Jake Harper
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While the dumplings can be thick noodles or fluffy biscuits, the chicken is almost always tender and smothered in a savoury gravy. The type of chicken used can vary depending on personal preference, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice as they are difficult to overcook and remain moist and tender. Chicken breasts are also a good option, but they require a bit more care to avoid overcooking. For extra flavour, the chicken can be seared in a skillet before being diced and added to the soup or gravy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, soup, stew |
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, breasts, rotisserie chicken |
| Dumplings | Drop, rolled, biscuit, flat, light and fluffy, gummy |
| Vegetables | Onions, carrots, celery, peas |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, thyme, turmeric, parsley, rosemary, sage, garlic powder |
| Other ingredients | Chicken broth, apple cider, milk, butter, olive oil, flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder |
| Nutrition | 348-369 kcal, 28-35g carbohydrates, 17-20g protein, 14-19g fat, 991-1246mg sodium, 1-2g fiber, 2g sugar |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Dumpling type: drop, rolled or biscuit
Chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food in the Southern US, and there are typically three types of dumplings used: drop, rolled, and biscuit. Each type of dumpling has its own unique characteristics and preparation methods.
Drop dumplings are a quick and easy option. To make them, simply scoop portions of dough and gently drop them into the simmering soup or broth. They puff up as they cook, soaking in the flavours of the soup. Drop dumplings are often associated with Southern chicken and dumplings, creating a comforting and filling meal.
Rolled dumplings, on the other hand, require a bit more preparation. The dough is rolled out onto a floured surface, cut into desired shapes, and then cooked in the broth. Some people prefer rolled dumplings for their texture and appearance. They can be made with flour, eggs, and other ingredients, creating a denser quality that some prefer.
Biscuit dumplings are another variation, where biscuit dough is cut into smaller pieces and added to the soup. They can be homemade or store-bought refrigerated biscuits. Biscuit dumplings provide a convenient shortcut, especially when using canned biscuits. They are a good option for those who prefer a softer, doughier texture in their dumplings.
Ultimately, the choice between drop, rolled, or biscuit dumplings depends on personal preference and the desired texture and flavour. Each type of dumpling has its own unique characteristics, and all three options can be delicious additions to chicken and dumplings.
When it comes to the best chicken for chicken and dumplings, there are a few options to consider. Some recipes call for raw chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which are added directly to the soup and cooked until tender. Others might opt for pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken, which can be a timesaver. Using canned chicken is also an option, but fresh chicken is generally recommended for better flavour and texture.
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Chicken type: rotisserie, breast, thigh
Chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food in the Southern US, and can take on many forms depending on where you live. The dish typically consists of a thick and creamy chicken soup with vegetables in a broth, topped with dumplings.
Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings
Rotisserie chicken can be used to make a convenient, tasty, and easy chicken and dumplings recipe. You can use any cooked chicken, or cook your own chicken breast before preparing the vegetables. You can also use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
To make the soup, add olive oil to a large pot over high heat and cook carrots and onions until they soften. Then add garlic, black pepper, sage, and nutmeg. After a minute, add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, rotisserie chicken, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil before reducing to low-medium heat and adding the peas.
Chicken Breast and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings can be made with chicken breast, but it is important not to overcook the meat. To prepare, add olive oil to a large skillet and brown the chicken breasts on each side. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage, but they should be very brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Chicken Thigh and Dumplings
Chicken thighs are a popular choice for chicken and dumplings because they stay tender and juicy, and are difficult to overcook. To prepare, heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on each side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through, but it should be brown on the outside. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and prepare the vegetables.
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Cooking method: one-pot, crockpot, oven
When it comes to choosing the best chicken for chicken and dumplings, there are a few options to consider, and the cooking method you use will depend on your preference and the time you have available. Here is a guide to help you achieve delicious chicken and dumplings using a one-pot, crockpot, or oven method:
For a one-pot method, you can use either boneless or bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Using boneless and skinless chicken breasts is a lean option that requires less preparation and cooking time. If you opt for bone-in chicken, you can benefit from the added flavour that cooking with bones imparts to the dish. Regardless of your choice, begin by seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Then, heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the chicken, searing it until golden brown on all sides. This step adds flavour and texture to the dish. Once the chicken is browned, you can add your preferred vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, along with any desired spices or herbs. Cover the pot and let the ingredients simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Finally, remove the chicken and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot. Prepare your dumpling dough, drop it into the simmering liquid, and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
The crockpot method, also known as a slow cooker, is ideal for a low-maintenance approach that allows the flavours to develop slowly. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a great option for this method as they stay moist and tender during the longer cooking time. Simply place the chicken in the crockpot with your choice of vegetables, spices, and herbs, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and add the cut or shredded pieces back into the crockpot. Prepare the dumpling dough and drop it into the crockpot, continuing to cook until the dumplings are cooked through. This method is excellent for preparing the dish ahead of time and having a warm, comforting meal ready at your convenience.
Using an oven method allows you to bake the chicken and dumplings, resulting in a crispy, golden finish. Bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces is a good choice for this method, as the bones help keep the meat moist during baking. Season the chicken and sear it in a pan as described in the one-pot method to add flavour and colour. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and surround it with your chosen vegetables. Pour chicken stock or a similar liquid over the ingredients and cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure the chicken and vegetables steam and cook through. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and vegetables from the baking dish, and thicken the remaining liquid with flour or cornstarch to create a gravy. Add the shredded or cut chicken and vegetables back to the gravy, then drop in your dumpling dough. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the dumplings are cooked and golden.
Each cooking method offers a unique approach to preparing chicken and dumplings, and you can choose the one that best suits your time, preferences, and equipment. Enjoy creating a delicious and comforting meal!
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Ingredients: vegetables, spices, stock
Chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food in the Southern US. It is a thick and creamy chicken soup loaded with flavour and topped with perfectly cooked, light and fluffy dumplings. The recipe can be adapted to personal preferences, but here is a guide to the ingredients, vegetables, spices and stock used.
Vegetables
The vegetables used in chicken and dumplings can vary depending on preference. Some recipes call for onions, carrots and celery, while others suggest peas and carrots. You can also add a side salad or green beans to increase your vegetable intake.
Spices
Spices are essential to adding flavour to the dish. Salt and pepper are commonly used to season the chicken, and other spices such as thyme, rosemary, sage, turmeric, and Italian seasoning can be added to the broth.
Stock
The stock forms the base of the soup and can be made using chicken broth or chicken stock. You can adjust the amount of stock to your preferred consistency. For a thicker soup, you can add cornstarch or flour. Alternatively, you can add more chicken stock or water to thin it out.
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Serving suggestions: French bread, biscuits, salad
Chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food in the Southern US, and it can be made in a variety of ways. Typically, it involves a savoury chicken soup with vegetables in a creamy broth, topped with dumplings. The dumplings can be dropped into the soup for steaming, rolled out and cut into shapes, or made from biscuit dough.
Now, let's discuss the serving suggestions: French bread, biscuits, salad.
French Bread
French bread is a type of crusty, elongated bread that is often characterized by its chewy exterior and soft interior. While it is typically not served directly with chicken and dumplings, it can be a delicious accompaniment to the dish. Here are some ways to incorporate French bread into your meal:
- Serve the chicken and dumplings in a bread bowl: Hollow out a crusty French bread loaf and fill it with the chicken and dumpling stew. This can be a fun and tasty way to enjoy the dish, ensuring that the bread absorbs all the delicious flavours.
- Slice and toast French bread: Offer slices of toasted French bread on the side, which can be used for dipping into the creamy broth of the stew. This adds a crunchy texture to your meal and is perfect for soaking up the savoury soup.
Biscuits
Biscuits are a common component of chicken and dumplings, as they can be incorporated directly into the dish. Biscuit dough can be cut into smaller pieces and added to the soup to cook, resulting in fluffy and airy dumplings. However, if you wish to serve biscuits on the side, here are some ideas:
- Flaky buttermilk biscuits: Serve freshly baked, warm buttermilk biscuits on the side. These can be torn apart and used to soak up the creamy broth, adding a buttery and flaky texture to your meal.
- Biscuit sandwiches: Offer split biscuits, similar to dinner rolls, which can be filled with chicken and dumplings. This creates a hearty sandwich, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of the stew with the soft and fluffy texture of the biscuits.
Salad
Serving a fresh salad alongside chicken and dumplings can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. Here are some salad suggestions:
- Green salad: Opt for a simple green salad with gem lettuce, vine tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing. This adds a crunchy texture and a vibrant colour to your meal.
- Harvest Salad: This type of salad typically includes autumnal ingredients such as roasted butternut squash, apples, dried cranberries, and pecans, tossed with a maple vinaigrette. It brings a seasonal twist to your meal.
- Strawberry Feta Salad: Combining fresh strawberries, baby spinach, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette, this salad offers a sweet and savoury contrast that pairs well with the savoury notes of the chicken and dumplings.
These serving suggestions will enhance your chicken and dumplings meal, offering a variety of flavours, textures, and colours to your dining experience. Enjoy experimenting with these sides and customising them to your taste!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any cut of chicken you like, such as chicken breast or chicken thighs, and bone-in or boneless. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are almost impossible to overcook and they always stay moist and tender. If you want to save time on preparation, you can buy a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Before adding the chicken to the pot, season it with salt and pepper, and dredge both sides in flour. Then, brown the chicken in butter or olive oil before removing it from the pot and setting it aside. You can also add flavour by using the rendered chicken fat to make a roux.
Chicken is never brought to a full boil as this can make it tough. Instead, gently simmer the chicken for 15 minutes.
