Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is popular in many countries, including the United States. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that consists of tender pieces of chicken in a rich and flavorful broth, with soft and pillowy dumplings floating on top.
Serving size and preparation time:
This recipe makes 4-6 servings and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and cook. The preparation time is around 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Instructions:
- To make the chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot and add the chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Reserve the broth in the pot.
- To make the dumplings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in the milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and drop them into the pot with the reserved chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and add it back to the pot with the dumplings. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting bowl of Chicken and Dumplings!
Garnishing suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings:
Here are some popular garnishing suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings:
- Chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives
- Grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sautéed mushrooms or diced onions
- Fried onions or garlic for added crunch
- Sliced green onions or scallions for a burst of fresh flavor
- A sprinkle of paprika or chili powder for a pop of color and a bit of heat
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for texture contrast
- Sliced or chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans
- A squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Enjoy!
Chicken and Dumplings is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes, and it can be made with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. It is a perfect meal for a chilly day, and it is easy to make in large quantities, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, or a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option, Chicken and Dumplings is sure to be a hit!
