Introduction: Can a Cozy, Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare? The Chicken and Dumplings, with 118 glowing reviews, is your answer! This dish features tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, all coming together in a single pot. Wondering how to create this restaurant-quality, soul-warming meal at home in just 30 minutes for a delicious dinner for six? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The Chicken and Dumplings is a quick, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth, all prepared in one pot. It’s comforting, versatile, and simple to make. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 30 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! If you can chop veggies and mix dough, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This dish uses convenient ingredients like reduced-sodium broth and biscuit mix to deliver classic comfort food flavors with minimal effort. It’s versatile (swap veggies or proteins), serves 6 generously, and is ideal for cozy dinners, family meals, or meal prep. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, so cleanup is a breeze!
With its fluffy dumplings and savory broth, this dish is as heartwarming as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make Chicken and Dumplings for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:
- Celery Ribs (3, chopped): Adds crunch and subtle flavor.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Brings sweetness and color.
- Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cans, 14½ oz each): Forms the savory, lighter base.
- Cubed Cooked Chicken Breasts (3 cups): Tender, lean protein.
- Poultry Seasoning (½ tsp): Adds warm, savory depth.
- Pepper (⅛ tsp): Offers a mild kick.
- Reduced-Fat Biscuit/Baking Mix (1⅔ cups): Creates fluffy dumplings.
- Fat-Free Milk (⅔ cup): Binds the dumpling dough.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Chicken: Swap with rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Replace celery or carrots with peas, green beans, or mushrooms (pre-cook if needed).
- Broth: Use regular chicken broth, vegetable broth, or homemade stock (adjust salt if not reduced-sodium).
- Biscuit Mix: Substitute with homemade biscuit mix (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt) or gluten-free biscuit mix.
- Milk: Use whole milk, buttermilk, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
- Add-Ons: Include onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure broth is gluten-free (check labels).
Why These Ingredients Matter: The chicken and veggies provide protein and fiber, while the broth and seasonings create a savory, comforting base. The biscuit mix dumplings add a fluffy, satisfying texture, making this a balanced, heartwarming meal perfect for cozy nights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make Chicken and Dumplings step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray.
- Add 3 chopped celery ribs and 2 medium sliced carrots, and cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes until tender.
Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Broth Base
- Stir in 3 cans (14½ oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts, ½ tsp poultry seasoning, and ⅛ tsp pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Tip: Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating, and keep the simmer gentle to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, mix 1⅔ cups reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix with ⅔ cup fat-free milk until a soft dough forms.
Tip: Stir just until combined to keep dumplings light and fluffy; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the simmering broth, spacing evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean. Do not lift the cover during the first 10 minutes to ensure proper steaming.
Tip: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon for uniform dumplings, and keep the lid on to trap steam for fluffy results.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings into bowls.
- Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the fluffy dumplings and warm broth at their best.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Your Chicken and Dumplings are ready to warm hearts and bellies! Here’s how to make them look as comforting as they taste:
- Serving: Ladle generous portions of broth, chicken, veggies, and 1–2 dumplings per bowl, ensuring a balance of ingredients. Serve family-style for a cozy vibe or in individual bowls for a polished look.
- Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of black pepper for a pop of color.
- Serve in deep, rustic bowls to highlight the hearty broth and dumplings.
- Place a dumpling on top for an appetizing presentation.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay, iced tea, or sparkling water complements the savory flavors.
Pro Tip: For a cozy touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the warmth.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Chicken and Dumplings dish is best fresh, but you can store leftovers or prep components ahead. Here’s how to keep it tasty:
- Storage:
- Store leftover chicken and dumplings (with broth) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggie mixture (without dumplings) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make fresh dumplings when serving, as they can become soggy when frozen.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the broth mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot (165°F internal temperature).
- Prepare fresh dumplings to add during reheating, or reheat leftover dumplings gently to avoid breaking.
- Avoid microwaving dumplings to maintain texture.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Chop celery and carrots up to a day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Cook the broth mixture (without dumplings) a day in advance; refrigerate and reheat before adding fresh dumplings.
- Measure biscuit mix and seasonings ahead to save prep time.
Tip: Add fresh herbs or a splash of broth after reheating to revive the flavors.
Recipe Variations
The Chicken and Dumplings are super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the broth.
- Veggie Boost: Include peas, green beans, or mushrooms with the carrots and celery.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for plant-based chicken or extra veggies like zucchini.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Mix ¼ cup shredded cheddar into the dumpling dough.
- Herb Boost: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the broth or dumplings.
- Low-Carb: Use a low-carb biscuit mix or replace dumplings with cauliflower florets.
Mix and match to suit your taste or pantry staples!
Conclusion: A Classic Comfort Food Favorite
The Chicken and Dumplings is a quick, heartwarming meal that brings cozy, savory goodness to your table in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy dumplings, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or chilly evenings. Try it as is or add your own spin—maybe some extra herbs or spice? Share your creations with us! Grab your Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
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Chicken and Dumplings
Description
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare? The Chicken and Dumplings, with 118 glowing reviews, is your answer! This dish features tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, all coming together in a single pot
Ingredients
To make Chicken and Dumplings for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:
- Celery Ribs (3, chopped): Adds crunch and subtle flavor.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Brings sweetness and color.
- Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cans, 14½ oz each): Forms the savory, lighter base.
- Cubed Cooked Chicken Breasts (3 cups): Tender, lean protein.
- Poultry Seasoning (½ tsp): Adds warm, savory depth.
- Pepper (⅛ tsp): Offers a mild kick.
- Reduced-Fat Biscuit/Baking Mix (1⅔ cups): Creates fluffy dumplings.
- Fat-Free Milk (⅔ cup): Binds the dumpling dough.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Chicken: Swap with rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Replace celery or carrots with peas, green beans, or mushrooms (pre-cook if needed).
- Broth: Use regular chicken broth, vegetable broth, or homemade stock (adjust salt if not reduced-sodium).
- Biscuit Mix: Substitute with homemade biscuit mix (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt) or gluten-free biscuit mix.
- Milk: Use whole milk, buttermilk, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
- Add-Ons: Include onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure broth is gluten-free (check labels).
Why These Ingredients Matter: The chicken and veggies provide protein and fiber, while the broth and seasonings create a savory, comforting base. The biscuit mix dumplings add a fluffy, satisfying texture, making this a balanced, heartwarming meal perfect for cozy nights.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray.
- Add 3 chopped celery ribs and 2 medium sliced carrots, and cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes until tender.
Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Broth Base
- Stir in 3 cans (14½ oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts, ½ tsp poultry seasoning, and ⅛ tsp pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Tip: Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating, and keep the simmer gentle to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, mix 1⅔ cups reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix with ⅔ cup fat-free milk until a soft dough forms.
Tip: Stir just until combined to keep dumplings light and fluffy; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the simmering broth, spacing evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean. Do not lift the cover during the first 10 minutes to ensure proper steaming.
Tip: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon for uniform dumplings, and keep the lid on to trap steam for fluffy results.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings into bowls.
- Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the fluffy dumplings and warm broth at their best.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure broth is gluten-free (check labels).
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for plant-based chicken, tofu, or extra veggies like mushrooms or peas.
3. What are the health benefits of this dish?
This dish offers lean protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables, and uses reduced-sodium broth and reduced-fat ingredients for a lighter meal.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Use 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed) for convenience.
5. How do I keep the dumplings fluffy?
Mix dough gently, drop into simmering broth, and keep the lid on for the first 10 minutes to trap steam.
6. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
This recipe uses fresh carrots and celery, but if adding other veggies (e.g., peas), pre-cook until tender.
7. How long does it take to make this dish?
Prep takes about 10 minutes (chopping and mixing), and cooking takes 20 minutes, so you’re done in about 30 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a larger pot; ensure dumplings have space to expand.