Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken: The main protein, usually a whole chicken cut into pieces for rich flavor.

Chicken broth: The base liquid that adds depth and warmth to the dish.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color when sliced.

Celery: Gives a nice crunch and fresh taste.

Onion: Adds savory flavor and aroma.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of spice and warmth.

All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dumplings, giving them structure.

Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

Milk: Moistens the dumpling batter and makes it tender.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.

One of the trickiest parts of making this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is dropping the dumpling batter into the simmering broth just right. If you don’t do it carefully, the dumplings might fall apart or stick together. Here’s a simple way to get it just right:

1. Use a spoon to scoop up a small amount of the batter. You don’t want it too big because it needs to cook all the way through.
2. Hold the spoon close to the surface of the simmering broth so the batter doesn’t drop from too high and splash everywhere.
3. Gently slide the batter off the spoon into the pot. Try not to drop it all at once; a slow, steady motion helps keep the dumplings separate.
4. Leave a little space between each dumpling so they don’t stick together while cooking.
5. Cover the pot right after adding the dumplings and let them cook without lifting the lid. This keeps the steam inside and helps the dumplings puff up and cook evenly.

Doing this makes cooking smoother because the dumplings hold their shape and cook perfectly fluffy instead of turning into a mushy mess. Plus, it keeps your kitchen cleaner since you avoid splashes.

When I first tried this, I dropped the batter from too high and ended up with a big clump of dumplings stuck together. It was a little disappointing, but I learned to be patient and gentle. Now, I even use two spoons to shape the dumplings better, like little pillows floating in the broth. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

• whole cut into pieces chicken - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.

• sliced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them a good alternative to carrots.

• sliced celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a slightly anise-like flavor that can add an interesting twist to the dish.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle complexity to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor that can add a unique twist.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making the dish a bit healthier.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Mixing baking soda with cream of tartar can mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can provide a similar consistency and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and is a healthier fat alternative.

• Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of both the chicken and the dumplings.
• Transfer the cooled chicken and dumplings into an airtight container. Ensure the container is large enough to avoid squishing the dumplings.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The chicken and vegetables will retain their freshness and flavor during this period.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture of the dumplings.
• Reheat the dish in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture appears too thick.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the chicken and dumplings in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring halfway through.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating the chicken and dumplings multiple times. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume.
• If the dumplings become too soft after reheating, you can add a fresh batch of dumplings to the reheated broth and cook them as per the original recipe instructions.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken and dumplings in a large pot.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and to rehydrate the dumplings.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and vegetables are heated through and the dumplings are soft and warm. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the chicken and dumplings to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If needed, add a bit of chicken broth to keep the dumplings moist.
  4. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the dish is heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through and the dumplings are soft and warm.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth to keep the dumplings moist.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and the dumplings are tender.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for combining and simmering the chicken, broth, and vegetables. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed to combine the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to make the dumpling batter.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the ingredients like flour, milk, and broth.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients such as salt, pepper, and baking powder.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the pot and mixing the dumpling batter.

• Knife: A knife is needed to chop the onion and slice the carrots and celery.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables.

• Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the chicken and dumplings once they are cooked.

• Tongs: Tongs can be used to handle the chicken pieces while cooking.

• Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

• Timer: A timer helps keep track of the cooking and simmering times for both the chicken and the dumplings.

• Spoon: A spoon is needed to drop the dumpling batter into the simmering broth.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop carrots, celery, and onion ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken.

Quick dumpling mix: Mix the dumpling batter while the broth is simmering to streamline the process.

Simmer efficiently: Use a large pot to ensure even cooking and reduce overall cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.