If you're searching for a heartwarming dish that brings the comfort of home straight to your table, look no further than our Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings! This classic American recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all simmered together in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra TLC, this dish is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create this comforting masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your chicken if it's not already cooked. You can either boil, bake, or sauté the chicken until fully cooked. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn) to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- While the chicken and broth are simmering, prepare the dumpling batter. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Next, pour in 1/2 cup of milk into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be somewhat thick but still spoonable.
- Once the chicken and broth mixture is simmering, use a spoon to drop dollops of the dumpling batter over the surface of the simmering broth. Space them out evenly, as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to cook properly. You’ll know they are done when they have puffed up and are cooked through.
- After the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the chicken and dumplings mixture to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt or pepper to your preference.
- Serve the homestyle chicken and dumplings hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option—just shred it and add it to the broth!
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the mixed vegetables before adding the broth enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish. Let them caramelize a bit for extra flavor!
- Perfect Dumplings: When mixing your dumpling batter, remember that less is more. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Steam is Key: Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking. The steam is crucial for them to puff up and cook evenly, resulting in light and fluffy dumplings.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Celery, green beans, or even potatoes can make a delightful addition to this dish.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving can elevate the dish, adding a burst of color and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance. Just reheat before adding the dumplings for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.With these tips in hand, you're all set to create a delicious and comforting bowl of Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings that will be cherished by all!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
