Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – Classic Comfort Food

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Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish that warms your heart and your home. It combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for family dinners or when you need a little comfort food.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Chicken and Dumplings. First, it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Second, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you! Lastly, it tastes amazing. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and soft dumplings creates a warm and inviting meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

For the dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk

Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned. Then, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

  2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened. After that, add the chicken broth, dried thyme, garlic powder, and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.

  3. While the chicken mixture is boiling, prepare the dumplings. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then, add in the melted butter and milk. Stir everything until it is just combined. You don’t want to overmix the dumpling dough.

  4. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the boiling chicken mixture. Once all the dumpling batter is in the pot, cover it and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

  5. Serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Serve Chicken and Dumplings hot in bowls. It makes a great main dish on a chilly day. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken and Dumplings

To store leftovers, let the Chicken and Dumplings cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Tips to Make Chicken and Dumplings

  • Make sure not to overcook the dumplings while they simmer. Keep the heat low and cover the pot to trap the steam.
  • For extra flavor, add more herbs or spices according to your taste.
  • If you like more vegetables, feel free to add potatoes or peas to the mixture.

Variation (If Any)

If you want to spice things up, you can add some hot sauce to the chicken broth for a little kick. You can also use different types of meat, like turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, you can add frozen vegetables like peas or corn. Just add them when you add the chicken back in.

  2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
    You can use water instead, but adding a bouillon cube for flavor will help.

  3. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead. Just make the dumplings fresh right before serving for the best texture.

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