The Perfect Recipe for a Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Dinner
When the air gets cooler, and you find yourself yearning for a warm, comforting meal, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic dish, with its tender chicken, soft dumplings, and flavorful broth, has a way of making any evening feel cozy. The best part? Making it is much simpler than you might think! Here’s a no-fuss guide to whipping up a hearty chicken and dumplings dinner that’ll win over everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (for the dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder (for the dumplings)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (for the dumplings)
- 3/4 cup of milk (for the dumplings)
Cooking Directions:
Follow these simple steps to create your comforting dish:
-
Prepping the Chicken Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them until they’re soft, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. -
Creating the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring everything to a simmer. Now, add the chicken thighs or breasts, thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. -
Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, take it out of the pot and shred it using two forks. This part is pretty fun and gives you perfectly sized chicken pieces. After shredding, add the chicken back into the pot. -
Making the Dumplings:
Now, for the exciting part—making the dumplings! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture forms a soft dough. If it’s a little sticky, that’s perfectly okay. -
Adding the Dumplings:
With your hands or two spoons, form small dollops of dough and carefully drop them into the simmering pot. These will puff up to become your fluffy dumplings, so make sure to space them out a bit. -
Finishing Touches:
Once all your dumplings are in, cover the pot again and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Try not to peek; the dumplings are cooking and setting up during this time. After 15 minutes, check if the dumplings are firm and cooked through. They should be soft but not doughy inside.
And there you have it—your delicious, homemade chicken and dumplings are ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed hot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, if you like.
Tips for Success:
-
Chicken Choice: While chicken thighs are richer in flavor, chicken breasts work just fine and can be a leaner option.
-
Herbs: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for different flavors.
-
Dumplings: If you prefer your dumplings more on the dense side, reduce the amount of baking powder.
-
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more of your favorite veggies into the pot. Peas and green beans make excellent additions.
Conclusion:
Making chicken and dumplings from scratch might seem like a daunting task at first glance, but it’s surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about enjoying a meal made with your hands, especially when it’s as comforting and delicious as this one. This dish not only warms the body but also the soul, making it a perfect dinner option for chilly nights. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring this hearty classic to life in your kitchen!
