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Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Gourmet And Food

Life can get overwhelming. Work, chores, social obligations—it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. That's where easy chicken and dumplings come in. 
This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious.
From scratch?
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 433
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon 1 fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, with extra for garnish
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup full-fat milk, divided
  • 2 small carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks with leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, separated
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, separated
  • Freshly ground black pepper and extra salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Now, let’s get our hands a bit dirty. Cooking can be therapeutic, after all! I’ll break this down step by step so you can visualize the process clearly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
  1. If you don’t have leftover chicken, it's easy to poach some. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook your chicken breasts for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred it up and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
  1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
  2. The aroma will already start to fill your kitchen and uplift your spirits.
Step 3: Create the Broth
  1. Now, it's time to add depth. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well. Add the cooked chicken, garlic powder, salt, and fresh thyme.
  2. Bring it to a gentle simmer. This broth is the base of your dish; a good one brings everything together.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining milk and melted butter (the other 2 tablespoons).
  2. Pour this milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently. You’re looking for a nice dough consistency. Try not to overwork it; dumplings need a bit of fluff.
Step 5: Drop the Dumplings
  1. Scoop out portions of the dough and drop them into the simmering broth. The dumplings will rise as they cook, absorbing those wonderful flavors.
  2. You’ll want to ensure they’re spaced out a bit; they’ll expand.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
  1. Cover your pot tightly and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! This steam is essential for making them fluffy.
  2. When time is up, lift the lid and sprinkle fresh parsley and thyme over your creation.
Step 7: Serve and Relish
  1. Stir gently to combine the broth and dumplings. Ladle the comforting mixture into bowls. Enjoy, and don’t hold back on seconds!

Notes

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this recipe. Let’s explore them further:
  • Fresh Parsley: Not only does it add vibrant color, but it also provides a fresh, herby flavor that lifts the dish.
  • Kosher Salt: This enhances all the flavors, making sure each bite is savory.
  • Thyme: A classic herb in chicken dishes, it brings an earthy aroma, reminiscent of comforting family meals.
  • Chicken Broth: Opting for low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming your dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Handy for adding depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
  • Full-fat Milk: This makes the broth creamier, adding richness you won't regret.
  • Carrots and Celery: These classic mirepoix ingredients provide sweetness and texture.
  • Chicken: The star of the dish; cooked, shredded chicken makes everything hearty and filling.
  • Onion: It adds a sweet and aromatic layer that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
  • Unsalted Butter: Essential for sautéing veggies and enriching the broth.
  • Baking Soda: This makes your dumplings fluffy and light.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the dumpling base, providing structure and texture.
Black Pepper: A little kick that balances with the other flavors.