Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods—chicken and dumplings! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious broth. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together, and every spoonful is packed with nostalgia. I remember my grandma making this when I was a kid, and it always felt special, like a celebration of home. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll understand why chicken and dumplings are a go-to for cozy evenings. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best chicken and dumplings! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), preferably organic for the best flavor
- 4 cups chicken broth, homemade or store-bought, to keep it rich
- 1 cup carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces for a nice crunch
- 1 cup celery, chopped, adding that classic savory flavor
- 1 cup onion, chopped, because who doesn’t love that aromatic base?
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, for the fluffy dumplings that make this dish special
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, to get those dumplings light and airy
- 1 teaspoon salt, because a little seasoning goes a long way!
- 1/4 cup butter, melted, for that rich, buttery goodness
- 1 cup milk, to make the dumpling dough tender and delicious
Feel free to adjust according to your taste, but I promise this combo will give you the comforting flavor you’re craving!
How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings
Now, let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering chicken and dumplings dish! It’s all about taking your time and enjoying the process. Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and fill it with the chicken broth. Bring it to a rolling boil—this is where the magic starts! Once boiling, carefully add the whole chicken. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 30-35 minutes until it’s cooked through and tender. The aroma will be incredible!
- After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. I usually set it aside on a cutting board while I prepare the veggies.
- Now, toss those chopped carrots, celery, and onion into the bubbling broth. Simmer them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and tender. You want them to retain a bit of crunch!
- While the veggies are cooking, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Trust me, this step is rewarding—just think of all that juicy chicken!
- Next, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix! You want that dough to be soft and fluffy.
- Now comes the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let them cook for 15-20 minutes. This is when they puff up into fluffy little clouds of goodness!
- Finally, add the shredded chicken back to the pot, giving everything a gentle stir to combine. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings!
Make sure to serve it hot, and enjoy every last spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this hearty chicken and dumplings dish! Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate. Here’s a typical breakdown for one bowl:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
This comforting meal packs a solid punch of flavor and nourishment, making it perfect for those cozy nights in. Just remember, the actual numbers might shift a bit, especially if you tweak the recipe to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken and dumplings are like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. The rich broth and fluffy dumplings make every bite feel like home.
- Simple and Straightforward: This recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels. With just a few steps, you can create a hearty meal that impresses everyone.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and light dumplings creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a cozy dinner that lasts for days.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can add your favorite herbs, spices, or even different vegetables to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into a bowl of chicken and dumplings, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the simmering step—allow the veggies to soften just enough to keep that delightful crunch. If you find your broth too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth or water; you want it to be cozy, not gloppy!
Also, when mixing the dumpling dough, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings, and we want them light and fluffy. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything warms through without overcooking the dumplings. And finally, taste as you go! You can always add a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preferences. Happy cooking!
Variations
Now, let’s have some fun with this chicken and dumplings recipe! There are so many ways to switch things up and make it your own. For starters, you can try adding different vegetables like peas, corn, or even green beans for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness!
Spice lovers can elevate the dish with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick. And don’t forget about the chicken! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or even swap in turkey for a post-holiday twist. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy making this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken and dumplings, I love to keep it simple and cozy! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish. You can also serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or fluffy biscuits, perfect for soaking up that savory broth. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a nutritious boost. To drink, a nice cold glass of iced tea or a light white wine can really enhance the meal. Enjoy your comforting feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this delicious chicken and dumplings dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container—this helps prevent freezer burn.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out, stirring gently until everything is heated through. You’ll be back to that comforting flavor in no time!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this chicken and dumplings recipe or this creamy chicken pasta recipe!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A hearty dish of chicken and dumplings, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the chicken in broth until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool, then shred the meat.
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the broth. Simmer until tender.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and milk to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
- Add shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
- Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more or less liquid.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, main course
