Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Are you in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal? Chicken and dumplings might be just what you need! Making this classic dish at home can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. With a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can have a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

The secret to good chicken and dumplings is to use flavorful broth and tender chicken. You can use store-bought broth or make your own by cooking chicken bones and vegetables in water for a few hours. If you have leftover cooked chicken, it’s perfect for this recipe. If not, simply boil some chicken breasts or thighs until they’re cooked through. Once your chicken and broth are ready, it’s time to make the dumplings. Don’t worry if you’ve never made them before – they’re basically just balls of dough that cook in the broth. Let’s get started on making this comforting dish!

Ingredients

Making chicken and dumplings from scratch may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients it’s actually quite simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the broth:

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)

10 cups water

1 onion, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 bay leaf

1 tsp salt

For the dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Make the broth

Place the chicken, water, onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broth is flavorful.

Step 2: Shred the chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Use a fork or your hands to shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set aside.

Step 3: Strain the broth

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the vegetables and bay leaf. Return the broth to the pot and bring back to a simmer.

Step 4: Make the dumplings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 5: Add the dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 6: Add the shredded chicken

Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Let cook for a few minutes to warm up the chicken.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and cracked black pepper, if desired.

Tips

Use good chicken

The key to flavorful chicken and dumplings is using a good-quality chicken. Look for chicken that is free-range and hormone-free, if possible.

Don’t overwork the dough

When making the dumpling dough, don’t overmix it or the dumplings will be tough. Mix the dough until it just comes together.

Adjust the consistency

If the broth is too thick, add more water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Make it your own

Feel free to add your own twists to the recipe. Add some chopped herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to the dough for extra flavor. Or stir in some frozen peas or corn with the shredded chicken for added texture.

Gathering Ingredients and Prepping Your Kitchen

Before you get started on making chicken and dumplings, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and a clean kitchen space to work in. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand for this recipe:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

Make sure you have all of these ingredients before you start cooking.

2. Prepare Your Kitchen

Before you start cooking, it’s a good idea to have all of your kitchen tools and equipment ready to go. Here are some items you’ll need:

• A large pot or Dutch oven
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk
• A slotted spoon
• A wooden spoon
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A colander

Make sure your kitchen is clean and organized before you begin cooking. This will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and set aside. You’ll be adding it to the pot later.

4. Chop the Vegetables

Peel and dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the carrots and celery.

5. Make the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mixture. Mix together until a dough forms.

6. Heat the Pot

Place the pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and let it melt together.

7. Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the carrots and celery and continue to cook for a few more minutes until they start to soften.

8. Add the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Let the chicken cook for a few minutes until it is no longer pink.

9. Add the Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

10. Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot, spacing them out so they have room to expand. Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Once your homemade chicken and dumplings are finished cooking, ladle them into bowls and enjoy!

Ingredients needed to make homemade chicken and dumplings

Making homemade chicken and dumplings is an easy and delicious meal that provides a warm and comforting treat. Here are some of the essential ingredients that you will need to make homemade chicken and dumplings.

Chicken

The most important ingredient in homemade chicken and dumplings is the chicken itself. Chicken breasts are a healthy and lean protein option and work best for this recipe. You can also use a whole chicken or chicken thighs, but it will take longer to cook.

Vegetables

Celery, carrots, and onions are the three primary vegetables required for this recipe. These vegetables add essential nutrients to the dish. Chop them into small pieces, so they cook faster and blend better with the broth.

Flour and Butter

Flour and butter are added to make a roux, which helps to thicken the broth and give a creamy texture to the dish. All-purpose flour works best here. The butter adds richness and creaminess to the dish, but you can use olive oil or canola oil if you prefer.

Spices and Seasonings

The spices and seasonings are what make this dish so delicious. Thyme, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add depth of flavor and aroma to the dish. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on your preference.

Biscuit Dough

The biscuit dough is used to make the dumplings for the dish. Although you can make the dough from scratch, using canned biscuits is a quick and easy alternative that still results in delicious dumplings. Be sure to roll the dough into thin, snake-like strands for the best texture.

In conclusion, the homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a classic Southern dish that is easy to make. With the right ingredients, you can create a hearty, comforting meal that your family and friends will love.

Time to Dig In and Enjoy!

There you have it, folks – the ultimate guide on how to make homemade chicken and dumplings. We hope that this recipe has not only tantalized your taste buds but also inspired you to try new recipes in the kitchen. Remember, the key to a delicious plate of chicken and dumplings is taking your time and adding that extra bit of love to your cooking. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more food inspiration!