Savor the warmth and comfort of a classic dish with our delectable Creamy Chicken and Dumplings recipe. This hearty and satisfying meal features tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings enveloped in a rich and creamy broth. Perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this soul-warming favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetable Base:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and heavy cream until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Form the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken and vegetable base. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of broth and vegetables with each serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Dumpling Size: Adjust the size of the dumplings to your preference. Larger dumplings will take longer to cook, while smaller ones will cook more quickly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences. Peas, corn, or green beans can be added for extra color and flavor.
- Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage can be used in place of or in addition to the dried herbs.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Almond Flour Dumplings: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to create keto-friendly dumplings. Use a combination of almond flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and eggs to form the dough.
- Heavy Cream: Increase the amount of heavy cream in the chicken and vegetable base to add richness and maintain ketosis.
Low-Carb:
- Vegetable Modifications: Reduce the amount of carrots and onions in the recipe to lower the carb count. Opt for low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower.
- Almond Milk: Replace the milk and heavy cream in the dumpling dough with unsweetened almond milk to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the pot during the final stages of cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of chicken and dumplings? A: Yes, leftover chicken and dumplings can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the instructions for preparing the chicken and vegetable base, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the dumplings during the last hour of cooking.
Q: Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings? A: Yes, store-bought biscuit dough can be used as a convenient alternative to homemade dumplings. Simply cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the simmering chicken and vegetable base.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free
Indulge in the cozy and comforting flavors of Creamy Chicken and Dumplings, a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this dish embodies warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this soul-warming classic. Enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food with Creamy Chicken and Dumplings!
