Chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that brings to mind warmth, comfort, and the essence of home-cooked meals. Picture tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich broth, combined with soft, fluffy dumplings. It’s a quintessential comfort food that goes beyond mere nourishment; it’s a way to gather family and friends around the table. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe that encapsulates the heart of this beloved dish while offering tips to elevate your cooking game.
The Journey of Flavors in the most Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Understanding the elements of perfect chicken and dumplings is key to achieving a great dish. The combination of rich chicken flavor, creamy broth, and airy dumplings offers a delightful contrast.
Imagine settling down at the dining table, the mouthwatering aroma wafting from a pot simmering on the stove. Anticipation builds as you look forward to a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings—each comforting bite feels like a warm embrace.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, gather the following ingredients which enhance its flavor profile:
For the Chicken and Broth:
2-3 large chicken breasts
1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon onion powder
½ tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cream of Chicken:
⅓ cup cream of anything powder (a separate recipe is available)
5 tablespoons butter
1 ⅓ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups hot milk
(Yields 4 ½ cups of cream of chicken)
For the Soup:
6 large stalks of celery, diced
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced carrots
½ stick butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon parsley
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
3 cups chicken broth
6 cups milk
3 cups cream of chicken
4 oz cream cheese
Salt, to taste
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
½ teaspoon white pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
5 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup milk
¾ cup sour cream
Step 1: Make the Chicken Broth
The foundation of this dish lies in the broth. It’s here that flavors deepen and come together.
In an Instant Pot, place the chicken breasts and cover them with water up to the max fill line.
Season with herbs de Provence, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Once finished, strain the broth and set the chicken aside.
This initial step ensures rich, flavorful broth that enhances the overall dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream of Chicken
Creating a creamy chicken filling is next. This mixture adds richness to your soup.
In a large soup pot, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in ⅓ cup of the cream of anything powder to form a roux.
Gradually stir in 1 ⅓ cups of chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of hot milk until it thickens.
Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.
This creamy layer is essential for achieving a smooth and flavorful soup.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup
Now, let’s build the soup with fresh vegetables to enhance its flavor.
In the same pot, melt ½ stick of butter and add minced garlic, diced celery, onions, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until they soften.
Mix in parsley, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs de Provence.
Pour in the broth, milk, cream of chicken, and cream cheese. Stir well.
Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
The vegetables add texture, while the cream cheese results in a luxurious consistency.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
The dumplings take center stage, providing a fluffy and satisfying texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, onion powder, white pepper, and garlic powder.
In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, and sour cream.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup.
Cover the pot and steam the dumplings for about 15 minutes.
Careful steam helps make the dumplings light and perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, your chicken and dumplings are ready to be enjoyed.
Plating Your Dish
Spoon generous portions of soup into deep bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up leftover broth.
Tips for Success
To create the best chicken and dumplings, keep these suggestions in mind:
Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Take Your Time with the Broth: Allowing the broth to simmer will provide a depth of flavor that quick options can't match.
Be Consistent with Dumpling Size: Ensuring uniform sizes will help them cook evenly.
Be Open to Experimentation: Feel free to try different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for extra flavor surprises.
Storing Leftovers: Keep any extra in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even better the next day.
The Final Word on Chicken and Dumplings
Mastering chicken and dumplings is more than just cooking; it's a way to create heartwarming meals that bring people together. With this detailed recipe and step-by-step guide, you can create a dish that not only warms the soul but also satisfies the appetite.
Whether on a rainy day or at a family gathering, chicken and dumplings has a unique way of making any meal feel special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the wonderful experience of making this comforting classic. Happy cooking!
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2-3 large chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cream of Chicken:
- ⅓ cup cream of anything powder (recipe found separately)
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 ⅓ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups hot milk
*(Yields 4 ½ cups of cream of chicken)*
For the Soup:
- 6 large stalks of celery, diced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ stick butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups milk
- 3 cups cream of chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Salt, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chicken Broth
1. In an Instant Pot, add the chicken breasts and cover with water up to the max fill line.
2. Season with herbs de Provence, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Once done, strain the broth and set aside the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Cream of Chicken
1. In a large soup pot, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in ⅓ cup of the cream of anything powder to create a roux.
3. Gradually add 1 ⅓ cups of chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of hot milk, stirring until thickened.
4. Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup
1. In the same pot, melt ½ stick of butter. Add the minced garlic, diced celery, onions, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Add seasonings: parsley, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs de Provence.
3. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, 6 cups of milk, the homemade cream of chicken, and cream cheese. Allow to simmer together for about 20 minutes.
4. Shred the reserved chicken and stir it into the pot. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, onion powder, white pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add 5 tablespoons of melted butter, ¼ cup of milk, and ¾ cup of sour cream, mixing until a thick, slightly wet dough forms.
3. Using a cookie scoop, place dumplings on top of the hot soup.
4. Cover with a lid and cook on low to medium heat for 10 minutes without peeking.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Dumplings
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