Craving comfort food? This easy homemade classic chicken and dumplings recipe is a weeknight dinner staple made with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings – Save for later and enjoy a delicious family favorite meal tonight

Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of classic chicken and dumplings to soothe the soul. This dish is a masterclass in simplicity, leveraging everyday ingredients to create a culinary experience that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and versatility, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create a truly impressive meal with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this classic chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and the use of readily available ingredients, making it a practical choice for any occasion.
Ease of preparation: The steps involved are straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that even the most hectic of schedules can accommodate a delicious, homemade meal.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it required much more effort, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress without the stress.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of a great chicken and dumplings recipe starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can be substituted with thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. For the dumplings, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and butter are essential, though you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add depth to the broth, and while you can use frozen options, fresh will always yield the best flavor. Finally, chicken broth is crucial; homemade is ideal, but a good quality store-bought version will also work well. Practical substitutions and variations can enhance the dish, such as adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth, or using vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Measure out your flour, baking powder, and spices. This prep work is crucial as it sets the stage for a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they’re tender and lightly browned. Then, add the chicken to the pot, cooking until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, and set it aside to rest before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: With the chicken set aside, pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful browned bits. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Then, roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness, and use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the dumplings.
Step 4: Once your dumplings are ready, add them to the simmering broth, covering the pot with a lid. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have floated to the surface. While the dumplings are cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the pot. Season the broth with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Handy Tips

One of the most helpful tips for making this recipe is to not overmix the dumpling dough. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, then let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out. This will help the dumplings to be light and fluffy rather than dense and heavy.
Another tip is to not overcrowd the pot with dumplings. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly and float to the surface.
For a creamier broth, you can add a little bit of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking time. This adds a richness and depth to the dish that’s hard to resist.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and the dumplings. For the chicken, you want to ensure it’s cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking. For the dumplings, a gentle simmer is key. If the broth is boiling too vigorously, the dumplings may break apart or become tough. Ideally, you want to maintain a temperature where the broth is just barely simmering, with an occasional gentle bubble rising to the surface. This ensures the dumplings cook slowly and evenly, retaining their texture and flavor.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish primarily comes from the vegetables and the texture of the dumplings. To achieve a nice crunch, make sure not to overcook the vegetables during the initial sauté. They should retain some of their crispness to provide a pleasant contrast to the soft dumplings and chicken. For the dumplings, cooking them until they float to the surface usually indicates they’re done, but be sure to check one by cutting into it; it should be cooked through but still light and fluffy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Using a mixture of all-purpose and cake flour for the dumplings can yield a lighter, more tender result. The lower protein content in cake flour helps to reduce gluten development, making the dumplings less dense.
Adding a bit of acidity, such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to the broth can help to brighten the flavors and balance out the richness of the dish.
For easier cleanup, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables in a bit of oil first, before adding the broth. This helps to prevent the browned bits from sticking too much to the bottom of the pan, making the post-meal cleanup much simpler.

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
For reheating, simply place the desired amount in a pot, add a bit of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze it without the dumplings, as they can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Simply cook the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve the thawed and reheated chicken and broth.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps to a new neighbor, a friend who’s under the weather, or as a welcome gift, there are several creative ways to package it. You can fill mason jars with individual portions, topping each jar with a decorative lid and a ribbon around the neck. Another option is to use microwave-safe containers that can be reheated easily, wrapping each in a tea towel and tying with twine for a cozy, homespun look. Don’t forget to include a card with reheating instructions and a personal message to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cumin for a smoky depth, or some dried thyme for an herbal note. Each spice can dramatically change the flavor profile, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect blend.
🌟 Creative toppings: Adding some freshness on top can elevate the dish. Chopped scallions, a sprinkle of parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream can add a burst of flavor and color.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the chicken with extra firm tofu or tempeh, marinated and cooked in a similar manner. This not only changes the protein source but can also alter the cooking time and method, requiring some experimentation to get right.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your dumplings are too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together, then stop. If they’re too soggy, they might have been overcooked or the broth was too hot, causing them to break apart.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing a particular ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, if you don’t have chicken broth, you can use beef broth or even a vegetable broth as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the chicken for doneness by cutting into it; if it’s still pink, it needs more cooking time. For the dumplings, if they’re not cooking evenly, try reducing the heat or covering the pot to trap the steam and heat.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the chicken and broth mixture for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze without the dumplings and cook them fresh when reheating.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe as stated is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour in the dumplings. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but be aware that cooking time may be slightly longer, especially for the dumplings. Ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.

Conclusion

Classic chicken and dumplings is a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, perfect for any time of the year. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is adaptable and forgiving, allowing for your personal touch and creativity. So, go ahead, give it a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. The process of cooking and sharing meals is just as important as the end result, and the love and effort you put into this dish will surely be felt by all who taste it.

Hearty Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe