Oh, Chicken and dumplings. Just saying it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, you know? It’s like a big hug in a bowl. And honestly, this recipe? It’s so easy, even *I* can’t mess it up – and that’s saying something! It’s totally family-friendly, too. The kiddos will gobble it right up, promise!
I remember one time, we were snowed in something fierce. Cabin fever was setting in, big time. Everyone was grumpy, even the dog! I whipped up a batch of Chicken and dumplings, and BAM! Instant smiles. Seriously, it was like magic. The smell of it simmering on the stove just filled the whole house with this cozy, happy vibe. It’s one of those dishes that just fixes everything, you know?
And the best part? This Chicken and dumplings recipe is seriously simple. None of that fancy stuff. Just good, old-fashioned comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Reasons to Make This Chicken and Dumplings
Okay, so why *this* Chicken and dumplings recipe? Well, first off, the prep is seriously quick. I’m talking weeknight-dinner-saving quick! You can totally have this on the table in under an hour. Score!
And the steps? Easy peasy! Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make this. No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Just simple steps that anyone can follow.
But the best part? Oh man, the flavor! It’s total comfort food heaven. That rich, savory broth, the tender chicken, and those soft, fluffy dumplings? Mmm! It’s like a warm hug for your tummy.
Plus, it’s a total family pleaser. Even the picky eaters will dig in, I promise! It’s a classic for a reason, right? So, yeah, quick, easy, delicious, and loved by all? What’s not to love!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (trust me, the low-sodium kind is better!), 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works *great* for this!), 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn – the usual suspects!), 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, another ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Got it? Good! Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Dumplings Broth
Okay, first things first! Grab your biggest pot – you know, the one you use for everything? Pour in that chicken broth and crank up the heat! We want it to come to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, toss in your shredded chicken, mixed veggies, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir. This is where the magic starts, folks!
Making the Chicken and Dumplings Dough
While that’s heating up, let’s make the dumplings! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, for the secret ingredient… just kidding! There isn’t one! Just stir in the milk and melted butter until it’s *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Seriously, don’t. Lumpy is okay! Overmixing makes tough dumplings, and nobody wants that.
Cooking the Chicken and Dumplings
Alright, broth’s simmering, dough’s ready… now comes the fun part! Reduce the heat to low – we want a gentle simmer, not a crazy boil. Grab a spoon and drop spoonfuls of that dough into the simmering broth. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Once all the dumplings are in, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. And that’s it! Easy peasy, right?
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
Okay, wanna take your Chicken and dumplings from “good” to “OMG amazing?!” Listen up! First off, remember when I said don’t overmix the dough? Seriously, I meant it! Overmixed dough = tough dumplings. Nobody wants hockey pucks in their soup!
Also, here’s a trick my grandma taught me: use *cold* butter and milk when you’re making the dough. It helps create flakier dumplings. Who knew, right?
And finally, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings in the broth! A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. Trust your taste buds! You got this!
Chicken and Dumplings Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Chicken and dumplings? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is super forgiving.
Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Try adding some different herbs and spices! A little thyme or rosemary can add a lovely earthy flavor. Or, if you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick! Ooh, and a bay leaf while it simmers? *Chef’s kiss*!
And veggies! Don’t limit yourself to just carrots, peas, and corn! Throw in some celery, potatoes, or even some chopped spinach! It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. My favorite trick? Using a can of cream of chicken soup for an extra rich and creamy broth. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone I told you that!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Dumplings
Got questions about Chicken and dumplings? I’ve got answers! I know, sometimes recipes can be a little tricky, so let’s clear up some of the most common head-scratchers.
First up: “Can I use Bisquick?” Sure, you *can*, but honestly, I don’t recommend it. Homemade dumplings are *so* much better, and they’re not even hard to make! But if you’re really in a pinch, go for it. Just follow the Bisquick box instructions for dumplings.
Next: “Can I freeze Chicken and dumplings?” Good question! The answer is… kinda. The broth freezes great! But the dumplings can get a little weird and mushy when they thaw. What I usually do is freeze the broth separately and then make fresh dumplings when I’m ready to eat it. Easy peasy!
And finally: “How do I make the dumplings fluffier?” Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is to not overmix the dough. Seriously! And also, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won’t give you that nice, fluffy lift. Happy dumpling-ing!
Nutritional Information for Chicken and Dumplings
Okay, so how “healthy” is this Chicken and dumplings? Well, each serving clocks in at about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbs. But hey, it’s an estimate! And besides, it’s good for the soul!
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings!
There you have it! Your very own bowl of Chicken and dumplings goodness. Now, go dig in and enjoy! And hey, if you loved this recipe, leave me a comment and rate it! Share it with your friends, too! Happy cooking!
PrintDisgustingly Easy Chicken and Dumplings in Just 45 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of classic chicken and dumplings, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For thicker dumplings, use less milk.
- Add more vegetables to your liking.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg