Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal, look no further than this easy chicken and dumplings recipe. This classic dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth that will have you coming back for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this hearty meal in no time. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

To make a classic chicken and dumplings dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Broth:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients for your chicken and dumplings. Here’s how you can do it:

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Making the Dumplings:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and melted butter.
3. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into small squares or strips.

Preparing the Broth:

1. In the same pot used to cook the chicken, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
2. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing it to a boil.

Adding Vegetables and Seasonings:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the boiling broth.
2. Add the prepared dumplings to the pot, dropping them one by one.
3. Gently stir the mixture, making sure the dumplings are submerged in the broth.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the chicken and dumplings to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

Now that all the preparation is done, it’s time to bring it all together and cook your delicious chicken and dumplings. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the chicken in a pot over medium-high heat.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Making the Dumplings

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix the milk and melted butter in a separate bowl.
3. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into small squares or strips.

Step 3: Preparing the Broth

1. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot used to cook the chicken.
2. Cook the vegetables until tender and fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing it to a boil.

Step 4: Adding Vegetables and Seasonings

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the boiling broth.
2. Drop the prepared dumplings into the pot, stirring gently to submerge them.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Simmering and Serving

1. Allow the chicken and dumplings to simmer for the remaining time, until the dumplings are cooked through.
2. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
3. Serve your classic chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations

While the classic chicken and dumplings recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

• Add a can of condensed cream of chicken soup to the broth for a creamy texture and flavor.
• Stir in some heavy cream or milk to make the broth even richer.

Spicy Chicken and Dumplings

• Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth for a spicy kick.
• Sprinkle chili powder or paprika over the chicken pieces for extra heat.

Vegetarian Dumplings

• Replace the chicken with vegetable broth and add a variety of vegetables like peas, corn, and green beans.
• Use vegetable shortening instead of butter in the dumpling recipe.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfect every time:

Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken

• If you don’t have time to cook a whole chicken, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and speed.

Add herbs for extra flavor

• Sprinkle your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or sage, into the broth to add a pop of flavor.

Adjust seasoning to taste

• Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.

Freeze leftover dumplings for later

• If you have leftover dumplings, you can freeze them in an airtight container for future use. Just reheat them in the broth whenever you crave some comforting chicken and dumplings.

Conclusion

Making a classic chicken and dumplings dish doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these simple steps and using readily available ingredients, you can create a flavorful and comforting meal that will impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to try the variations and incorporate your personal touches to make the recipe your own. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cooking pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of hearty chicken and dumplings. Happy cooking!