Why make this recipe
Chicken & Dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms the soul. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The creamy broth melds beautifully with the soft, rich dumplings, making it a satisfying meal.
Making Chicken & Dumplings from scratch allows you to control all the flavors and ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to use simple pantry staples and create something truly delicious. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table and bring smiles, especially on chilly nights.
Equipment needed for Chicken & Dumplings
To make Chicken & Dumplings, you will need the following equipment:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spoon or ladle
What You Need to Make Chicken & Dumplings
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
How to Cook Chicken & Dumplings Step by Step
Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until they become tender, which should take about 7 minutes. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the dried oregano and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. After that, add the finely chopped garlic and cook while stirring until it becomes fragrant, for about 1 minute.
Next, add the chicken thighs and breasts to the pot along with the chicken broth and the sprigs of thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally while the chicken cooks thoroughly for about 10 minutes. Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the pot and place it on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces, and keep the soup at a gentle simmer until you are ready to proceed.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Make a well in the center of this dry mixture. Into the well, add the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together with a fork until the mixture is well combined.
After that, return to the soup. Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream back into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer again. Now it’s time to form the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the pot, evenly spaced out. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat. This will take about 5 minutes, and during this time, the dumplings will cook through while soaking up the flavors from the broth.
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Finally, top the soup with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken & Dumplings warm in bowls, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping of the hearty broth and fluffy dumplings.
How to serve Chicken & Dumplings
When serving Chicken & Dumplings, it is best to scoop generous portions into individual bowls. Make sure each bowl has both a lot of the creamy broth and plenty of the soft dumplings. You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.
It’s a perfect dish to enjoy with family and friends, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy. Providing a side of crusty bread can enhance the experience, allowing diners to soak up any leftover broth.
What to serve with Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken & Dumplings can be a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of side dishes that pair nicely. A fresh garden salad is an excellent option, as it offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken dish. You can toss together greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
Another great pairing is roasted or steamed vegetables. Simple options like green beans, broccoli, or carrots add color and nutrition to your meal. If you want something extra, consider serving some crusty artisan bread or rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
How to store Chicken & Dumplings
To store any leftovers of Chicken & Dumplings, it’s important to let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken & Dumplings. However, keep in mind that the dumplings may become slightly softer in texture when reheated after freezing. Place the leftovers in freezer-safe containers, and they will stay good for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Chicken & Dumplings
Making Chicken & Dumplings can be easy with a few helpful tips. Start by finely chopping your vegetables to ensure even cooking. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully in your pot.
When it comes to the chicken, try using a mix of thighs and breasts for added richness. Thighs are juicier, while breasts provide lean protein. Feel free to use all thighs or all breasts depending on your preference.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings! Taste your broth frequently and add more salt or pepper as needed. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Variation
There are numerous ways to customize Chicken & Dumplings to suit your taste. For a twist, you can add herbs like parsley or rosemary for an aromatic flavor.
You can also mix in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and sweetness. For a lighter version, consider using a plant-based cream and substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Best time to make Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken & Dumplings is ideal for any time of year, but it shines especially on chilly days. It is the perfect comfort food for fall and winter when you crave something warm and filling.
It also works nicely for family gatherings or potlucks, as it can be made in larger batches and served to a crowd. The inviting aroma fills your home, making everyone eager to enjoy this hearty dish.
Common mistakes to avoid
While making Chicken & Dumplings, keep a few common mistakes in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfect. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Monitor it closely and remove it as soon as it is cooked through.
When making the dumplings, don’t overmix the dough. Mixing too much can lead to tough dumplings, and nobody likes that.
Lastly, ensure to keep the pot covered when cooking the dumplings. This helps them to steam properly and cook evenly.
Nutritional notes
Chicken & Dumplings is a good source of protein from the chicken, and the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. The dish also contains carbohydrates from the flour used in dumplings.
Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are watching your calorie intake, as the creamy broth can be higher in fat due to heavy cream and butter. Adjusting the recipe with lower-fat options can make it a healthier choice without sacrificing much flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it to the broth towards the end of cooking.
2. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to make the dumplings fresh, as they may not hold up well if made in advance. However, you can prepare the dough and store it separately until you are ready to cook.
3. Is Chicken & Dumplings gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to all-purpose flour. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Chicken & Dumplings is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any cozy occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting meal that will surely please everyone around the table. Embrace the warmth of this dish, and enjoy the love it brings to your home!
