Homemade chicken and dumplings is a dish that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. This comforting classic combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a delicious broth, making it a perfect remedy for chilly evenings or a cozy family meal. Drawing on my own experiences with this recipe, I’ve found that every spoonful transports me back to childhood gatherings where the kitchen buzzed with laughter, and the aroma of this dish filled the air. Whether you’re looking to impress during a family dinner or seeking a warm bowl of comfort, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe checks all the boxes.
Why you’ll love this dish
Homemade chicken and dumplings is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food that brings the family together. Here are a few reasons to give this recipe a try:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, dinner can be on the table in about an hour.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe relies on affordable ingredients, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
- Kid-Approved: Most children love both chicken and dumplings, making this a surefire hit for the whole family.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less time spent cleaning up after cooking.
"This recipe has become my go-to for family dinners! Everyone finishes their bowls, and I love how easy it is to make.”
Preparing Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
The process of making homemade chicken and dumplings is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll start by cooking your chicken in broth, which infuses it with incredible flavor.
- Softening the vegetables in butter adds a nice depth to the dish.
- Then, you’ll whip up a simple dumpling dough, drop it onto the bubbling broth, and let it steam to fluffy perfection.
- Finally, season it to taste, and your cozy meal is ready to serve.
What you’ll need
To bring this comforting dish to life, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- Black pepper to taste
Feel free to substitute boneless thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a richer flavor. If you’re watching your carbs, consider using a low-carb flour mix for the dumplings.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking method for your homemade chicken and dumplings:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken and chicken broth to a boil, cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once ready, remove the chicken and shred it.
- In the same pot, add the butter, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these ingredients until they’re tender and fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and milk, combining all the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in some milk until you form a smooth dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, until they’re fluffy and cooked through.
- Season with black pepper, give it a final stir, and serve warm.
Best ways to enjoy it
The beauty of homemade chicken and dumplings lies in its versatility:
- Serve it directly from the pot for a rustic family-style meal.
- Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious:
- Store any uneaten chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze individual portions for a quick meal later on. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few cooking tips to elevate your homemade chicken and dumplings:
- For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.
- Don’t skip the sautéing of the vegetables; this step adds crucial flavor before the dumplings are introduced.
- If you want fluffier dumplings, don’t overmix the dough; just combine until the ingredients are moistened.
Creative twists
Feel free to get inventive with this classic recipe. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Herbed Dumplings: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your dumpling batter for a flavorful twist.
- Vegetable Swap: Toss in some frozen peas or corn to add extra veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the broth for a bit of heat.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
- The whole process typically takes around an hour from start to finish.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; just add it in the last steps to warm through.
How do I store the leftovers?
- Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a cozy night at home, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
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Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting classic combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a delicious broth, perfect for chilly evenings or family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken and chicken broth to a boil, cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once ready, remove the chicken and shred it.
- In the same pot, add the butter, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and milk, combining all flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in milk until you form a smooth dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, until fluffy and cooked through.
- Season with black pepper, stir, and serve warm.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available. Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables to add crucial flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken, dumplings, comfort food, family meal