Homemade Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 3 Ways
Looking for a comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out? Chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. In this versatile recipe, we’ll show you how to make homemade chicken and dumplings in three delicious ways. Whether you prefer traditional flavors, a modern twist, or a vegetarian option, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Dumplings:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8. Stir gently, being careful not to break up the dumplings, and serve hot.
Variations:
Option 1: Traditional Chicken and Dumplings
Follow the recipe as written for a classic, comforting dish that tastes just like Grandma’s.
Option 2: Herb-infused Chicken and Dumplings
Add a twist to your dish by incorporating herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the stew for a fragrant and flavorful upgrade.
Option 3: Vegetarian Mushroom and Dumplings
Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian version of this beloved dish.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the flavorful variations, homemade chicken and dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty meal any day of the week.