Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This comforting Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings for a delicious, heartwarming dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy families looking for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
This dish has been a family favorite for generations, providing warmth and comfort during cold nights.
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. This classic dish not only warms the body but also soothes the soul. It's the kind of meal that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. The combination of tender chicken simmered in rich broth with fluffy dumplings creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an excellent choice for chilly nights or simple weeknight dinners.
Home-cooked meals like this one offer not just nutrients but also the emotional comfort we often seek in our busy lives. They allow you to take a break from the hectic pace of modernity and sink into the warmth of familiar flavors. Preparing this dish together with loved ones can transform the cooking experience into quality time shared together, creating memories just as heartwarming as the meal itself.
Versatile Ingredients for Every Palate
This Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to fit your family’s taste preferences. If you enjoy extra flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. Alternatively, you can swap in vegetables such as peas or corn for a pop of color and nutrition. Each variation you try can give a new twist to this comforting classic without compromising its essence.
If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, consider using skinless chicken or adding more vegetables to enhance the nutritional content. Likewise, if you want to make it gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’ve got a meal that everyone can enjoy. These small adjustments ensure that no one has to miss out on enjoying this delightful dish, regardless of dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your homemade chicken and dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, enhancing your dining experience, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the hearty dish. For an even warmer touch, consider pairing it with a mug of chamomile tea or spiced cider, elevating your cozy dinner to a whole new level of comfort.
For an extra special touch, you can garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. Not only does this add a delightful color contrast, but it also enhances the aromatic profile of the dish. Your family will appreciate the effort you put into making even the simplest meals feel festive and special.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Mix all the ingredients well before cooking.
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to let simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until combined.
Add Dumplings to Broth
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover chicken and dumplings has never been easier! Allow any leftovers to cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, they can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to enjoy the dish later, consider freezing it. However, keep in mind that the dumplings may lose their original texture upon reheating, but the flavors will still delight your taste buds.
To reheat, place the leftovers in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore some moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can microwave smaller portions in a bowl, adding a bit of liquid to maintain moisture. Enjoy your comforting meal even after the initial serving!
Nutrition Highlights
This Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers a well-rounded meal, providing essential nutrients along with comforting flavors. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, vital for muscle health and satiety. Meanwhile, the vegetables, including carrots and celery, contribute vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting overall health.
Dumplings, made primarily from flour and milk, offer carbohydrates needed for energy, while the butter adds a bit of richness to the flavor profile. Moderation is key, but indulging in this meal also delivers a sense of comfort and well-being, which is perhaps just as important as the nutritional content.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add it in after the broth is simmering.
→ How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
This comforting Super Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings for a delicious, heartwarming dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy families looking for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Created by: Summer Blake
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to let simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g