When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic dish, rich in flavor and heartwarming goodness, is a beloved staple in many households. With tender chicken simmered in a savory broth and fluffy dumplings, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to warm your soul and bring joy to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to share with family or a dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create this delicious comfort food from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of family gatherings and warm kitchens. Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely love making this dish:
- Comfort Food Classic: There’s something inherently comforting about chicken and dumplings. This dish evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making it perfect for cold evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything is made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! The broth, chicken, and dumplings all come together in a single cooking vessel.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the broth, making this recipe adaptable to your family’s tastes.
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, hearty broth, and fluffy dumplings is both filling and satisfying, making it a complete meal.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring success even on your first attempt.
With this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, you can create a dish that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. Let’s explore why you should absolutely try this recipe!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, beyond its delightful taste:
- Health Benefits: Using a whole chicken allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal without preservatives and artificial flavors.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. Its mild flavor and comforting texture make it appealing to all ages.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time on busy days.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Feel free to use fresh, seasonal vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of this dish. Carrots, peas, and even corn can be great additions!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Hosting a dinner party? This dish is perfect for serving a crowd and can be easily doubled or tripled.
With so many benefits, it’s hard to resist the allure of this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients and utensils you’ll need to get started!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To create this scrumptious homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients for the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Recommended Utensils:
Here are some essential tools to ensure success with this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
Having the right ingredients and tools will set you up for success in making this delicious dish. Now that you’re ready, let’s dive into the detailed recipe steps!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your very own homemade chicken and dumplings:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, chicken broth, water, diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Make the Dumpling Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Remember, do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot with the broth and vegetables. Stir to combine everything well.
- Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking tips: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. Additionally, remember to check the doneness of the dumplings before serving, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your stove.
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftover chicken and dumplings?
Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to loosen the mixture.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings. The dumplings may lose their texture when frozen and reheated.
How do I make dumplings fluffy?
To make fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter. It’s important to keep the mixture lumpy and let it steam rather than boil in the broth.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings can be served on their own as a hearty meal. However, you can also pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may cook faster than a whole chicken.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a delightful way to bring comfort and warmth to your dining table. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make time and time again. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. For more delicious meals, check out our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Happy cooking!
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Ladle
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Ingredients
- 1 whole (about 4-5 pounds) Whole chicken
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 Celery stalks, diced
- 3 Carrots, sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, chicken broth, water, diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
