Chicken and dumplings are like a warm hug on a chilly day, aren't they? Imagine this: a rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Sounds comforting, right? Whether you prefer the classic version or something with a spicy twist, there's a recipe for everyone. Let's investigate five delicious takes on this timeless dish. Trust me, you won't want to miss the mouthwatering details that follow!
Classic Chicken and Dumplings
Classic Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, complemented by fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
To begin, place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with chicken broth and water. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover, cooking for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and bring the broth back to a gentle simmer.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the milk and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth, cover the pot, and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
When making Classic Chicken and Dumplings, it's important to ascertain that the broth is at a gentle simmer when adding the dumplings; too vigorous a boil can cause them to break apart.
Additionally, you can customize the dumplings by adding herbs or spices to the batter for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but be aware that the dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so consider adding a little more broth when reheating.
Enjoy this delightful dish with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!
Creamy Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Creamy Chicken and Herb Dumplings is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a chilly evening when you need a warm hug in a bowl. The flavors of savory herbs enhance the dish, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined to form a dough.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering chicken mixture, covering the surface.
Cover the pot and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Extra Tips:
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering, or toss in some fresh herbs like dill or chives alongside the parsley.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the dumplings.
You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking, and don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables for variety!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe combines simplicity and satisfaction. You can set it up in the morning and let your slow cooker do the work, filling your home with an enticing aroma and leaving you with a delicious meal ready to enjoy when you return.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 2/3 cup milk
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix and milk until just combined, then drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This will improve the overall taste of the dish.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the soup mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Also, feel free to customize your dumplings by adding herbs or spices to the biscuit mix for an extra flavor kick. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color!
Chicken and Dumplings With Biscuits
Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy family meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy biscuit dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
It's an easy one-pot meal that promises to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Whether it's a chilly night or you're just in the mood for a classic dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth, cover, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of heavy cream to the broth for richness.
If you want to improve the dish further, you can throw in some frozen peas or corn during the final few minutes of cooking. Remember not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this can affect their rise and texture.
Finally, serving this dish hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley won't only add a pop of color but also freshness to every bite. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits!
Spicy Chicken and Dumplings
Spicy Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This recipe infuses the classic chicken and dumplings with a delightful kick, boosting it with bold spices and zesty ingredients. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you're in need of some soul-soothing comfort food, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and pillowy dumplings, all simmered together in a spicy broth that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
To cook Spicy Chicken and Dumplings, start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken thighs and pour in the chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the milk until just combined, then drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth.
Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they're fluffy and cooked through.
When making Spicy Chicken and Dumplings, feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste; you can increase the cayenne pepper for more heat or decrease it for a milder flavor.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Also, be sure not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this can affect their fluffiness.
Finally, garnishing with fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also improves the dish's flavor profile. Enjoy your spicy twist on this classic comfort food!