Delicious Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to Savor

Recipe By:
Cathy
Updated:

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings to wrap around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy broth, accompanied by fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. This classic comfort food is not just a dish; it’s an experience, one that promises to transport you straight back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of simmering goodness lingers in the air.

Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I tried making this delightful dish. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I thought it would be the perfect way to impress my friends during our weekly dinner party. Spoiler alert: they were impressed, but only after asking if I had secretly hired a chef! The anticipation of pulling off this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe was both exhilarating and terrifying, but boy, was it worth it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe brings comfort food to new heights with its rich flavors and textures.
  • The preparation is simple enough for even novice cooks, ensuring success every time.
  • Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences!

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness; feel free to adjust based on serving size.

  • Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and crunch; slice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Celery: Diced celery contributes a lovely crunch and balances the flavors; choose firm stalks for best results.

  • Onion: A chopped onion gives depth to the broth; yellow onions work beautifully in this recipe.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth as a flavorful base; homemade is great if you have some on hand!

For the Dumplings:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making fluffy dumplings; sift before measuring for best results.

  • Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that makes the dumplings light and airy.

  • Milk: Whole milk works best here to create rich dumpling dough; almond or oat milk can also be used as alternatives.

  • Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden color in your dumplings.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Season your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pot. Sear each side until golden brown—about five minutes per side will do the trick!

Step 2: Add Fresh Vegetables

Once the chicken has browned nicely, remove it from the pot. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery into that glorious leftover oil. Sauté until they soften slightly—just about five minutes will enhance their flavors.

Step 3: Create the Broth

Return the seared chicken to the pot along with your low-sodium chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing it to simmer for about twenty minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Make Your Dumpling Dough

While your soup simmers away happily, grab another bowl for your dumpling dough! Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, melted butter, and milk together until you form a sticky dough—don’t worry about being too neat here!

Step 5: Drop Dumplings into Soup

Once your chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the pot. Now drop spoonfuls of your lovely dumpling mixture right onto the bubbling soup surface—don’t be shy!

Step 6: Cook Until Fluffy

Cover your pot tightly with a lid and allow those dumplings to steam over medium heat for about fifteen minutes. This magic moment transforms the gooey blobs into fluffy clouds worthy of any bowl!

Transfer everything into bowls and watch as everyone dives in like it’s their last meal on Earth! Drizzle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy—it’s all about presentation after all!

With this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe up your sleeve, you’re officially equipped to impress anyone who crosses your dinner table (friends or family alike). Enjoy every spoonful of warmth as laughter fills your home!

You Must Know

  • This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a cozy classic that warms the soul.
  • With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth, it’s comfort food at its finest.
  • Easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or quiet nights in.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown to lock in flavor. While that sizzles, chop your veggies, then simmer everything together for a rich broth. Finally, drop in the dumplings and let them steam to fluffy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor kick. You can also use biscuits instead of traditional dumplings for a fun twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough; gentle folding maintains their fluffiness.
  • Always taste your broth before serving—it’s where all the magic happens!
  • Lastly, allow the dish to rest before serving; this helps flavors meld beautifully.

Sometimes I make this dish when I need a pick-me-up. My friends swear it has magical powers; one bite and all worries seem to vanish!

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

To create a delicious homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, gather essential ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, and flour. For the dumplings, use all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add flavor to the dish. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a comforting meal that warms the soul.

How long does it take to prepare Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

The total time for preparing homemade chicken and dumplings is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes approximately 20 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your stove’s heat level and the size of the chicken pieces. It’s crucial to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the dumplings to guarantee a meal that is both safe and delicious.

Can I make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings in advance?

Yes, you can make homemade chicken and dumplings in advance! Prepare the chicken stew base ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew on low heat until warm. Then prepare fresh dumplings according to the recipe instructions. This method allows you to enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal with less effort on busy days.

What can I serve alongside Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

Homemade chicken and dumplings pair perfectly with various sides that enhance your meal experience. Consider serving a simple side salad for freshness or roasted vegetables for added nutrients. Cornbread or biscuits also complement this dish well, providing a delightful contrast in texture. If you prefer something light, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach can balance out the richness of the main dish beautifully.

Conclusion for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

In conclusion, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe offers a hearty meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients like chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, you can create comfort food that warms every heart. Remember to adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences for optimal flavor. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or during family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!

Print

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth alongside fluffy dumplings that are light and airy. With its irresistible aroma and heartwarming flavors, this recipe is sure to bring back memories of cozy family gatherings. Easy to prepare and adaptable to seasonal ingredients, it’s the ideal meal for impressing friends or enjoying a quiet night in.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes each). Remove from pot.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Return chicken to the pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, melted butter, and milk until sticky dough forms.
  5. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture onto the simmering broth.
  6. Cover tightly with a lid and steam dumplings for about 15 minutes until fluffy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: - Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. - For a twist, substitute traditional dumplings with biscuit dough.

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