make the dumplings fresh just before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings
The Best Ever Chicken & Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for any family dinner. With tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken & Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the broth. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g