Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try this recipe! I’m practically giddy just thinking about it. Remember those cold, rainy days as a kid when Mom would pull out her trusty pot and whip up something warm and comforting? Well, this is it, folks. This easy chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the grown-up version of that childhood magic, but here’s the best part: it’s surprisingly simple. Forget hours slaving over a hot stove! This version is a lifesaver, especially on busy weeknights. Honestly, it’s quicker to make than ordering takeout, and it’s a million times better. Plus, my kids ask for this *all the time*, which is the ultimate seal of approval, right? It’s just one of those recipes that makes everyone feel good, from the first spoonful to the last. This is way better than your average stew, it’s like a warm hug from the inside out. And if you’re thinking, “Oh, chicken and dumplings, that sounds complicated,” trust me, it’s not. We’re talking serious comfort food made easy.
What is easy chicken dumplings?
So, what exactly *is* easy chicken and dumplings? Well, think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially a hearty, savory stew loaded with tender, shredded chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. But here’s the star of the show: fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that deliciousness. The dumplings in this recipe are super easy, almost like drop biscuits, that cook right in the stew. There’s no need to fuss with rolling out dough or complicated techniques! The name itself conjures up images of cozy kitchens and family gatherings, doesn’t it? It’s a classic for a reason, and this easy version stays true to that comforting spirit. It’s the perfect meal when you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and just plain delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways you’re going to fall head over heels for this easy chicken and dumplings recipe. First, the flavorWhat is the combination of savory chicken, perfectly seasoned broth, and those soft, dreamy dreams? What are the best dumplings? What is a symphony of flavors that just warms you from the inside out?simplicityI am not kidding when I say this is a one pot wonder. Most of the cooking happens in the same pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Another great thing is the crockpot.Cost-Chicken is almost always affordable, especially if you grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, or even eat it at home. What are some ways to use up leftover roast chicken? What is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on taste? How do you feed a crowd without breaking the bank?versatility is a real game-changer. You can easily adapt it to your taste. Add your favorite veggies, or play around with herbs and spices. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen. What I love most about this is that it reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking. It’s a recipe that has been passed down and updated through generations. This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for any time of year. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make on a weeknight, or have a party, this will be sure to please. Compared to other chicken and dumplings recipes, this one stands out because of its ease and incredible flavor profile.
How do I make easy chicken dumplings?
Quick Overview
What’s the lowdown? I’m going to start by sautéing some veggies to build a flavorful base. What is a rotisserie chicken? How do you make soup? While that simmers and gets all happy, we’ll whip up the dumpling batter. Is it a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, milk, and butter? Once the soup is bubbling, we’ll drop spoonfuls of the batter right into the pot. What are the best dumplings to cook in a stew? In 15 minutes, you’ll have a pot of pure comfort. See? Easy peasy!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour. I like to use unbleached, but any all-purpose flour works. It’s best to measure your flour correctly using a kitchen scale, or by fluffing your flour first with a spoon, then spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. This is one of the most important steps.
* 2 teaspoons baking powder. This is what makes the dumplings rise and become fluffy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh – it loses its potency over time.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt. Salt enhances all the flavors.
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed. This gives the dumplings a tender, flaky texture. Make sure your butter is cold to prevent the dumplings from spreading too much.
* 3/4 cup milk. I’ve tested this with whole milk, 2%, and even almond milk (it actually made it even creamier!), so use whatever you have on hand.
For the Filling:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil. This is for sautéing the vegetables. You can use any neutral oil * 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work great. * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped Adds sweetness and color. * 2 celery stalks, chopped. For a little crunch. * 4 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. How do I make my own chicken broth? How do I make a rotisserie Chicken Recipe? * 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a warm, earthy flavor. * Salt and pepper to taste. For a little herbal depth. Season generously, but adjust to your liking.
For the Glaze:
* Optional: A pat of butter or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven – the bigger, the better, to avoid splatter. Turn the heat to medium. While it’s heating up, chop all your vegetables: the onion, carrots, and celery. You want them roughly the same size, about 1/2-inch dice, so they cook evenly. Also, make sure your chicken is ready to go. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it or dice it into bite-sized pieces. That makes the whole process much easier!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What makes a good dumpling? I always whisk it for at least 30 seconds to make sure everything is combined. Is it a small step, but it makes .a big difference in the final texture? The mixture should be light and airy.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingers, or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter helps to create those tender, flaky layers in the dumplings. In a separate small bowl, whisk the milk. Now, if you’re feeling fancy, you could add a pinch of sugar to the milk for a slightly sweeter dumpling, but it’s totally optional.
Step 4: Combine
If you have a dough, pour the milk into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your dumplings tough. Is it okay to make a dough that’s soft but still sticky? If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at ta time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add a touch more flour.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Heat the Olive Oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp – don’t let them brown too much. Add the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Once the broth is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the pot. I like to use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop. Don’t worry about making them perfect little spheres; they’ll puff up as they cook. Make sure the dumplings aren’t touching each other, give them space to expand. Cover the pot with a lid. This traps the steam and helps the dumplings cook through. Don’t lift the lid too often while they cook – you want that steam to do its magic!
Step 7: Bake
Let the dumplings simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. How do you know if a toothpick is inserted in the center of Ice Cream? What is the best way to come out If you’re not sure, you can gently cut one open. It should be cooked through but still moist. If the soup looks too thick, you can add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. Ovens vary so just keep a close watch on the dumplings.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the dumplings are cooked, take the pot off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you want, you can add a pat of butter to each serving for extra richness, or sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. This is where you can get creative! Maybe add a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground Black Pepper. This is a simple dish with a lot of room for personal touches!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Ladle the easy chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed warm. I love serving it with a crusty piece of bread for soaking up all the delicious broth. This recipe is pretty perfect as is but feel free to jazz it up with a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of your favorite fresh herbs like parsley or thyme! Trust me, this will disappear quickly.
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve with this comfort food? What is a good side dish for chicken and dumplings? What are some ideas, depending on when you’re serving it:
For Breakfast:If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of Greek yogurt with honey. What is the contrast to the savory flavors? What are some good combinations of coffee and tea?
For Brunch:What are some good brunch recipes? A light salad with a simple vinaigrette, or some fresh fruit, would brighten the meal. Mimosas, bellinis and other brunch cocktails pair beautifully with this dish.
As Dessert: If you’re having this as a dessert, it’s best to have a lighter meal. Serve with a simple dessert like a fruit cobbler or lemon bars after. To balance the richness, a light, refreshing dessert like a fruit sorbet or a slice of lemon cake is perfect.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some easy side dishes to make for a late night meal? What is the perfect dish for a night on the couch?
I often serve this with a side of biscuits, because, let’s be honest, you can never have too many carbs when you’re going for comfort food! This is a go-to meal in my family. I love pairing this with a crisp, green salad and a glass of iced tea for a complete, satisfying meal. My family always appreciates it, and leftovers are a bonus! It’s a versatile meal that’s sure to please.
How do I make my easy chicken and dumplings?
Alright, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to make your easy chicken and dumplings even more amazing. These are things I’ve learned over the years, sometimes the hard way!
Zucchini Prep: This recipe doesn’t use zucchini, but you could definitely add it. If you want to add some zucchini, a great tip is to grate it using the coarse side of a box grater. Make sure to remove the excess moisture, by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. This will stop it from making your dish too watery.
Mixing Advice: When mixing the dumpling batter, don’t overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your dumplings tough. You want a light touch. The batter should be just combined. It should look like it will be fluffy, light, and a bit shaggy. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh! Old baking powder won’t give you those perfect, fluffy dumplings. I always double-check the expiration date on my baking powder before I start. Also, remember to measure your flour correctly, as this can change the overall texture.
Swirl Customization The fun thing about these dumplings is that you can make them your own. Feel free to add herbs like fresh chives or parsley to the batter for extra flavor and visual appeal. Even the color of the dumplings change with the herbs. It’s such an easy way to add a bit of elegance to a simple dish.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment! I’ve used different types of milk in the batter, and they all work. Whole milk gives you the richest dumplings, but 2% or even almond milk will still do the trick. You can also play with the chicken. Leftover roasted chicken is a great option, or you can use store-bought cooked chicken. If you’re short on time, use a good quality pre-made broth to simplify the process, or homemade broth for that extra boost of flavor.
Baking Tips: The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made on the stovetop, so you don’t need to worry about baking. Make sure to adjust your heat! You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, or your dumplings might fall apart. Cover the pot tightly to trap the steam and help the dumplings cook through evenly. Be careful not to lift the lid too often, as this will release the steam. Also, be patient! Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for the full cooking time to get them perfect.
Glaze Variations: This recipe does not have a glaze, but if you want to add some extra richness, a pat of butter on top before serving, is perfect. Or, a sprinkle of fresh herbs is always a great finishing touch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, what do you do if you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, probably won’t happen!)? Here’s how to store and reheat your easy chicken and dumplings for maximum deliciousness:
Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the leftovers within a couple of hours, you can leave it out at room temperature. Just make sure to cover the pot to prevent it from drying out. If your home is hot, it is best to store it in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the soup and dumplings together; they actually get even better as the flavors meld overnight! A glass container works great, but any container with a tight-fitting lid will do. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping!
Freezer Instructions: This dish freezes wonderfully! Transfer the cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: You don’t need to glaze for this dish, but feel free to add the pats of butter when you are ready to serve or when reheating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my super-secret, super-easy recipe for chicken and dumplings! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to your table. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It’s a dish that will instantly become a family favorite, trust me. If you loved this, be sure to try my other soup recipes, like my creamy tomato soup or my hearty lentil soup. They’re both equally delicious and satisfying! And, please, please, PLEASE, let me know what you think in the comments below! Did you add any fun variations? What did your family think? I can’t wait to hear all about your chicken and dumpling adventures! Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 0.25 cup Butter, melted
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 2 carrots Carrots, chopped
- 0.5 tsp Dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp Dried sage
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk and melted butter; stir until a shaggy dough forms. Drop by spoonfuls into the simmering broth.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the broth, along with the thyme and sage. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
