There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings to lift your spirits. This recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and delight. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process to create this hearty meal.
Ingredients
– 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 and takes approximately 30 minutes of preparation time and 1 hour of cooking time.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 10g fat, 40g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Begin by placing the whole chicken in a large pot and covering it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pot, add chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Simmer the vegetables until tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with vegetables.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken. Additionally, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in the dumplings for a healthier option.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken and dumplings can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, pair it with biscuits or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot over low heat until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, the dumplings may become softer after freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it can become dry.
- Ensure the broth is simmering gently when adding dumplings.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking to maintain steam.
- Measure ingredients accurately for consistent results.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dumpling dough; it enhances texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use homemade broth for richer flavor.
- Make sure your vegetables are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different vegetables like peas or green beans.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
What if my dumplings are too dense?
Dense dumplings can result from overmixing the dough; mix just until combined for lighter dumplings.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Add dumplings just before serving to keep them fluffy.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they have puffed up and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This recipe for chicken and dumplings is a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious dish that your family will love. Enjoy every savory bite!
The Best Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 lbs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by placing the whole chicken in a large pot and covering it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pot, add chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Simmer the vegetables until tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with vegetables.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
