Amazing Homemade Chicken and Dumplings in 1 hour

Oh, Homemade Chicken and Dumplings! This dish just screams comfort, doesn’t it? I’m Anna, and I absolutely adore sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel like a joy. My kitchen adventures have always revolved around chicken – it’s just so versatile and always hits the spot. I remember spending hours in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her whip up these incredible, fluffy dumplings that just melted in your mouth. That memory is what drives me to create these easy-to-follow recipes for all of you. It’s all about bringing that cozy, home-cooked feeling to your table without all the fuss. This classic Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is one of those gems that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need to make this amazing Homemade Chicken and Dumplings! It’s all about having the right stuff on hand before you even think about turning on the stove. Trust me, gathering everything first makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable. We’re going to need some cooked chicken and a good amount of chicken broth to form the base, plus the simple ingredients for those fluffy dumplings. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you likely have in your pantry!

Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Dumplings

For those melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of butter (make sure it’s softened, that’s key!), 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder for that lovely lift, a pinch of salt, and about 1 cup of milk. The amount of milk can vary just a tiny bit, so we’ll add it until we get a nice, soft dough.

The Savory Base: Chicken and Broth

The heart of our dish comes from 3 cups of cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken or leftovers work perfectly! And you’ll need a good generous amount of chicken broth, about 6 to 8 cups. The better your broth, the more flavor your whole pot of dumplings will have, so pick a good one!

Flavor Enhancers and Dusting Flour

We’ll add salt to taste, of course, to bring out all those wonderful flavors. And you’ll want some extra flour for dusting your surfaces and the dumplings themselves. This little bit of extra flour is super important to stop everything from sticking together in a big clumpy mess.

How to Prepare Homemade Chicken and Dumplings With Ease

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this deliciousness! It sounds fancy, but honestly, it’s pretty straightforward. We’re going to start with the dumplings because that dough is super simple and comes together in a flash. Then, we’ll get everything simmering together. Just follow along, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort food before you know it!

Crafting the Perfect Dumpling Dough

First things first, let’s get that dough made. Grab a good-sized bowl and whisk together your 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Now, toss in your softened butter. You want to cut it into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. You can use your fingers, a pastry blender, or even two knives for this. Then, start adding your milk, about 1 cup total, just a little at a time, stirring until you get a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix it – we want it tender!

Shaping and Preparing Your Dumplings

Once your dough is ready, lightly flour a clean surface. Gently turn the dough out onto it and use your rolling pin to roll it out nice and thin. I like it about as thick as a nickel, maybe a little less. Then, grab a floured pizza cutter or a knife and cut that dough into bite-sized squares, about 2 inches is perfect. As you cut them, toss them onto another floured plate, dusting them lightly with more flour as you go. This is super important so they don’t all stick together! If you want to freeze some for later, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, making sure to put a little flour between each layer. Once frozen, you can bag ’em up!

Cooking the Dumplings and Finishing Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Now, let’s get this pot going! Pour your chicken broth into a big pot and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens. Gently drop your prepared dumplings into the boiling broth, one by one. Try not to dump them all in at once, and give them a gentle stir so they don’t stick to the bottom. Let them cook away, uncovered, for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and tender, and when you poke one, it doesn’t feel doughy inside. Once those dumplings are perfect, stir in your 3 cups of cooked chicken and let it heat through for a few minutes. And there you have it – a beautiful pot of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings ready to be devoured!

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A couple of little tricks can make these dumplings extra special. Don’t overcrowd your pot; cook them in batches if you have to. Make sure that broth is really boiling before you add the dumplings, that helps them puff up right. And always check one from the center to be sure they’re cooked all the way through – nobody likes a doughy dumpling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Can I freeze uncooked dumplings for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

Oh, absolutely! Freezing uncooked dumplings is a fantastic idea. Just make sure you dust them well with flour and then layer them on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you’ve got homemade dumplings ready to go whenever the craving strikes!

What kind of chicken is best for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

For the quickest and most flavorful Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, I always reach for pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here – it’s already seasoned and tender. Leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal works just as well. It saves so much time and still gives you that delicious chicken flavor!

Why are my Homemade Chicken and Dumplings doughy?

If your dumplings are coming out doughy, there are a few common culprits. Make sure you’re cooking them long enough – 15-20 minutes is usually the sweet spot. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot; give those dumplings plenty of room to cook evenly. Sometimes, if the dough is just a bit too wet to begin with, it can lead to a doughy texture, so try to get that soft, but not sticky, consistency.

Can I make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings without baking powder?

You can technically make them without baking powder, but your dumplings won’t be nearly as fluffy. The baking powder is what gives them that lovely lift and light texture. If you skip it, you’ll end up with a much denser, more biscuit-like dumpling. I really recommend keeping it in for that classic, tender result!

Understanding the Nutrition of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a comforting dinner. While it’s a traditional favorite, it’s good to have an idea of its nutritional breakdown. Please keep in mind these are estimates, as exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and carbs from the flour, making it quite filling!

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	550
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	10g
Unsaturated Fat	15g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	3g
Protein	30g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	800mg
Sugar	5g

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Leftover Homemade Chicken and Dumplings are still absolutely delicious, but you want to handle them right so they stay tasty. The broth can get a little thicker as it cools, and the dumplings absorb more liquid, so a gentle reheat is key. Don’t let those yummy leftovers go to waste!

Storing Leftover Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Once your delicious Homemade Chicken and Dumplings have cooled down completely, spoon any leftovers into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it should be good for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping it covered helps prevent it from drying out or picking up any funky smells from other foods.

Reheating Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Safely

Reheating on the stovetop is my favorite way to go. You’ll want to use a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add your leftovers and a splash of extra chicken broth or water if it looks too thick. Stir gently and often until everything is heated through. Be careful not to boil it too hard, or the dumplings can get mushy! If you’re in a real hurry, the microwave works too. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and warm. Again, gentle is the name of the game here!

Share Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Creation

I just love hearing from you! If you tried this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Rate it, share your favorite tips, or tell me about any fun variations you came up with. You can also tag me on social media – I’d love to see your amazing creations! Check out more recipes.

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