Winter is soup season. If you’ve watched the news recently, you know the weather has been brutal. It even gets super cold in the states that aren’t accustomed to it. Yours truly has been digging on soups and veggies lately to balance all the holiday eating, even on Netflix nights. Trust me, Netflix + a thick warm blanket and a steaming bowl of hearty soup is definitely one cozy night. I love winter for the extra sleep I get because it feels so good to stay in bed in the morning. Ya know, poor people have the greatest imagination. During the Great Depression, our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had to make do with what they had. A tough chicken, some veggies from the garden, flour, and a few herbs and spices simmered together just right could feed the whole family for a happy clan. And so was born chicken and dumplings.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Dumplings
Dry Ingredients – Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. (Photo 1)Butter – Quickly cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender or by hand until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; this might take about 3-5 minutes. (Photo 2)Finishing Touches – Make a well in the center of the mixture, add buttermilk, and stir until it forms a rough ball, do not overmix. Add chopped parsley and gently mix. Let it rest in the fridge while you make the chicken. I’ve tried the softer ones, but after a couple of tries, I’d say this dumpling here complements the rich, creamy stew well. No worries, because you’ll be scooping them out like a pro in no time. 😉
Chicken
Sear Chicken – Heat oil in a skillet, stir in the chicken and cook it for 3-5 minutes. Browning the chicken first ensures a far better and more flavorful base before adding the chicken broth. And it also adds that distinct appetizing color as in the photos. (Photo 3)Season – Add minced garlic, and stir for about a minute, then the chopped onion, celery, thyme, and bay leaves. Saute until the onion is wilted – about 4 minutes. (Photo 4)Roux – Add butter, then gently add flour while stirring; cook for 1 minute. (Photo 5)Add Liquid and Veggies – Pour in about ½ cup of chicken stock or broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Slowly add the remaining chicken broth a little at a time because you don’t want the mixture to form lumps. Bring to a slow boil, then turn the heat down to medium, so it simmers gently and thickens, 12-15 minutes. Stir in the vegetables, cayenne pepper (if desired), nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. (Photo 6-8)Form Dumplings – Remove the dumpling dough from the fridge, then scoop about 3 tablespoons at a time into the skillet (or divide it into 8-10 portions). Leave some space between the dumplings because they double in size as they cook. (Photos 9-10)Bake – Place skillet in the oven and bake at 350℉/177℃ for 18-20 minutes, or until slightly brown and the dough is cooked through. After about 15 minutes, you may want to use a toothpick to test if the dumplings are done.Serve – Remove from the oven, then scoop a dumpling and a portion of the stew onto each serving plate. Serve hot.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make the stew and dumplings ahead, then store them in the fridge for three days or freeze them for two months. Make the stew to the point that you would typically add the dumplings, then let it cool to almost room temperature, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make the dumpling dough, spoon it onto a sheet, then flash-freeze it. As soon as the dumplings get hard, store them in a freezer bag until ready to make your chicken and dumplings. Thaw them at room temp for about 30 minutes, then proceed with the instructions.
Serving and Storage Instructions
This deliciousness is best served hot from the oven in a big bowl. Sometimes I let it cool just enough so I don’t burn my tongue.😉 Leftovers stay good refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. My family doesn’t usually leave any leftovers, but just in case, it’s nice to know.
What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings
This one-pot meal is so delicious on its own. But if you want a more substantial meal, try it with any of the following sides.
More Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food Recipes
Conclusion
The ultimate comfort foods include chicken and dumplings. Was this dish one of your faves when you were growing up? Let me know in the comments how old you were the first time you tried this dish.❤️
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”LrUWgxSR” upload-date=”2019-04-01T03:40:57.000Z” name=”Chicken and Dumplings” description=”Chicken and Dumplings – a deliciously creamy and hearty chicken stew with celery, peas and carrots and savory flavor plus a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. It is added with balls of tender, light and biscuit-like dumpling to complement the creamy stew. A perfect filling meal to warm your soul!”] This blog post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated with additional tips.
