Looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this recipe for Simple Chicken and Dumplings for Dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a comforting and flavorful dish on the table in no time. Tender chunks of chicken simmered in a rich and creamy broth, paired with fluffy dumplings, make for the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken and dumplings dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken
The main ingredient for this recipe is chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or any other parts of the chicken that you prefer. Boiling and shredding the chicken will ensure tender and flavorful meat in your dumplings.
Vegetables
Vegetables add both color and nutrition to your chicken and dumplings. Classic vegetables to include are carrots, celery, and onions. However, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to suit your taste.
Flour
Flour is an essential ingredient for making the dumplings. It provides the structure and texture to the dough, making it the perfect base for the flavorful broth.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is added to the dumpling dough to give it a light and fluffy texture. It helps the dumplings rise while simmering in the broth, creating a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
Milk
Milk is used to bind the dumpling dough together. It adds moisture and richness to the dumplings, making them even more enjoyable to eat.
Butter
Butter is incorporated into the dumpling dough to add flavor and tenderness. It also helps create a golden-brown crust when the dumplings cook in the broth.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient that enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. It adds depth and balance to the dish, ensuring that each bite is seasoned to perfection.
Pepper
Pepper provides a hint of spice and complements the other flavors in the dish. It adds a subtle kick to the chicken and dumplings, making them even more delicious.
Preparation
To prepare a mouthwatering chicken and dumplings dish, follow these simple steps:
Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by boiling the chicken in a large pot of water until it is fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later use.
Prepare the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Set the dough aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Cook the Vegetables
In a separate skillet, sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly golden. This step helps bring out their flavors and adds a delicious depth to the dish. Once cooked, set the vegetables aside.
Make the Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a flavorful broth for your chicken and dumplings.
Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring all the components of your dish together. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and the prepared broth to a large pot. Bring the pot to a boil and then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Allow the dumplings to cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
Cooking the Chicken
Before you can add the shredded chicken to your chicken and dumplings, it needs to be cooked and prepared properly. The best way to cook the chicken is by boiling it. Start by placing the chicken in a large pot filled with enough water to fully submerge it. Bring the water to a boil and let the chicken cook until it is no longer pink in the center. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small, manageable pieces. Shredding the chicken allows it to be evenly distributed throughout the dish, ensuring that each spoonful is filled with tender bites of chicken.
Preparing the Dumplings
The dumplings are the star of the chicken and dumplings dish. They are soft, fluffy, and a perfect complement to the savory broth and tender chicken. To make the dumplings, start by combining flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. Next, cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands. The goal is to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures that the dumplings will be tender and buttery. Gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring continuously, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. Once the dough is formed, set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Cooking the Vegetables
Vegetables are an essential part of any chicken and dumplings recipe. They add flavor, color, and nutritional value to the dish. To cook the vegetables, start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a little oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the vegetables of your choice. Classic vegetables to include are carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly golden, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This step helps bring out the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside until needed.
Making the Broth
The broth is the heart of the chicken and dumplings dish. It provides the base for all the flavors to come together and creates a comforting and flavorful experience. To make the broth, start by combining chicken broth, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer in a large pot. The seasonings can vary depending on your taste preferences, but some popular options include thyme, parsley, garlic powder, or onion powder. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the seasonings are fully incorporated. Next, bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and delicious broth for your chicken and dumplings.
Combining Everything
Now that you have prepared all the individual components of your dish, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large pot, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and the prepared broth. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together, making sure that each spoonful of the dish has a balanced combination of chicken, vegetables, and broth. Once everything is combined, turn the heat to medium-high and bring the pot to a boil. When the broth is boiling, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot. The dumplings will cook in the simmering broth and puff up to become soft, fluffy clouds of goodness. Let the dumplings simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
Serving
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and satisfying dish that is best enjoyed hot. Once your dish is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up. Carefully ladle the chicken, vegetables, dumplings, and broth into individual bowls. Make sure each bowl has a generous amount of each component, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavors and textures of the dish. Chicken and dumplings can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a more complete dining experience. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, make sure to enjoy it right away while it’s steaming hot. The comforting warmth and delightful flavors of the dish are guaranteed to make you feel cozy and content.
Variations
While the classic chicken and dumplings recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to add an extra touch of flavor and individuality to your dish.
Add Herbs or Spices for Extra Flavor
If you’re looking to amp up the flavor profile of your chicken and dumplings, consider adding herbs or spices to the dish. This simple addition can take your dish to a whole new level. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, or parsley, which add a fresh and aromatic element to the dish. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Adding herbs or spices allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences, ensuring a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Use Different Vegetables
While classic chicken and dumplings usually include carrots, celery, and onions, there is no strict rule about which vegetables you can use. Feel free to experiment and add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Some tasty options include peas, corn, green beans, or even mushrooms. Adding different vegetables not only adds variety but also introduces different flavors and textures to the dish. It’s a great way to make the recipe your own and cater to the preferences of your family and friends.
Tips
To make your chicken and dumplings even more enjoyable and stress-free, here are some helpful tips:
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
If you’re short on time or just looking for a convenient option, consider using rotisserie chicken for your chicken and dumplings. Rotisserie chicken is already cooked and seasoned, making it a quick and easy shortcut. Simply shred the chicken from the rotisserie and incorporate it into your dish. The pre-cooked chicken adds a depth of flavor and saves you the time and effort of boiling and shredding the chicken yourself.
Double the Recipe for Leftovers
Chicken and dumplings is a dish that tastes even better the next day. To ensure you have leftovers to enjoy, consider doubling the recipe. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish for lunch or dinner the following day, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Leftover chicken and dumplings can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and maintain its delicious flavors.
With this comprehensive article, you now have all the information and guidance you need to create a simple and delicious chicken and dumplings dish. Gather the ingredients, follow the preparation steps, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, chicken and dumplings are sure to impress and satisfy. So get cooking and enjoy a bowl of warm and tasty chicken and dumplings today!
