There’s something so incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken & Dumplings. It’s like a hug on a chilly day, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel at home. This recipe showcases tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, paired with fluffy dumplings that just melt in your mouth. Trust me, when you gather around the table for this dish, you’ll feel all the warmth and love that comes from a homemade meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. You’re going to love how simple it is to whip up this classic comfort food!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium for better control over seasoning
- 1 cup carrots, chopped into small pieces for even cooking
- 1 cup celery, chopped to add that lovely crunch
- 1 onion, diced finely to enhance the flavor of the broth
- 2 cups flour, all-purpose is best for fluffy dumplings
- 1 tbsp baking powder, for that perfect rise
- 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste as you go
- 1/2 cup milk, whole milk works wonders for richness
- 1/4 cup butter, melted to add a lovely depth of flavor
How to Prepare Chicken & Dumplings
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making Chicken & Dumplings! This dish comes together pretty effortlessly, and you’re going to love how it fills your home with that cozy, inviting aroma. First, grab a large pot and toss in your diced chicken along with the chicken broth, chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
While that’s happening, let’s whip up those fluffy dumplings! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined. Now, here comes the fun part—drop spoonfuls of that dumpling mixture right into the simmering broth. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread out and puff up as they cook! Cover the pot and let everything simmer for another 15 minutes. Trust me, you’ll want to resist the urge to peek—just let the magic happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the diced chicken, chicken broth, chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to develop.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, spacing them out a little.
- Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, ensuring the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Tips for Success
To make the best Chicken & Dumplings, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to use leftover chicken; it makes this dish come together even faster. If you want to lighten things up, you can swap the whole milk for a lower-fat option, but trust me, the richness really adds to the comfort factor! Also, if you prefer a thicker broth, mix a little cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in right before serving. And remember, the dumplings need that covered cooking time—so resist the urge to peek! Your patience will pay off with fluffy, delicious dumplings.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful Chicken & Dumplings dish. While comfort food often gets a bad rap, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients. Each serving, which is about one bowl, contains approximately 350 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 40 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, making it a filling option for your dinner table. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients or portion sizes. Enjoy every spoonful without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken! Just make sure to give it a little extra time to cook through while simmering in the broth.
What can I serve with Chicken & Dumplings?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth!
Can I make Chicken & Dumplings in advance?
You can prep the chicken and broth ahead of time, but I recommend making the dumplings fresh just before serving for the best texture.
What if my dumplings turn out dense?
If your dumplings feel heavy, you might have overmixed the batter. Just stir until combined and avoid overworking the dough for fluffy results!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour, this Chicken & Dumplings can easily be made gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this comforting meal ready in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings creates a deliciously warm experience that feels like a big hug!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one pot, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any delicious leftovers of Chicken & Dumplings (lucky you!), here’s how to store them properly. First, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to bring back that lovely soupy texture.
To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Enjoy your comforting bowl again!
Print
Chicken & Dumplings: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish made with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a thicker broth, add a cornstarch slurry.
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken, Dumplings, Comfort Food