Welcome to a comfort food classic! If you’re craving a hearty, warming dish that brings a little Southern charm to your table, you’re in the right place. Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, one-pan recipe that not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also fills your heart with warmth. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time maker, this dish will become a go-to in your household. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Introduction
Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved Southern staple, combining tender pulled chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth for the perfect comfort meal. This dish traces back to early American settlers, who sought to create filling meals with whatever they had in their pantries. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, yet special enough to serve when entertaining friends or family.
Personally, this dish reminds me of Sunday afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the smell of chicken broth simmering on the stove and flour dusting every corner as we prepared dumplings by hand. There’s something magical about the combination of savory broth, soft dumplings, and juicy chicken that just feels like home.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’ll need:
- Pulled chicken from a rotisserie chicken (no skin)
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup self-rising flour (must be self-rising)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
You can make this recipe your own by swapping out ingredients or making it dietary-friendly. For example, if you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter and milk alternative, such as almond milk. These adjustments may change the texture slightly, but the flavors will remain just as delicious!
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Chicken and Dumplings:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Spread the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Flour and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of milk until well combined.
- Pour Over Chicken: Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Do not stir! This allows the dumplings to form properly.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In the same bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Add Broth Mixture: Slowly pour the broth and soup mixture into the baking dish over the chicken and flour mixture. Do not stir! This helps create the dumplings as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dumplings have formed.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a minimum of 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dumplings to finish forming. The longer it sits, the more dumplings you get.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is just as good the second day, too!
Helpful Tips
When making Chicken and Dumplings, here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Use self-rising flour: This type of flour contains baking powder and salt, which is essential for helping the dumplings rise and get that light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t stir the layers: As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to stir the layers once you’ve added the flour mixture and the broth. This helps the dumplings form as they bake.
- Let it rest: Giving the dish time to sit after it’s been baked allows the dumplings to continue to firm up, ensuring you get the right consistency.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few additional cooking tips to ensure your Chicken and Dumplings turn out as delicious as possible:
- Broth Selection: Use a good quality chicken broth to enhance the flavor of your dish. If you like a richer flavor, you can also use bone broth.
- Butter Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute olive oil for butter. While this may slightly alter the taste, it will still result in a delicious dish.
- Equipment: Use a large, deep baking dish to allow the dumplings plenty of room to rise. Avoid smaller pans, as they may lead to overcrowding.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Dumplings is already a hearty dish, but you can round out your meal with a few tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
- Southern-style green beans: A lightly seasoned side of green beans makes a perfect complement.
- Cornbread: Serve with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for the ultimate Southern comfort experience.
- Crisp salad: Add a fresh element to your meal with a simple side salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information
While Chicken and Dumplings is a delicious and filling meal, it’s also worth noting the nutritional information.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 6%
Health Benefits: This recipe provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The chicken broth also contains collagen, which supports joint health.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a little extra chicken broth to refresh the dish and prevent it from drying out.
Creative Uses for Leftovers: Leftover Chicken and Dumplings can be repurposed into a hearty soup. Just add more broth and simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free self-rising flour for the regular self-rising flour. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of the dumplings.
Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven with extra broth for best results.
Related Recipes
Here are some other comforting recipes you might enjoy,
Conclusion
We hope this Chicken and Dumplings recipe becomes a staple in your household. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Feel free to experiment with your own variations and share your creations with us. Happy cooking!
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Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Classic
Description
Welcome to a comfort food classic! If you’re craving a hearty, warming dish that brings a little Southern charm to your table, you’re in the right place. Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, one-pan recipe that not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also fills your heart with warmth. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time maker, this dish will become a go-to in your household. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- Pulled chicken from a rotisserie chicken (no skin)
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup self-rising flour (must be self-rising)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Spread the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Flour and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of milk until well combined.
- Pour Over Chicken: Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Do not stir! This allows the dumplings to form properly.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In the same bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Add Broth Mixture: Slowly pour the broth and soup mixture into the baking dish over the chicken and flour mixture. Do not stir! This helps create the dumplings as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dumplings have formed.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a minimum of 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dumplings to finish forming. The longer it sits, the more dumplings you get.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is just as good the second day, too!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use self-rising flour: This type of flour contains baking powder and salt, which is essential for helping the dumplings rise and get that light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t stir the layers: As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to stir the layers once you’ve added the flour mixture and the broth. This helps the dumplings form as they bake.
- Let it rest: Giving the dish time to sit after it’s been baked allows the dumplings to continue to firm up, ensuring you get the right consistency.
