Easy Recipe: How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings families and friends together for a warm and hearty meal. This dish consists of shredded chicken cooked in a rich, creamy broth, and topped off with soft dumplings made from flour and other ingredients. If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying recipe that’s easy to make, chicken and dumplings is perfect for you.

Making this dish doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. You just need to prepare a few basic ingredients and follow a simple step-by-step process. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, chicken and dumplings is a perfect go-to meal that’ll be sure to satisfy your hunger cravings! So, let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

When it comes to creating delicious chicken and dumplings, it all starts with the right ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients that you will need to make this classic, comforting dish:

1. Chicken

The star of the dish, you’ll need about 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. You can use a whole chicken and roast it or boil it, or you can use pre-cooked chicken from the store.

2. Vegetables

The vegetables you choose can vary depending on your personal preference. Common vegetables used are onions, celery, carrots, and peas. Feel free to add any additional vegetables that you like for more flavor and color.

3. Flour

Flour is essential to make the dumplings. You’ll need all-purpose flour for the dumplings, as well as a small amount to make the roux that thickens the broth.

4. Baking Powder

Baking powder is necessary to create light and fluffy dumplings. Make sure it’s fresh and not expired.

5. Seasonings

Seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme are commonly used to flavor the dish. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking.

6. Butter

Butter is used to make the roux that thickens the broth. Use unsalted butter so that you can control the sodium level.

7. Milk

Milk is added to make the dumplings tender and flavorful. You can use whole milk or a lower-fat option.

8. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is used as the base for the soup. You can use store-bought broth or homemade broth.

9. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves add a subtle flavor to the dish. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.

10. Cornstarch (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can use cornstarch. Mix it with a small amount of water before adding it to the soup.

Make sure to have all of the ingredients on hand before you start cooking. With the right ingredients, your chicken and dumplings will be flavorful and satisfying.

How to Make the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings: Ingredients

Are you ready to start cooking? Great! Before you do, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for making the perfect chicken and dumplings. Here are the key components that you’ll need to create the ultimate comfort dish:

1. Chicken: The star of the show! Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for maximum flavor.
2. Vegetables: Onion, carrot, celery, and garlic are all must-haves for this recipe. They add depth and flavor to the broth.
3. Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper are the key seasonings to achieve that classic chicken soup flavor.
4. Chicken broth: Use quality chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones and vegetables in water for several hours.
5. All-Purpose Flour: You’ll use flour to coat the chicken and make the dumplings.
6. Baking Powder: The key ingredient for fluffy dumplings.
7. Salt: To enhance the flavor of all other ingredients.
8. Milk: Used to make the dumplings light and fluffy.
9. Butter: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
10. Parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to get started on making the perfect chicken and dumplings! Let’s move on to the next section.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

Making a delicious pot of chicken and dumplings is all about using the right ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need for this recipe:

Step 1: Cooking the Chicken

The first step in making chicken and dumplings is cooking the chicken until it’s tender and falls off the bone. To prepare, season the chicken with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until it is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Making the Dumplings

While the chicken is cooking, make the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until pea-sized pieces form. Add milk and stir until the mixture becomes a thick dough.

Roll the dough onto a floured surface and cut into pieces, approximately 1 inch wide. Set it aside for later use.

Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables and Broth

In the same pot used to cook the chicken, add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables become soft. Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaves, and heavy cream and stir to combine.

Step 4: Adding Dumplings and Chicken to the Pot

Bring the broth to a boil and add the dumplings one by one, stirring gently to prevent the dumplings from sticking together. Next, add the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and the broth is thickened.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying Chicken and Dumplings

Once the dish is fully cooked, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Discard the bay leaves and serve chicken and dumplings in a bowl garnished with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy it with your favorite bread and a cold beverage for a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Congratulations, you made it! You have successfully cooked a delicious pot of chicken and dumplings from scratch. You should be proud of yourself! Thank you for sticking around until the end of this recipe. I hope you had a great time cooking along with me. If you enjoyed this article, please come back again for more recipes and cooking tips. Cooking is a wonderful experience, one that creates memories and brings joy to people’s lives. Have fun in the kitchen, and remember to savor every bite.