Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings for a hearty, soul-warming meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner. The creamy base, made with cream of celery and chicken soup, adds richness, while the vegetables and fluffy biscuits make this dish both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can cream of celery soup (~10.5 ounces)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (~10.5 ounces)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups thawed mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, etc.)
- 1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (for dumplings)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through. There’s no need to add oil as the chicken thighs will release their own fat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Sauté the Onion:
- Step 1: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté it in the rendered chicken fat over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the Soups and Broth:
- Step 1: Once the onions are soft, add the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Step 2: Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, creamy base.
4. Shred the Chicken:
- Step 1: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the soup base.
- Step 2: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the soup mixture.
5. Add the Seasonings and Vegetables:
- Step 1: Stir in the poultry seasoning, black pepper to taste, and fresh parsley.
- Step 2: Add the thawed mixed vegetables to the pot, ensuring they are well incorporated into the soup. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Prepare the Dumplings:
- Step 1: While the soup is simmering, prepare the refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Separate each biscuit and cut them into quarters or halves, depending on your preferred dumpling size. You can leave them whole for larger, fluffier dumplings.
- Step 2: Gently place the biscuit pieces on top of the simmering soup. Ensure the biscuits are evenly spaced out and not submerged in the liquid. They will steam and expand as they cook.
7. Cook the Dumplings:
- Step 1: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook on medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during cooking, as the steam is essential for the biscuits to rise and cook through properly.
8. Serve:
- Step 1: Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Step 2: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure to get a mix of creamy chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in each serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings:
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they are more flavorful and stay tender during the cooking process. However, you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat.
- Homemade Dumplings Option: If you prefer to make your dumplings from scratch, simply mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¾ cup of milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup to create fluffy, homemade dumplings.
- Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup before adding the dumplings. This will thicken the broth without altering the flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, celery, or mushrooms. This adds extra nutrition and texture to the dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: For a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the soup. This will give the dish a warm, spicy kick.
- Cheesy Dumplings: For a richer flavor, stir ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the biscuit dough before adding it to the soup. The cheese will melt into the dumplings, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Dumplings: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like chopped thyme, sage, or chives to the biscuit dough for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken and dumplings is a filling meal on its own, but you can pair it with light side dishes like:
- Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, for a bit of extra color and nutrition.
- A slice of cornbread or buttered rolls to dip into the creamy broth.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may soften, but the flavors will remain delicious.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave. If the broth thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
This easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights or when you want to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. The creamy soup base, paired with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creates a dish that is both delicious and nostalgic. With minimal prep time and ingredients, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight meal, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
