Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) is the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and soul. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy dumplings all simmered in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or whenever you crave a hearty meal. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that even novice cooks can impress their loved ones with a delicious homemade dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
• Deliciously Creamy: The rich and creamy sauce elevates this dish, making every bite delightful.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts, allowing for flexibility based on what you have at home.
• Family-Friendly: This meal is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a go-to choice for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Chicken and Dumplings (Easy), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools not only make cooking easier but also help ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of all ingredients while providing enough room for the dumplings to float.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping veggies quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for optimal cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right flavor balance in the creamy sauce.

Ingredients

A old fashioned chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food featuring chicken, veggies and tender dumplings all simmered in a creamy sauce.

For the Chicken Base

• 3 to 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded or 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded)
• 8 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Better than Bouillon Chicken
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 carrots (cut in half lengthwise and then diced)
• 4 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 small yellow onions (diced finely)

For the Dumplings

• ½ cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups Bisquick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅔ cup milk

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Water and Bouillon

Pour in the water along with Better than Bouillon Chicken. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

While waiting for the broth to boil, shred your rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 4: Seasoning

Add Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance flavor. Stir everything together well.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine Bisquick with milk (⅔ cup), salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

Step 6: Drop Dumplings into Broth

Once your broth is simmering lightly, drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the broth. Cover with a lid immediately after adding them.

Step 7: Cook Until Fluffy

Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will rise and become fluffy.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Once cooked through, serve your hearty Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Chicken and dumplings is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your comfort food.

Classic Serving

• Serve in large bowls for a hearty portion, ensuring each bowl has plenty of chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley or thyme to add a burst of flavor and color.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up the creamy broth. This adds texture and makes the meal more filling.

Create a Family Style Presentation

• Place the pot of Chicken and Dumplings in the center of the table for a communal dining experience where everyone can serve themselves.

Add a Side Salad

• Serve with a light garden salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.

Enjoy with Pickles or Relish

• Offer pickles or relish as a tangy side that complements the flavors of Chicken and Dumplings well.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

To make your Chicken and Dumplings truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the dish every time you prepare it.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture in your dish. Opt for vibrant carrots, celery, and onions.
• Shred chicken properly: Ensure your chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and spices based on your preference to achieve the desired flavor profile.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allow enough time for all ingredients to meld together by letting it simmer gently. This enhances overall taste.
• Experiment with dumpling texture: For lighter dumplings, mix them less. For denser ones, mix more thoroughly before dropping them into the broth.
• Make ahead for convenience: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add fresh dumplings when ready to serve for quick cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Serving Chicken and Dumplings can be complemented with delightful side dishes that round out your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Green Beans: A light, crisp side that adds color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the rich broth, offering an extra layer of comfort.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, these sprouts provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of dumplings.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers freshness that cuts through the richness of Chicken and Dumplings.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is ideal for soaking up leftover broth while adding a touch of sweetness.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances savory flavors perfectly while providing natural sweetness.
7. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter create an irresistible option for dipping into broth.
8. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons that complement your main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Dumplings (Easy), it’s easy to overlook some simple steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland dumplings. Make sure to use salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
• Overcooking the dumplings – Dumplings should be fluffy, not rubbery. Follow the cooking time closely to achieve the perfect texture.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold ingredients can affect the cooking process. Ensure your chicken and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring the broth consistency – A too-thin broth won’t hold the dumplings well. Use a thickening agent like flour properly to create a creamy sauce.
• Not shredding chicken properly – Large chunks of chicken can disrupt the balance of flavors. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

• Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)?

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Thaw it before cooking for even results in your Chicken and Dumplings (Easy).

How do I make my dumplings fluffier?

Ensure you don’t overmix your dumpling batter; less handling leads to fluffier dumplings!

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to tailor it to your taste.

What sides go well with Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)?

A fresh salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. Its creamy texture and tender dumplings make it versatile for customization—add your favorite veggies or spices! Try this recipe today for a hearty family dinner that everyone will love!

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