Soul-Warming Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Recipe Introduction: Soul Warming Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn't? This chicken dumpling recipe is pure comfort food. It's all about tender chicken and fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich broth.
Best Chicken And Dumplings: A Trip Down Memory Lane
This ain't just any soup. it's inspired by easy homemade chicken and dumplings southern style . it's like your grandma's cooking, but maybe even better! we're talkin' homemade dumplings for chicken & dumplings that are light and herby.
A Classic with a Twist: Origin and Simplicity
Chicken and dumplings with carrots and celery ? totally! this dish has roots in southern american comfort food. it's proper simple, really.
Prep takes about 30 minutes , cooking’s 45 minutes . that's just over an hour for six happy tummies.
Benefits Beyond the Bowl: Why This Recipe Rocks
Honestly, it's good for the soul. chicken's packed with protein, and the veggies give you a vitamin boost. it's the perfect thing when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
Or just on a chilly night. what makes this simple chicken and dumplings recipe special is that you can make it with what's in the fridge and adjust ingredients to your taste!.
Time to Gather the Troops!
Right, let's talk ingredients. you'll need about 1.4 kg of chicken thighs. a bit of onion, carrots, and celery.
Some flour, butter, milk, and herbs. oh, and don't forget the chicken broth. i prefer low-sodium. ready to get cooking your old fashioned chicken and dumplings ?.
Ingredients & Equipment for Best Chicken And Dumplings
Right, let's talk ingredients! This chicken dumpling recipe is all about fresh, simple flavours. We're making proper comfort food .
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Time!
- 1.4 kg (3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You want plump, juicy thighs. Avoid pale, watery ones.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Any decent oil will do.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (around 1 cup/150g ). Adds a lovely base flavour.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (around 1 cup/120g ). For a bit of sweetness and colour. We love Chicken And Dumplings With Carrots And Celery
- 2 celery stalks, diced (around 1 cup/100g ). Adds that essential savoury note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
- 1 tsp dried thyme. Proper classic.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary. Adds a lovely warmth.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Freshly cracked, if you've got it.
- 1.9 litres (8 cups) chicken broth. Low-sodium is your friend!
- 1 bay leaf. Don't forget to take it out later!
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream. Makes it lush.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley. For a bit of freshness at the end.
Dumpling Time!
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour. Plain flour, nothing fancy.
- 2 tsp baking powder. For fluffy dumplings.
- 1/2 tsp salt. Balances the flavours.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Just a touch.
- 57g (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed. The colder, the better!
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk. Whole milk is best.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Adds a nice flavour pop.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives. Optional, but adds a lovely oniony note.
Seasoning Notes For Easy Homemade Chicken And Dumplings Southern Style
Thyme and rosemary are your backbone here. i tell you what, don't skimp on the seasoning. it makes all the difference! if you haven't got fresh herbs, dried'll do in a pinch.
Just remember, dried herbs are stronger , so use a bit less. simple chicken and dumplings recipe .
Equipment Needed
Right, you don't need a load of fancy gadgets. Honestly, for great Homemade Chicken And Dumplings , less is more. You need:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. For simmering the soup.
- Large mixing bowl. For your dumplings.
- Rolling pin (optional). For rolling out the dough. Though you can make great Drop dumplings recipe without one. I never bother.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty standard, really.
That's it, then! Now you're ready to get cooking some old fashioned chicken and dumplings !
Cooking Method: Soul Warming Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Oh my gosh, let's talk chicken and dumplings recipe ! it's like a warm hug on a cold day. i reckon it reminds me of sunday dinners at me nan's.
This guide will help you make a killer batch. honestly, even if you're just starting out, you can nail this.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised
First things first: mise en place . it's a fancy french term for "everything in its place." chop your onion (1 cup), carrots (1 cup), and celery (1 cup) .
Mince that garlic (2 cloves) too. get your herbs measured out: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary. this step seriously saves time.
Keep raw chicken away from other ingredients. Wash your hands religiously after handling the chicken thighs (1.4 kg) .
step-by-step Process: Dumpling Delight
- Sear the chicken. Season those chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them in 1 tbsp of olive oil in your pot. Then, take 'em out.
- Sauté those veg. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery . Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Chuck in the garlic, thyme, and rosemary . Cook another minute.
- Simmer it all. Pour in 1.9 litres (8 cups) of chicken broth . Add that bay leaf . Bring it to a boil, then pop the chicken back in. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20- 25 minutes .
- Shred the Chicken. Remove the chicken and shred it. Discard the bay leaf. Pop shredded chicken back.
- Make the dumplings. Whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of pepper. Cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk, parsley, and chives . Don't overmix or they will be tough. We are going for the homemade dumplings for chicken & dumplings not hockey pucks.
- Cook the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15- 20 minutes . You want them fluffy and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream . Season to taste. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy the best simple chicken and dumplings recipe !
Pro Tips: Chef Secrets
- Cold butter is key for fluffy dumplings! Honestly, I pop mine in the freezer for a bit. It makes the homemade dumplings for chicken & dumplings super light.
- Don't overmix your dumpling dough. Trust me, it's a rookie mistake. Overmixing = tough dumplings.
- You can make the chicken and dumplings without cream of anything soup . Use heavy cream like the recipe above!
And there you have it! a cracking old fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe that'll impress even your harshest critic. don't be afraid to experiment! maybe add some mushrooms for a bit of earthiness.
Or a splash of sherry for depth of flavor. the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.
Honestly, this Easy Homemade Chicken And Dumplings Southern Style recipe is a game changer. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Your Chicken Dumpling Recipe Cheat Sheet
Right then, so you're keen to whip up this best chicken and dumplings , eh? ace! just a few pointers before you get going, yeah? i've made my fair share of easy homemade chicken and dumplings southern style , and trust me, these little nuggets are gold.
Show Off Your Cooking
Plating and presentation, darling! i like to serve my homemade dumplings for chicken & dumplings in deep bowls. garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Maybe a sprig of thyme if you're feeling fancy. got some crusty bread? perfect for dunking in that delicious broth.
A crisp side salad cuts through the richness nicely. a glass of something cold and white? now we're talking. honestly, the chicken and dumplings with carrots and celery is so good.
I usually forget all of the side dishes.
Storing for Later
Got leftovers? lucky you! keep the homemade chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. i reckon it’s best to freeze the dumplings and soup separately for best results.
Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. just make sure it's piping hot all the way through before you tuck in.
This will depend on the microwave or the stove used to heat the chicken and dumplings with biscuits . i would suggest using a thermometer and reheating till 165° f( 74° c) .
Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a tweak? want to go gluten-free? no worries! use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. easy peasy. you know, for a lighter version, ditch the heavy cream for half and-half.
Swap in some different veggies to make it your own. a pinch of chilli flakes adds a cheeky little kick.
This could make the chicken and dumplings without cream of anything soup spicy. if you're after a drop dumplings recipe you might like to play with the dough!
Goodness in a Bowl
This simple chicken and dumplings recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! it's packed with protein from the chicken and veggies.
Carrots boost your vitamin a intake, and chicken broth is super comforting. a decent serving of this will fill you right up, and keep you going.
So, there you have it! all the insider info to make a cracking old fashioned chicken and dumplings . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Honestly, even if it doesn't turn out perfect , it'll still be delicious. now get in that kitchen and get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
My dumplings turned out tough! What did I do wrong?
Tough dumplings are a right pain, aren't they? Chances are, you either overmixed the dough, which develops too much gluten, or you boiled the dumplings too vigorously. Remember, a gentle simmer is key! Think of it like brewing a nice cup of tea - you don't want to scorch the leaves.
Can I make this chicken dumpling recipe ahead of time?
You can indeed prep some of the elements in advance. The chicken and broth base can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to make the dumplings fresh right before cooking, as they can get a bit soggy if left to sit for too long.
Think of it like a Sunday roast - you prep the veggies, but carve the meat right before serving for maximum deliciousness!
I'm watching my weight. Can I make this chicken dumpling recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can lighten up this chicken dumpling recipe by using chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the fat content. Also, substitute half and-half or milk for the heavy cream, and use whole wheat flour in the dumplings for extra fibre.
A little swap here and there, and you can enjoy a comforting meal without the guilt - it's all about balance, innit?
What's the best way to store leftover chicken and dumplings?
Leftovers are brilliant! Store your leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings might soak up some of the broth, but it'll still taste lovely.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick - nobody wants a dry dumpling, do they?
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings? Will the dumplings turn out okay?
Freezing chicken and dumplings isn't ideal as the dumpling texture can change, becoming a bit mushy. If you must freeze it, consider freezing the chicken and broth separately from the uncooked dumpling dough. Then, when you're ready to eat, thaw the broth and chicken, cook the dumplings fresh, and add them in.
It's a bit more work, but worth it for better texture!
I don't have fresh herbs. Can I still make this Soul Warming Chicken and Herb Dumplings recipe?
No worries, mate! While fresh herbs add a lovely flavour, you can definitely use dried herbs. As a general rule, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh. So, for this recipe, you'd use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chives in the dumplings.
Adjust to taste, and you'll still have a delicious meal.
Soul Warming Chicken And Herb Dumplings
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
