Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This timeless recipe combines tender chicken pieces with soft, pillowy dumplings in a savory broth, creating a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cold days or when you simply crave the coziness of home-cooked food. I recently decided to bring this classic dish to my kitchen, aiming to recreate the flavors and textures that have made it a beloved meal across generations. The process was straightforward and deeply rewarding, resulting in a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that was an instant hit with my family, proving once again that some recipes are timeless for a reason.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 quarts chicken broth
  • 3 cups cooked chicken

How To Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

  1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the mixture using a fork or pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in the milk until the mixture forms a dough ball.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a heavily floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thin layer. Flour the rolling pin frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Cut the Dumplings: Use a pizza cutter dipped in flour to cut the dough into approximately 2×2-inch squares. The sizes don’t need to be exact; variations make the dish homey and authentic.
  4. Flour the Dumplings: Transfer the cut dumplings to a floured plate, adding flour between each layer to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth one by one, stirring continuously to prevent them from sticking together. The flour from the dumplings will help thicken the broth.
  6. Simmer: Cook the dumplings for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they no longer taste doughy.
  7. Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken and heat through.
  8. Serve: Once the chicken is warmed and the dumplings are cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: This will vary based on modifications and serving size but is approximately 350-450 calories per serving.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Additional Tips

  1. Chicken: For added flavor and convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
  2. Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk.
  3. Broth Thickness: For a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the broth before adding the dumplings.
  4. Herbs and Spices: Enhance the broth with your favorite herbs and spices such as thyme, parsley, or black pepper for added depth of flavor.
  5. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    • Yes, you can use self-rising flour. Omit the baking powder and salt if you do.
  2. How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
    • Ensure not to overmix the dough and roll it out gently to keep air in the dough, which helps make the dumplings lighter.
  3. Can I make this dish in advance?
    • It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and assemble them when ready to serve.
  4. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
    • Freezing can change the texture of the dumplings, so it’s not highly recommended. However, you can freeze the broth and chicken separately and prepare fresh dumplings when ready to serve.
  5. What if my dumplings are too dense?
    • Dense dumplings often result from overworking the dough. Mix the dough until just combined for best results.

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that soothes the soul as much as it satisfies the appetite. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, proves that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create a delicious and heartwarming dish that can become a cherished part of your family’s mealtime traditions.