Quick Chicken And Dumplings
Quick Chicken And Dumplings is a comforting, soul-warming dish that brings a sense of home and nostalgia with every bite. This recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with fluffy dumplings and serves them in a rich, savory broth that envelops your senses. Not only is this dish a feast for the taste buds, but its delightful aroma and vibrant colors will make your kitchen feel inviting and warm. It’s worth making not only for its quick preparation but also for the joy it brings to family gatherings and cozy dinners alike. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll navigate through the simplicity and deliciousness of this beloved dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Quick Chicken And Dumplings. First and foremost, this recipe boasts easy prep that fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight routine, taking less than an hour from start to finish. It’s family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike, making it the perfect solution for dinner conflicts. With minimal ingredients required, this recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of items to create something delicious. Additionally, the comforting flavors and textures will ensure that no one leaves the table unsatisfied, satisfying cravings while providing nourishment.
Ingredients for Quick Chicken And Dumplings
- 2 tablespoons butter: This buttery base adds flavor and richness to the broth.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Sweet and aromatic, the onion creates a flavor foundation.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Bright and slightly sweet, they add a pop of color and nutrition.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Earthy and crispy, bringing freshness and crunch to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances every bite with fragrant, garlicky goodness.
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs: Juicy chicken ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for fluffy dumplings that soak in delicious broth.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Key for the perfect rise in the dumplings.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of spice and depth.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling dough.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A pop of color and freshness at the end.
Step-by-Step Directions for Quick Chicken And Dumplings
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Melt Butter: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, releasing its fragrant aroma. Next, add the pound of boneless chicken breast or thighs. Lightly sear the chicken for about 5 minutes until it’s golden brown on all sides.
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Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This should take another 5 minutes.
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Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually stir in the ¾ cup of milk until a soft dough forms.
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Drop Dumplings: With the broth simmering, take spoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the simmering broth. Be generous with the spoonfuls, as they will expand while cooking.
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Steam Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam in the broth for about 15 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time to keep the heat in.
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Shred Chicken: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, mixing it in with the dumplings and broth.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as necessary. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley for an added layer of flavor and freshness.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Quick Chicken And Dumplings, consider these chef’s secrets and cooking hacks. Use a rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a quicker option. This swap lets you dive straight into the flavors without the initial cooking time. For extra texture, incorporate peas or corn into the broth just before adding the dumplings. If you’re looking for a hint of herbaceous flavor, you can add thyme or rosemary during the simmering stage. Additionally, if you prefer a richer broth, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Quick Chicken And Dumplings can be served in a large, inviting bowl, showing off the fluffy dumplings and savory broth. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for a lovely presentation. Pair this hearty dish with a side salad, such as a crisp garden salad or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, for a refreshing contrast. Artisan bread or a warm cornbread muffin would be an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Quick Chicken And Dumplings is not only satisfying but also nutritious. On average, a single serving provides approximately 450 calories, with a well-rounded focus on protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the dumplings. This dish is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, giving you the nourishment needed to power through your day. For those seeking a lighter option, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour as alternate swaps.
Storing Tips & Variations for Quick Chicken And Dumplings
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove until warmed through. To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken or adding more vegetables for a nutrient boost. Creative variations might include using dumpling recipes flavored with herbs or spices, or even swapping chicken for turkey.
Conclusion for Quick Chicken And Dumplings
Quick Chicken And Dumplings is a delightful dish that will make your weeknight dinner not only delicious but also memorable. This recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every single bowl, encouraging laughter and conversations at the table. Don’t hesitate – try making this hearty dish today and see how it brings everyone together for a cozy meal they’ll love.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Just add them when stirring in the broth.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with hearty veggies or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
3. How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
Be sure not to overmix the dumpling dough, and measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
4. What can I serve alongside Quick Chicken And Dumplings?
Consider a light salad or some homemade bread to complete your meal.
5. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before eating.
Quick Chicken And Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery; stir until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Then, add 1 pound of boneless chicken and lightly sear for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Gradually stir in ¾ cup milk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover the pot and let dumplings steam in broth for about 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot with dumplings and broth.
- Adjust seasoning and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or add peas/corn for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
