If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly, look no further than Easy Chicken and Dumplings. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, creating a symphony of flavors that will take you back to simpler times. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a little love through food.
Why We Love This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There’s something truly special about Easy Chicken and Dumplings. First, it highlights the wonderful qualities of chicken in a creamy, savory broth. The dumplings serve as delightful, pillowy bites that soak up all those tasty flavors. Moreover, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights. The ease of preparation means you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. With its comforting nature, this dish not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul, making it a family favorite across generations.
Ingredients about Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Here’s what you need to create this hearty dish:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or simply boil chicken breasts and shred them.
- 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth: This will serve as the flavorful base for your dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth.
- 1 cup refrigerated biscuit dough: Choose your favorite brand for quick and easy dumplings.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn): Frozen vegetables work well for ease and convenience.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a touch of garlic flavor without the fuss.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth to your broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Directions
- Collect Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you have everything at hand.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Set the heat to medium and stir gently. As it begins to warm, add in the garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is heated through and starting to simmer.
- Add the Mixed Vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables—frozen ones work just fine here! Stir them into the simmering broth, allowing them to heat up and soften, which usually takes just a few minutes.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Next, add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together well, allowing it to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth.
- Prepare the Dumplings: While the chicken and broth are simmering, take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut it into quarters. This will shape your dumplings.
- Add Dumplings to the Pot: Gently drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth mixture. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot—allow enough space for the dumplings to expand as they cook.
- Cover and Cook: Place a lid over the pot and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This is when the magic happens! The dumplings will become light and fluffy, soaking up the flavors of the broth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked through, serve your Easy Chicken and Dumplings hot. You can optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to mop up that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Serving Easy Chicken and Dumplings is simple and heartwarming. Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure to scoop up both chicken and dumplings in every serving. You can keep it casual or dress it up a bit with garnishes. Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can provide a wonderful contrast in flavor and a bit of color.
For an extra touch, consider serving it with a side of homemade cornbread or a fresh green salad. These sides complement the richness of the dumplings and create a well-rounded meal. If you’re hosting a gathering or potluck, a large pot of Easy Chicken and Dumplings surrounded by colorfully arranged bowls might just be the star of your table.
Expert Tips: Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: The flavor of your broth can make a significant difference. Choose a high-quality chicken broth or even make your own for a richer taste.
- Customize Your Vegetables: While the recipe calls for mixed vegetables, feel free to add your favorites. Fresh vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers can add extra crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Dumplings: Allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for the full time. This ensures they become fluffy and absorb the broth’s flavor.
- Balance the Cream: If you find the broth too rich with heavy cream, you can substitute half of it with milk or even stock to lighten it while still offering good flavor.
- Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to give your dish an extra kick.
How to Store Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Storing leftover Easy Chicken and Dumplings is straightforward. Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, be mindful that the dumplings might expand and become softer. To retain some texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the dish back to life.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. However, the dumplings might not hold up quite as well. If you are planning to freeze it, you might want to keep the dumplings separate and prepare them fresh upon reheating. In the freezer, it can last for about three months.
Variation of Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of dill can add unique flavors to your chicken and dumplings.
- Creamy Cheese Version: For cheese lovers, incorporate some shredded cheddar or cream cheese into the broth. This creates an irresistibly creamy consistency.
- Vegetable-Heavy: Pump up the nutrition by adding more vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook through in time.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough for a gluten-free variation. Similarly, you can make the dish from scratch using gluten-free flour.
- Add Some Spice: Throw in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to bring heat into the dish that contrasts nicely with the creamy flavors.
FAQ
What can I use instead of biscuit dough for dumplings in Easy Chicken and Dumplings?
You can make homemade dumplings using flour, baking powder, milk, and a bit of butter, or try using drop biscuit recipes if you’re looking for variety.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe?
Yes, but it will require more time for the chicken to cook through. You should boil the chicken in the broth first until cooked, then shred it before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Is Easy Chicken and Dumplings a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
Can I add more vegetables to the Easy Chicken and Dumplings?
You can definitely add more vegetables of your choice. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use low-fat chicken broth and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to make a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth This will serve as the flavorful base for your dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For a touch of garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth to your broth.
For the Dumplings and Chicken
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil chicken breasts and shred them.
- 1 cup refrigerated biscuit dough Choose your favorite brand for quick and easy dumplings.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) Frozen vegetables work well for ease and convenience.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Set the heat to medium and stir gently.
- Add in the garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is heated through and starting to simmer.
- Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir them into the simmering broth.
- Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters to shape your dumplings.
- Gently drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth mixture.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are light and fluffy.
Serving
- Ladle generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving has both chicken and dumplings. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs.
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