Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of comfort food that makes you feel right at home. With tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a warm, flavorful broth, it’s a classic dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding the whole family.
Why We Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Chicken and Dumplings hold a special place in many hearts. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a crock pot, or an instant pot, this recipe accommodates your schedule and preferred cooking style. Additionally, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
Moreover, it uses simple, everyday ingredients, making it an accessible choice for home cooks of all skill levels. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your tastes, adding more veggies or spices if you wish. It’s a meal that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Ultimately, Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just food; it’s about sharing moments and creating memories.
Ingredients about Chicken and Dumplings
To make a delightful pot of Chicken and Dumplings, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs and breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Directions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s delve into how to bring this scrumptious dish to life. You’ll have a few options for cooking methods—stovetop, crock pot, or instant pot—each offering a unique twist to the classic recipe. Let’s walk through each method step by step.
- Begin by warming a large 6-8 quart pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the butter.
- Toss in the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and aromatic.
- Add the chopped celery and carrots, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. This will help develop the flavors.
- Next, introduce the chicken pieces into the pot along with thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
Making the Dumplings
While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the dumplings:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder. Mix these until the mixture resembles oatmeal.
- Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough is mostly smooth.
- Roll the dough out and cut it into small pieces.
Final Steps
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for the moment.
- Now, add the dumplings to the simmering broth. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are fluffy and have expanded.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the chopped parsley. Taste for seasoning, adjust as necessary, and then serve hot.
Crock Pot Instructions
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, consider using a crock pot:
- Start by sautéing the onions in butter, then transfer them to your crock pot.
- Add in all other ingredients, including the chicken, vegetables, and chicken stock, and mix well.
- Set the crock pot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours or for a quicker meal, on high for 5-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the dumplings as described above.
Instant Pot Instructions
If time is of the essence, the instant pot method is the way to go:
- Activate the sauté mode and melt butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until fragrant.
- Mix in the chicken, vegetables, and chicken stock, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Lock the lid and pressure cook for 8 minutes. Once done, release the pressure and add the dumplings.
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes before serving.
With any method you choose, the result will be a mouth-watering dish that is sure to become a favorite.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Serving Chicken and Dumplings can be just as enjoyable as making it. You can ladle generous portions into shallow bowls, ensuring each dish has a hearty helping of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
For an added touch, consider offering a side of crusty bread for those who want to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad could also balance this rich meal perfectly. This dish is often best enjoyed fresh, but it can also fill your home with enticing aromas for days to come.
Expert Tips: Chicken and Dumplings
Quality Chicken Stock: The flavor of your Chicken and Dumplings greatly relies on the stock. Choose a good-quality chicken stock or homemade stock for the richest flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs can elevate your dish. If you have fresh thyme and parsley, use them instead of dried for a more aromatic experience.
Don’t Overwork the Dumplings: When mixing your dumpling dough, be careful not to over-knead. This can lead to dense dumplings instead of the light, fluffy ones everyone loves.
Adjusting Consistency: If you find your broth is too thick or too thin, don’t hesitate to adjust it with additional stock or water as needed. A spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water can also help thicken the broth if necessary.
Add Flavor: Feel free to play with the flavors. Adding a splash of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the dish.
How to Store Chicken and Dumplings
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare considering how delicious it is), proper storage is key. First, allow the Chicken and Dumplings to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just keep in mind that the dumplings may absorb some of the broth’s liquid upon storage, so you might want to add a splash of stock or water while reheating to get that creamy consistency back.
Variation of Chicken and Dumplings
One of the beautiful things about Chicken and Dumplings is its versatility. Here are some variations you might consider to keep things interesting:
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables. Consider adding peas, peas, or even sweet corn.
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a little heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Dumpling Diversity: Instead of the standard dumplings, try a biscuit-like topping or even a cornbread variant for a unique twist.
- Herb Infusion: Explore different herb combinations such as rosemary or oregano to add depth and a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Version: For a richer texture, add a dollop of cream or a splash of milk to the broth just before serving. This will create a velvety mouthfeel.
FAQs
What is the main ingredient in Chicken and Dumplings?
The main ingredient in Chicken and Dumplings is, of course, chicken! It typically includes both thighs and breasts, which provide a balance of flavor and tenderness.
Can I use frozen chicken for Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen chicken. Just make sure to properly cook it through after adding it to your broth, as cooking times may vary.
How can I make Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free dumpling recipes. Make sure the stock is also gluten-free.
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs and breasts Use a mix of thighs and breasts for flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter For sautéing onions.
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped Adds flavor to the broth.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery Provides texture and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots For sweetness and color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 whole bay leaf Enhances broth flavor.
- 8 cups chicken stock Good quality stock enhances flavor.
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish and flavor.
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Main ingredient for the dumplings.
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening For richness in the dumplings.
- 1 teaspoon salt To flavor the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder For fluffiness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk Adds moisture to the dumplings.
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Warm a large 6-8 quart pot over medium heat and add the butter.
- Sauté chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
- Add chopped celery and carrots, sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce chicken pieces, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Making the Dumplings
- In a bowl, combine flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix until resembling oatmeal, then gradually stir in buttermilk until the dough is mostly smooth.
- Roll the dough and cut into small pieces.
Final Steps
- Once chicken is cooked, remove and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add dumplings to the simmering broth and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot, add parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.