Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Welcome to our cozy kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming dish that is sure to warm your soul: homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic recipe is a staple in many households, often passed down through generations. If you’re looking for a dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, you’re in the right place. Perfect for chilly evenings or any day that calls for comfort food, this recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about creating memories with loved ones around the dinner table.

As you prepare this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, you’ll find that the aroma of simmering chicken and fresh herbs will fill your kitchen, making everyone eagerly await the meal. Each bite is a delightful combination of savory chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings, all nestled in a rich broth that will have you coming back for seconds. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is one that you’ll cherish for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a true comfort food that evokes feelings of nostalgia. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and delicious dumplings brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a herbaceous flavor with thyme and rosemary or a spicier kick with some crushed red pepper, the possibilities are nearly endless. You might even consider adding some sweet corn or peas for a pop of color and sweetness!

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. Using just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The process of simmering the chicken and vegetables helps to develop deep flavors, while the dumplings provide a delightful texture that complements the broth perfectly. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Ready to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills? This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is the perfect opportunity! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

If you’re looking to save time, this recipe can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat and serve for a quick and easy dinner option on busy nights. This makes it an excellent meal prep choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

Moreover, cooking this dish allows you to showcase your creativity. You can experiment with different herbs and spices, making it uniquely yours. It’s a great way to explore your culinary talents and perhaps even come up with your own variations that you can share with your family and friends.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of water
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

In addition to these ingredients, ensure you have the following utensils on hand to make your cooking experience smooth:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon for dropping dumplings
• Measuring cups and spoons

With all these ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to create a delicious homemade chicken and dumplings dish that will wow your family and friends!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now, let’s get into the cooking process for your homemade chicken and dumplings recipe. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, chicken broth, water, diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Chicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. A key tip here is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
3. Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture in your dish.
4. Make the Dumpling Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy for the best dumpling texture.
5. Return Chicken to Pot: With the chicken shredded, return it to the pot along with the broth and vegetables. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. This steaming process is essential for fluffy dumplings.
7. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to create a comforting and satisfying meal. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We invite you to give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

For more delicious recipes, check out our collection at Ovia Recipes, or get inspired by our Pinterest page!

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken in a rich broth, topped with fluffy dumplings for a hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting Board
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Broth

• 1 whole (about 4-5 pounds) Whole chicken
• 8 cups Chicken broth
• 2 cups Water
• 1 Onion, diced
• 3 Celery stalks, diced
• 3 Carrots, sliced
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
• to taste Salt and pepper

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, chicken broth, water, diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
• Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth and vegetables. Stir to combine.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
• Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a creamier broth, you can add a splash of heavy cream before serving. Feel free to include your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize this dish.

Keyword comfort food, delicious, easy, quick