When it comes to comfort food, few things beat a bowl of hearty chicken and dumplings. This classic dish has been loved by generations and is a staple in many households. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold winter night, chicken and dumplings are the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll explore some classic chicken and dumplings recipes that are sure to please your taste buds and warm your soul.
The Basics of Chicken and Dumplings
The Chicken
When it comes to the chicken in your chicken and dumplings, there are a few options to consider. You can use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, or you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re using bone-in chicken, you’ll want to cook it in the broth until it is tender and falling off the bone. If you’re using boneless chicken, you can add it to the broth during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
The Broth
The broth is an important part of your chicken and dumplings, as it provides the base for the soup and gives it its rich, savory flavor. You can use chicken broth or stock, or you can make your own by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for several hours. Some recipes call for cream of chicken soup, which can add a creamy texture and additional flavor to the dish.
The Vegetables
The vegetables in your chicken and dumplings can vary depending on your preferences, but most recipes call for carrots, celery, and onions. You can also add other vegetables such as peas or corn to give it some extra flavor and texture. The vegetables are typically cooked in the broth with the chicken, so they become tender and flavorful.
The Dumplings
The dumplings are the star of the show in chicken and dumplings. They are made from a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and milk, and are dropped into the broth to cook. The key to making fluffy and tender dumplings is to be careful not to overwork the dough. Mix the ingredients together until just combined, then drop the dumplings into the simmering broth with a spoon.
Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe #1: Grandma’s Recipe
This classic chicken and dumplings recipe has been handed down through generations of my family and is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a simple, no-frills recipe that is easy to make and always hits the spot.Ingredients:- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces- 1 onion, chopped- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped- 3 celery stalks, chopped- 6 cups chicken broth- Salt and pepper- 2 cups flour- 4 tsp baking powder- 1 tsp salt- 1 1/2 cups milkDirections:1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 1-2 hours or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to make the dumpling dough. Mix until just combined.3. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir.5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe #2: Southern Style
If you’re looking for a classic Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe, look no further. This version is rich and comforting, with a creamy broth and fluffy dumplings that are sure to satisfy.Ingredients:- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts- 3 cups chicken broth- 1 can cream of chicken soup- 1 onion, chopped- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped- 3 stalks celery, chopped- 2 tsp garlic powder- 2 tsp onion powder- 2 tsp dried thyme- 1 tsp salt- 1/2 tsp black pepper- 2 cups flour- 4 tsp baking powder- 1 tsp salt- 1/2 cup butter, melted- 1 cup milkDirections:1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk to make the dumpling dough. Mix until just combined.3. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.4. Shred the chicken using two forks, then add it back to the pot and stir.5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe #3: Quick and Easy
If you’re short on time but still craving a bowl of comforting chicken and dumplings, this quick and easy recipe is the perfect solution. It uses store-bought dumplings and rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.Ingredients:- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded- 4 cups chicken broth- 2 cans cream of chicken soup- 1 onion, chopped- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped- 2 stalks celery, chopped- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning- 1/2 tsp garlic powder- 1/2 tsp onion powder- 1/2 tsp salt- 1/4 tsp black pepper- 1 package store-bought dumplingsDirections:1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, carrots, celery, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.2. Add the dumplings to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 10-15 minutes.3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
The Perfect Comfort Food
No matter which recipe you choose, chicken and dumplings are the perfect comfort food. They’re easy to make, delicious, and satisfying, making them a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold winter night, these classic recipes are sure to please. Give them a try and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of chicken and dumplings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and happy cooking!
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