There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I had this dish as a kid at my grandmother’s house. The aroma filled the air as she would simmer the chicken with all those lovely vegetables, and let me tell you, I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s the ultimate cozy meal, especially on chilly nights when you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy something hearty.

This chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. I promise, it’s simple and comes together effortlessly. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a dish that warms your heart and fills your tummy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken and dumplings. Keep it simple, and don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand—you can always adjust based on what you have!

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. It makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable! Feel free to swap out veggies or add your favorites—this dish is super flexible!

How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get into the heart of the matter—preparing this comforting chicken and dumplings! I promise you, each step is straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious pot of goodness bubbling on your stove. Let’s dive right in!

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

First things first, grab a large pot and toss in your whole chicken, chicken broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. It might look a bit full, but don’t worry! Once it starts cooking, everything will come together beautifully. Now, turn the heat to medium and bring this lovely mixture to a boil. This is crucial because boiling gets all those flavors mingling together. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. This is the perfect time to kick back and relax a bit while your kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma!

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

After about an hour, it’s time to take out that chicken! Carefully remove it from the pot (watch out, it’s hot!). Let it cool for just a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers—trust me, you’ll want to avoid that! Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and make sure to discard any bones. You want just the juicy chicken to go back into your soup. Set the shredded chicken aside for now; we’ll bring it back into the mix soon!

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter

Now, let’s whip up the dumpling batter! In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick stir to blend everything together. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix it all until just combined—don’t overdo it, or your dumplings might end up a bit tough. We want them fluffy and tender, just like a cozy cloud!

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Here comes the fun part! With your broth still simmering away, take spoonfuls of your dumpling batter and drop them right into the pot. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic is the name of the game here! Once you’ve added them all, cover the pot with a lid and let them cook for about 15 minutes. This is super important—resist the urge to lift the lid! Keeping it closed helps the dumplings steam and rise perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

After those 15 minutes are up, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully lift the lid and add your shredded chicken back into the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything, and let it warm through for a few minutes. Now, you’re ready to ladle this comforting chicken and dumplings into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful of this hearty dish that’s sure to wrap you in warmth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and quick to make—perfect for weeknight dinners!
• Perfect for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
• Comforting and hearty—each bowl wraps you in warmth.
• Great for family dinners—everyone will love it!
• Flexible—swap in your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings!
• One-pot meal—less cleanup means more time to relax!
• Delicious leftovers—this dish tastes even better the next day!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure you nail this chicken and dumplings recipe! Here are some handy tips to keep in mind so you can avoid any common pitfalls and make the most of this comforting dish.

• Check your broth: Before dropping those dumplings in, give your broth a taste! You want to ensure it’s well-seasoned. If it feels a bit flat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch more salt or some extra herbs to brighten it up.
• Don’t skip the simmer: When cooking the dumplings, it’s super important to keep the lid on! This helps them steam and rise beautifully. Lifting the lid can let the steam escape, leading to flat dumplings—yikes!
• Watch the timing: Set a timer for those 15 minutes when cooking the dumplings. It’s tempting to check, but too much poking can ruin their fluffiness! Trust the process; they’ll turn out perfect.
• Adjust for texture: If you find your dumpling batter is too thick, you can add a splash more milk to loosen it up. Just remember, we want it to be spoonable but not runny.
• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to customize! If you have other veggies you love, toss them in. Just remember to chop them to a similar size as the carrots and celery, so they cook evenly.
• Leftover love: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just know that the dumplings may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep things nice and soupy!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious pot of chicken and dumplings that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Knowing the nutritional content of your food can be really helpful, especially when you’re trying to keep things balanced. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values for one serving of this comforting chicken and dumplings:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 25g

These figures are estimates based on the ingredients used, so keep that in mind as you whip up this hearty dish. Enjoy the comfort and flavor without any guilt—chicken and dumplings is all about cozying up, after all!

FAQ Section

Got questions about chicken and dumplings? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best answers to help you make this dish perfectly every time.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover chicken, feel free to skip the boiling step and just add the shredded chicken directly to the broth after it’s simmered with the veggies. Just make sure to heat it through so it’s nice and warm when you serve!

What vegetables can I add?

You can really customize this dish! While I love the classic combo of carrots and celery, feel free to add peas, green beans, or even corn. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. It’s all about making it your own!

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

Great question! The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through after about 15 minutes. If you’re unsure, you can gently poke one with a fork—if it feels firm and springs back, they’re ready! Just remember, no peeking until the time’s up!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time! I recommend cooking the chicken and broth the day before, then just reheat it and drop in the dumplings when you’re ready to serve. This way, the flavors have even more time to meld together!

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

While you can freeze the broth and chicken separately, I suggest freezing the broth without the dumplings. The dumplings can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Just store the broth in an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simmer the broth, then add fresh dumplings!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve whipped up this delicious chicken and dumplings, and maybe you’ve got a little left over (though I doubt it!). If you do, here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it later without losing any of that comforting flavor.

First, let your chicken and dumplings cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation from forming in your container, which can make everything a bit soggy. Once cool, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. If you’ve got a lot, you can even portion it out into smaller containers for easy reheating later. Just remember, the dumplings tend to soak up the broth, so don’t worry if it looks a bit thicker when you store it. It’s still going to be delicious!

Now, for storage: you can keep your chicken and dumplings in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend freezing the broth separately from the dumplings, as mentioned earlier. The broth can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers with the date so you know when you made it!

When it comes time to reheat, simply thaw the broth overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. Heat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If it’s looking a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. As for the dumplings, you can add them in during the last few minutes of reheating. Just make sure they get heated through without overcooking! And there you have it—easy peasy storage and reheating for your cozy chicken and dumplings!

Chicken and Dumplings: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort Food

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

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Description

A comforting dish of chicken and dumplings that is easy to prepare and perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, onion, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken and let it cool. Shred the meat and discard the bones.
5. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add milk and melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth.
8. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
9. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
10. Stir gently and serve hot.

Notes

• Make sure to simmer the dumplings without lifting the lid for best results.
• You can adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• 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: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, easy recipe, beginner cooking