There’s something so incredibly comforting about a classic chicken and dumplings recipe, don’t you think? When I think of cozy evenings spent with family, this dish always comes to mind. The aroma of tender chicken simmering in rich broth, mingling with soft, fluffy dumplings, just makes my heart sing! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. This recipe is not only simple to whip up but also filled with flavors that make you feel right at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your family traditions, too!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Making chicken and dumplings is a delightful journey, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, grab a large pot and toss in your chicken pieces. Then, pour in the chicken broth until everything is covered. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the chicken cooks and infuses the broth with amazing flavor!
Step 2: Add Vegetables
After the chicken has had its time to shine, it’s time to introduce some color! Add the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until those veggies are nice and tender. You’ll love how the aroma fills your kitchen; it’s like a cozy invitation to dig in!
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter
While the veggies are softening, let’s whip up the dumpling batter. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, then pour in the milk and melted butter. Now, mix gently until just combined. Don’t overdo it! You want the batter to be fluffy and light for the perfect dumplings.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Here comes the fun part! Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering soup. Be sure not to lift the lid for the next 15 minutes—this is crucial! The dumplings need that steam to cook through and become fluffy little pillows of goodness. After 15 minutes, check to make sure they’re cooked through, and then you’re ready to serve up this comforting masterpiece!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken and dumplings recipe truly shine, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, don’t rush the simmering process; let the chicken really infuse that broth with flavor. If you can, use high-quality chicken broth—it makes a world of difference! And when you’re mixing the dumpling batter, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings, and we want them fluffy and light. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra flavor boost. Lastly, serve it hot and enjoy every comforting bite with your loved ones!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to this chicken and dumplings recipe, there are a few substitutions that can add a personal touch! If you don’t have a whole chicken, rotisserie chicken works beautifully and can save you some time. For the broth, homemade is fantastic, but store-bought will do just fine—just be mindful of the sodium levels! If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though it might change the texture slightly. Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like peas or corn, for extra flavor and color! Just remember, the heart of this dish is that comforting chicken and broth, so stay true to those essentials!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this delightful chicken and dumplings recipe, perfect for keeping your meal planning in check! Each serving contains about 400 calories, with around 15 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also get about 30 grams of protein, which is fantastic for a hearty meal! As for carbs, you’re looking at roughly 40 grams, along with 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so feel free to adjust according to your needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re in a pinch or just want to mix things up, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute for the whole chicken in this recipe! It’s already cooked, so just shred it and toss it into the broth. You could also use turkey if you have some on hand—just make sure it’s cooked through and shredded for that tender bite we all love. You can even experiment with other proteins, but keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift a bit!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator after it cools down. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, reheat the chicken and broth, then make the dumplings fresh for the best texture. This way, you’ll have that fluffy goodness right when you need it!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. The dumplings are best fresh, but they’ll still taste delicious! Just be prepared for them to be a bit denser after reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- One-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze
- Rich, flavorful broth that warms your soul
- Fluffy dumplings that are a delightful addition
- Quick to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or herbs
Serving Suggestions
To round out your chicken and dumplings recipe and make it a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You could also pair it with some buttery cornbread or warm biscuits for that extra touch of comfort. Trust me, it’s a winning combination!
Imprimer
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Comfort Food
Description
Classic chicken and dumplings recipe for a hearty meal.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, add chicken pieces and cover with chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook until tender.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering pot.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check that dumplings are cooked through before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: chicken and dumplings recipe
