Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something deeply comforting and nostalgic about a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish evokes memories of family gatherings, Sunday suppers, and warm, cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. If you’re craving a soul-soothing, homemade meal that transports you back to a simpler time, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’ll guide you on a culinary journey to create the most tender, succulent chicken and the fluffiest, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings imaginable. The journey begins with the selection of the perfect ingredients and some helpful tips for success. So, let’s get started!

Choosing Your Chicken: Quality Matters

To create the most flavorful and moist chicken, it’s essential to choose the right cut. We recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their rich taste and succulent texture. The bone and skin will add depth to the dish while keeping the meat tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.

Building Flavor: Aromatic Vegetables and Herbs

Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just about the chicken and dumplings; it’s also about the rich, velvety broth that brings everything together. To achieve this, we’ll start by building a foundation of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Classic choices like onions, carrots, and celery create a flavorful base, while fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley lend an additional layer of complexity.

The Star of the Show: Homemade Dumplings

No Chicken and Dumplings dish would be complete without the star of the show – the dumplings! These pillowy bites of heaven are what truly set this dish apart. The key to making the perfect dumplings is a delicate balance of ingredients and technique. Combining flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt with cold butter and milk will create a dough that’s tender and moist.

Take care not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough dumplings. Instead, mix just until the ingredients come together and gently drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. This will create dumplings that are light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.

Finishing Touches: The Perfect Consistency

As your Chicken and Dumplings cook, the flavors will meld together, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The final step is to thicken the broth to the perfect consistency, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and velvety sauce. A simple slurry of flour and water will do the trick, transforming your broth into a luxurious, gravy-like texture.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on your own Chicken and Dumplings adventure. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and let the comforting aromas of this classic dish fill your kitchen. As you spoon out generous helpings for your loved ones, you’ll be reminded of the simple pleasure that comes from sharing a homemade meal with those who matter most.

Hearty Chicken and Dumplings

Course: DinnerCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

A comforting, soul-warming classic made easy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 batch homemade dumplings (or 1 can refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters)

Directions

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cold water and the flour to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken.
• Gently drop the prepared dumplings or biscuit quarters into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
• Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• If desired, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.
• For a thicker soup, you can adjust the flour and water mixture to your desired consistency.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies or herbs.

This comforting chicken and dumplings dish pairs well with a variety of sides. For a light, balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. If you prefer heartier fare, try pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread. No matter what you choose, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.