Chicken and Dumplings – Combining tender chicken, a rich, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect one-pot comfort food for family dinners, cozy nights, or a nourishing meal when you’re under the weather.
What Are Chicken and Dumplings?
At its core, chicken and dumplings is a soup or stew that consists of shredded chicken, a flavorful broth, and dough dumplings. The dish has its roots in the Southern United States but boasts variations worldwide. Whether you prefer biscuit-style dumplings or drop dumplings, this dish is a culinary hug in a bowl.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken yield the richest flavor. The bones and skin release collagen and fat, resulting in a robust broth.
- Homemade Broth is Key: Simmer the chicken with onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves for a deeply flavorful broth. Store-bought broth works in a pinch, but homemade takes the dish to another level.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When making dumplings, mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing will make the dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Cooking dumplings at a gentle simmer prevents them from falling apart while allowing them to cook through evenly.
- Season in Layers: Add salt and seasonings at each stage to build depth of flavor in your dish.
Variations of Chicken and Dumplings
The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its versatility. Here are a few creative spins on the classic recipe:
- Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, green beans, corn, or mushrooms to your broth for added nutrition and texture.
- Creamy Style: Stir in heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half at the end for a velvety, rich broth.
- Herb Dumplings: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into your dumpling dough for a burst of flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure the broth ingredients are free of gluten to create a celiac-friendly version.
- Instant Pot Shortcut: Prepare chicken and dumplings in an Instant Pot for a faster cooking process without compromising flavor.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, standalone meal, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add color and texture with roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Pickles or Relish: A tangy side can brighten the flavors of this comfort dish.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Dumplings
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings to maintain their texture. When reheating, add fresh dumplings to the thawed broth.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the dumplings from disintegrating. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative. Shred the meat and add it to the broth after it’s fully cooked.
What type of flour is best for dumplings?
All-purpose flour works best for traditional dumplings. For a healthier twist, whole wheat or gluten-free flour can be substituted.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Dense dumplings often result from overmixing the dough or overcooking them. Mix gently and simmer at a low heat for the best results.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, chicken and dumplings can be made ahead of time. Store the broth and dumplings separately to keep them fresh and reassemble when reheating.
How do I thicken the broth?
For a thicker broth, mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir it into the simmering broth. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings - Combining tender chicken, a rich, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect one-pot comfort food for family dinners, cozy nights, or a nourishing meal when you're under the weather.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs. bone-in, skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
Seasonings:
- ¼ tsp ground sage
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp each: basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups cake flour (or all-purpose)
- ¾ cup cold sour cream
- ¼ cup cold milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a soup pot and sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side. Let it rest, then dice it into bite-sized pieces (discard the bones).
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (5 minutes). Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 more minute, then stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and half and half, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the bouillon (if using) and frozen peas. Let the soup gently simmer.
- Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar in a bowl. Fold in milk, sour cream, and melted butter to form a soft dough. Be gentle—don’t overmix!
- Return the diced chicken to the soup. Scoop small portions of dumpling dough and place them evenly over the soup. Spoon a little broth over the top, cover the pot, and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Insert a toothpick into a dumpling to ensure it’s cooked through. Garnish with parsley, grab a bowl, and dig in!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 845Total Fat 44gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 223mgSodium 1798mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 3gSugar 9gProtein 54g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Whether you’re craving nostalgia, need a dish to impress, or just want a warm meal to share with loved ones, chicken and dumplings is the perfect choice. With these tips, variations, and a little love, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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