Take a seat in the comfort of a time tested favourite with our Heavenly Chicken Dumplings recipe. This hearty recipe is a true comfort food, ideal for chilly nights or whenever you yearn for a flavour of the past. This recipe will take you to a land of unadulterated gastronomic joy with its flavorful herbs, succulent chicken bits, and fluffy dumplings. Prepare to savour each bite of this comforting meal!
Ingredients Chicken and Dumplings
To recreate this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (475ml) water
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
To begin, follow these step-by-step directions to create a scrumptious pot of Chicken and Dumplings:
1/ In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2/ In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3/ Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4/ Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5/ Return the chicken to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6/ While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined.
7/ Remove the lid from the pot and drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the stew. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8/ Discard the bay leaf. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Preparation Time
The preparation time for this Chicken and Dumplings recipe is approximately 40 minutes, including both cooking and prep time.
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or leftovers for a few days.
Craving a comforting and delicious meal? Look no further than these homemade Chicken and Dumplings! Perfect for cozy nights in.
Tips and Tricks Chicken and Dumplings
Use Bone-In Chicken: For the most flavorful broth, use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks. The bones add depth of flavor during cooking.
Sear the Chicken: Before simmering, sear the chicken in a hot pan until it’s browned. This step enhances the flavor of the dish.
Homemade Stock: If you have time, make your own chicken stock by simmering chicken parts, vegetables, and herbs in water. It will elevate the flavor of your dish.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a burst of flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best taste.
Vegetables: Feel free to add a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas to make your dish more nutritious and colorful.
Dumpling Consistency: When making dumplings, aim for a dough that’s not too sticky. You can adjust the consistency with a bit more flour if needed.
Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Be gentle when mixing the dumpling dough, and avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can make the dumplings tough.
Uniform Dumpling Size: Make sure to shape your dumplings into roughly equal-sized portions so they cook evenly.
Simmer Gently: Once the dumplings are in, simmer the dish gently. Rapid boiling can cause the dumplings to break apart.
Check for Doneness: To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick or a knife into one. It should come out clean without any doughy residue.
Thicken as Needed: If your broth is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a bit of flour with water and adding it to the simmering broth. Stir until it reaches your desired thickness.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. A touch of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken and dumplings rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
Remember that chicken and dumplings can be a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it to your taste. Whether you like it creamy, brothy, or loaded with veggies, these tips will help you create a comforting and satisfying meal.
NUTRITION FACTS
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for Chicken and Dumplings. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size:
Serving Size: A typical serving of chicken and dumplings is about 1 cup (240 milliliters) or roughly 8-10 ounces (225-280 grams), but this can vary.
Calories: Approximately 200-300 calories per serving.
Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving.
Dietary Fiber: About 2-4 grams per serving, mainly from vegetables and sometimes dumplings.
Sugar: Minimal to no sugar unless additional ingredients with sugar are added.
Fat: Approximately 8-15 grams per serving.
Saturated Fat: About 2-4 grams per serving.
Cholesterol: Around 20-40 milligrams per serving, primarily from the chicken.
Sodium: About 500-800 milligrams per serving, but this can vary depending on the recipe and seasonings.
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken and dumplings may provide vitamins like B12, B6, and minerals like iron and potassium. The exact content can vary based on ingredients.
Please note that the nutrition facts for chicken and dumplings can vary based on the specific recipe, including variations in the type of dumplings used and the method of preparation. If you have specific dietary requirements or are concerned about the nutritional content, it’s advisable to refer to the nutrition label on the specific product or dish you are consuming or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information.
