Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved dish that offers warmth, comfort, and a sense of home. With its rich, creamy broth and soft, fluffy dumplings, this recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you want to treat your family to a hearty meal. The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its simplicity: you can whip it up quickly using leftover chicken or turkey, making it an efficient and satisfying choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Making chicken and dumplings is more than just preparing a dish; it’s about creating a meal that leaves a lasting impression. This recipe is ideal for several reasons:

1. Convenience: Using pre-cooked chicken or turkey removes a significant time commitment, letting you focus on the prep and cooking aspects without the need for lengthy roasting or boiling.

2. Flavor & Comfort: This dish is a one-pot wonder that combines tender chicken, aromatic celery, and creamy soup, creating an irresistible flavor profile that’s rich and comforting.

3. Nutritional Benefits: Chicken is a great source of protein, while the dumplings, though starchy, can be customized with healthier alternatives if desired.

4. Versatility: The recipe is inherently flexible; you can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to minimize food waste.

5. Family-Friendly: It’s an easy-to-prepare meal that children and adults alike enjoy, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.

How to Prepare Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

The heart of this dish lies in its preparation and the delightful mix of textures and flavors. Let’s break down each step in detail.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
• 1 cup Chopped celery
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans (10.5 oz) Chicken broth
• 3 cans Water (use the empty soup can to measure)
• 2 cups Self-rising flour
• 1/4 cup Shortening
• 3/4 cup Boiling water (add gradually as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients:
   In a large soup pot, add the chopped chicken or turkey, chopped celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and the measured water. Stir well to combine everything evenly. The soup creates a creamy base that envelops the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every bite is flavorful. As you mix, feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for an additional aromatic layer.

2. Bring to a Boil:
   Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil. This is essential for developing the dish’s flavor and ensuring the ingredients meld together nicely. Once it starts boiling, cover the pot and let it simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings. This step allows the flavors to infuse while you focus on the dough.

3. Make the Dumplings:

   • In a large bowl, measure out the self-rising flour. Add the shortening and, using a fork or pastry blender, cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step creates a flaky texture in the dumplings.
   • Begin to gradually add the boiling water, starting with about half a cup. The key here is to mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms a ball. You may need to adjust the water amount, but be careful not to make the dough too wet; a slightly sticky yet manageable dough is ideal.

4. Roll and Cut the Dough:
   Lightly dust your countertop or work surface with flour. Turn the dough out and gently roll it to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips and cut those strips into small squares (about 1 to 2 inches). The size of your dumplings can affect cooking time, so uniformity is helpful.

5. Cook the Dumplings:
   Remove the lid from your simmering broth. Working quickly, drop a handful of dumpling squares into the bubbling pot, replacing the lid after each addition to maintain temperature. Let them cook for about 30 seconds before adding more. Once all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir gently every few minutes to keep them from sticking to the bottom.

6. Season and Serve:
   Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as desired. For a classic drop-dumpling variation, simply pinch off small pieces of dough and drop them directly into the broth, skipping rolling and cutting. Cook as directed, and when they’re fluffy and cooked through, you’re ready to serve!

7. Serving Your Dish:
   Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately. The warm, creamy goodness is sure to impress!

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Serving chicken and dumplings can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Garnish Ideas: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.

2. Pair with Sides: While chicken and dumplings are hearty enough to stand alone, pairing them with a light side salad or steamed vegetables can balance the meal.

3. Occasions: This dish is fantastic for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

4. Temperature: Enjoy it hot from the pot, as the dumplings are best when fluffy and fresh.

How to Store Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Proper storage of chicken and dumplings ensures that you can enjoy the meal again later without losing taste or texture. Here are some practical tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

2. Freezing: If you want to store chicken and dumplings for a longer duration, it’s best to freeze them before adding the dumplings. The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the broth in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add freshly made dumplings.

3. Avoid Waste: If you notice the dumplings becoming soggy after storage, you may want to reheat the chicken and broth separately and make fresh dumplings to enjoy them at their best.

Tips for Mastering Easy Chicken and Dumplings

To ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overmix: When making the dumpling dough, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings.

2. Ingredient Temperature: Use boiling water for the dough, as it helps the dumplings cook quickly and creates a better texture.

3. Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once you add the dumplings, reduce the heat to low; cooking over high heat can make them tough.

4. Taste as You Go: Before serving, always taste for seasoning. The flavors should be balanced, and you can adjust as needed.

5. Common Pitfalls: Avoid leaving the pot uncovered for too long when cooking the dumplings, as the steam is crucial for their rise.

Variations

Feel free to customize and experiment with your chicken and dumplings recipe:

1. Herbed Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth for a fragrant touch.

2. Vegetable Additions: Toss in peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrition and color.

3. Diet-Specific Options: Explore gluten-free flour alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, or replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

4. Seasonal Twists: In the fall, consider incorporating pumpkin or butternut squash into the soup for natural sweetness.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but you should boil it first before adding it to the broth for the dumplings. This increases the cooking time as you need to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.

Q2: What if my dumplings are tough?
Tough dumplings are often a result of overmixing the dough, so remember to mix gently and stop when it comes together.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and chicken in advance, preferably a day ahead, to enhance the flavor. Just add freshly made dumplings when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. If the dumplings have absorbed too much broth, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Q5: Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! You can make a lighter version by using low-fat cream of chicken soup or reducing the amount of shortening in the dumplings.

Now that you have this comprehensive guide to making Easy Chicken and Dumplings, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this delicious, comforting meal. Bon appétit!