ADVERTISEMENT
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Soup Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot, cooking them until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly. This will help thicken the broth later.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to develop. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in the heavy cream at this point for a richer texture.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the milk, melted butter, and egg, and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
Once the chicken and soup base is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Be sure to space the dumplings out so they have room to cook. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam on top of the soup for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve risen and are fully cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken, vegetables, and those fluffy dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, but chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness. You can also use a rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred the chicken and add it to the soup after the broth has simmered.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: For convenience, you can make the soup, cook the chicken, and prepare the dumplings all in one pot. This helps preserve the flavor and makes cleanup easier.
- Flavor Variations: Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes to suit your taste. You can also incorporate a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
- Fluffy Dumplings: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in dense dumplings instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Make Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it without the dumplings. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and cook the dumplings as directed.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its comforting, easy-to-love ingredients. The soup is full of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful broth that brings everything together. The dumplings, light and pillowy, add a heartiness to the dish without being too heavy. The combination of these elements creates a balanced meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that can feed a crowd.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. It’s a dish that’s loved for its simplicity, its warmth, and its ability to bring people together around the table. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings, this dish is the ultimate in comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just because you’re in the mood for something heartwarming, chicken and dumplings is always a hit. So grab your pot, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of this cozy classic!
ADVERTISEMENT
