How to Make a Delicious Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a hearty soup made from chicken and vegetables, thickened with flour dumplings. This comforting meal has roots in Southern American cuisine but has since been enjoyed by many around the world.

With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe can be a delightful addition to any meal. If you're looking for something warm and nourishing, chicken and dumplings will not disappoint. In this article, we'll guide you through making a delicious batch of this traditional dish.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (optional for thickening)
3 cups chicken broth or stock
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Rice or noodles (optional side dish)

Instructions

Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually add milk until it forms a dough. Knead lightly into a ball. Roll out to about 1/4-inch thick and cut into strips. These are your dumplings.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until it is heated through but not browned. Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup if desired.
Add the cooked chicken broth to the pot with the chicken. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the flavors have blended well together.
Drop in the prepared dumplings into the simmering soup one at a time; you want them to be separated so they don't stick together. Cover and let sit over low heat for approximately 7-10 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through. It’s important that these cook slowly and gently as to not break.
Serve chicken and dumplings hot with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for garnish.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total time required to prepare Chicken and Dumplings is approximately 45 minutes. The cooking process itself takes about 30 minutes, but you'll need an additional 15 minutes for the dumplings to finish cooking gently.

How to Perfect Your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The key to making a successful batch of chicken and dumplings is in the quality of your broth. If you use homemade chicken stock, it will add immense depth of flavor that canned or boxed broth cannot match. The freshness of your ingredients also makes a difference. Make sure your vegetables are fresh and ripe, and that your chicken is cooked through but not dry.

To enhance the taste further, consider adding some finely chopped carrots, celery, onions, or even green beans. These veggies will add color, texture, and more nutrients to your dish. You can also include a side of rice or noodles if you're looking for something different from the usual dumplings.

Health Considerations

If you are watching your health, you might want to reduce the amount of fat by using skim milk instead of whole milk and cooking with olive oil rather than butter. You can also add more vegetables to increase fiber content. However, if you're looking for a richer flavor without breaking the calorie budget, use whole milk and butter as described in the recipe.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a simple meal; it's a comforting reminder of home cooking traditions. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this dish will bring warmth to your table every time you prepare it. Try it out today and enjoy the rich flavors of this delicious soup!

To ensure that your chicken is thoroughly cooked before adding to the dumplings, check for no pink in the thickest part and ensuring that any juices run clear.