good chicken and dumplings recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best good chicken and dumplings recipe

I’ve been making chicken and dumplings for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love the way the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings melt in their mouths, and I appreciate how easy it is to make on a busy weeknight. The dish is a staple of comfort food, evoking memories of home and warmth.

The key to making great chicken and dumplings lies in the technique – you need to cook the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender, then add in the dumplings made from flour, salt, and water. It’s not a difficult recipe, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. The history of chicken and dumplings is unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in Europe, where it was cooked with scraps of meat and vegetables.

Over time, the dish was brought to America by European settlers, where it became a beloved comfort food. In the United States, chicken and dumplings are often associated with farm-to-table cuisine, where they’re served with fresh vegetables and herbs. To make this recipe work for your family, start by cooking the chicken until it’s tender – this can be done on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Then add in the dumplings made from flour, salt, and water. You can also add in vegetables like carrots or peas for added flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

One of the best things about this recipe is its health benefits – you can use low-sodium broth and skip adding extra salt. The dish is also high in protein from the chicken, making it a great option for families who need to watch their budgets.

Classic Chicken and Dumplings

4.7 from 1543 votes

This comforting dish features tender chicken in a creamy sauce with fluffy dumplings. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano

For the Gravy

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
3/4 cup milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, add chicken breasts, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2Pour in chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
3Stir to combine.
4Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Set aside.
6In a small bowl, mix flour and butter to form a paste.
7Stir this paste into the pot with the vegetables and broth.
8Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
9This should take about 3-5 minutes.
10Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.
11In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
12Add melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined.
13The dough should be slightly sticky.
14Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken and gravy mixture.
15Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
16Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking.
17Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
18This will allow the flavors to meld together and the dumplings to absorb some of the gravy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with a lid
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. You can also add frozen peas or corn to the dish for extra vegetables.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want something hearty for your family gatherings.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time – simply cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Reheat with some additional broth if needed, then serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Dumplings

Q1: What type of flour should I use for the dumplings?

A1: You can use all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a lighter texture.

Q2: How long should I cook the chicken?

A2: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – this should take about 30-40 minutes on high heat or 1-2 hours on low heat.

Q3: Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade broth?

A3: Yes, you can use store-bought broth as a substitute – just be aware that it may not have as rich a flavor as homemade broth.

Q4: Why do my dumplings keep falling apart?

A4: This could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much liquid – try adding more flour or reducing the amount of liquid used.
Q5: How do I keep my leftovers fresh?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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