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Craving comfort food that’s both delicious and naturally simple to make?
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. This recipe delivers that classic comfort food experience without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easier than you think, naturally satisfying, and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s incredibly flavorful, with a rich and comforting broth.
- The dumplings are perfectly soft and pillowy.
- This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
- It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.
- It’s naturally a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.
- It’s easily customizable – add your favorite vegetables or spices.
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
This easier chicken and dumplings recipe focuses on using readily available ingredients and simplified techniques. The dumplings are made with a drop biscuit method, meaning no rolling or cutting required. This naturally cuts down on prep time and makes the recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels. We’re also using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken), which saves a lot of time. The end result is still a hearty and delicious meal, but without all the fuss. Everything blends together to naturally create a delicious dish.
Ingredient List
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), frozen or fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Chicken Broth: This forms the base of your flavorful soup. Using good quality chicken broth makes naturally better dish.
Baking Powder: This is what gives the dumplings their light and fluffy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the simmering soup. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you may need to cook the dumplings in batches.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this can cause the dumplings to be dense.
- Serve hot and enjoy this naturally satisfying meal!
Optional Toppings/Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking!
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overmix the dumpling batter! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough dumplings. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. This will release steam and may cause the dumplings to be dense.
- If the broth is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water.
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir the soup gently every few minutes while they are cooking.
- If you want a thicker soup, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute turkey or pork for the chicken. Just make sure it is cooked before you begin.
- Can I use self-rising flour for the dumplings? If you use self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the dumpling recipe.
- Can I freeze chicken and dumplings? Chicken and dumplings can be frozen, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. For best results, freeze the soup and dumplings separately.
- How long will chicken and dumplings last in the refrigerator? Chicken and dumplings will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the chicken first. Then, add all the ingredients except the dumpling batter to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last hour of cooking, drop the dumpling batter into the slow cooker.
Variations and Customization Options
Here are some ideas to personalize your chicken and dumplings:
- Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs like sage, chives, or marjoram.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in extra vegetables like diced celery, onions, or mushrooms.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling batter for cheesy dumplings.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth. It is naturally comforting and fulfilling.
Naturally Delicious Comfort Food Awaits
This easier chicken and dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a warm, comforting, and naturally satisfying meal with minimal effort. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Share your photos and experiences with us, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more quick and tasty recipes!
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