Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. As the colder months approach, this dish quickly becomes a family favorite, turning any meal into a cozy gathering. The warmth from the pot, the inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen, and the satisfaction of a hearty meal all come together in this delightful recipe. Chicken and dumplings are more than just a dish; they hold a story of comfort, family, and nostalgia. This recipe captures all that and more, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why Make This Recipe
The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its simplicity and elegance. This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you seek solace in a warm meal. It’s not only nourishing but also an excellent way to use leftover chicken. The creamy soup wraps around tender dumplings, creating a delightful texture that fills your heart and stomach.
This hearty dish can serve as a reminder of home-cooked meals that many of us cherish from our childhood. When you make Chicken and Dumplings, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating an experience that brings people together. This is comfort food at its best. It’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even when you’re just looking for a bit of warmth on a cold day.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Creating this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require any special culinary skills. You can easily bring the essence of home into your kitchen. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you on your culinary adventure.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (16 oz) canned biscuits
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Combine the Soups: Begin by taking a large pot and combining the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it is warm. Stir gently to mix everything well.
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Add the Chicken: Next, stir in the shredded chicken. If you choose to add vegetables, throw in the frozen mixed vegetables at this point. This adds a nice touch of flavor and nutrition. Mix everything well until combined.
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Prepare the Dumplings: Open your package of canned biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters. This step is essential as it creates those delightful little dumplings that will float in your creamy soup.
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Drop in the Dumplings: Carefully drop the biscuit pieces into the warm soup mixture. Don’t worry if they don’t all sink. They will cook through during the next steps.
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Simmer Together: Cover the pot and allow it to simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens. The dumplings will puff up and cook through, soaking up the flavors of the soup.
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Season: Lastly, taste your soup, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Serve Hot: Your Chicken and Dumplings are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot and watch as your loved ones dive in with smiles on their faces.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Serving chicken and dumplings is quite simple. Just ladle the creamy soup filled with chicken and fluffy dumplings into bowls. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. The goal is to create a comforting experience, so presenting it in warm bowls can increase the overall enjoying experience.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley, on top before serving. This adds a fresh touch, complimenting the rich flavors of the soup. Encourage everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy this warm, hearty meal together. Remember, the best part of this dish isn’t just how it tastes but how it brings family and friends together.
How to Store Chicken and Dumplings
If you have leftovers, storing chicken and dumplings is easy. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It’s best to separate the dumplings from the soup if you know you won’t finish it all in one sitting. This helps to keep the dumplings from becoming too soggy.
Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup base without the dumplings. This way, you can enjoy homemade chicken and dumplings whenever the craving strikes. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Tips to Make Chicken and Dumplings
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Use Leftover Chicken: One of the best ways to make this dish is to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken. It saves time and still gives you that homemade flavor.
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Homemade Option: You can replace the canned cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce if you prefer. This can enhance the taste and texture significantly.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the broth for extra flavor. A splash of hot sauce can also bring a fun kick to the dish.
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Dumpling Alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making homemade dumplings for a more authentic touch. There are many recipes online for simple homemade dumplings if you’d like to try.
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Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables can add a flavor profile that frozen varieties might miss. You can use carrots, peas, or corn. Just remember to chop them small so they cook quickly!
Variation
While the classic recipe is cozy and delicious just as it is, feel free to mix things up according to your taste. You can add a variety of vegetables to give it a twist. Some people enjoy adding celery, corn, or even mushrooms in place of or alongside the mixed vegetables.
For a different flavor profile, instead of using cream of chicken soup, you might try cream of mushroom soup. This simple shift can add an earthiness to the dish that some might find irresistible.
For a lighter version, consider using less milk and broth, or swap out some of the dairy for almond or oat milk. This can create a slightly different but still comforting meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken to make this dish. However, it’s best to cook the chicken first and shred it before adding it to the recipe, as the cooking time might not be sufficient for frozen chicken to fully cook through in the soup.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat, add the dumplings, and let them cook through. This makes it easy to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort on busy days.
3. How can I thicken the soup?
If you find the soup a bit thin for your liking, you can make a slurry using a bit of cornstarch and water. Stir it in after the soup is warmed but before adding the dumplings. This will help create a creamier texture without the need for additional ingredients.
When you make Chicken and Dumplings, you’re not just feeding the body; you’re warming the heart with every delicious bite. This inviting recipe filled with tender chicken and soft dumplings is perfect for every occasion, whether it be a casual family dinner or a cozy night in. So roll up your sleeves and create this comforting classic that will surely bring smiles around your table.
Print
Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm bowl of creamy soup filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, perfect for cold evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (16 oz) canned biscuits
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk in a large pot. Heat over medium heat until warm, stirring gently.
- Add the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters to prepare the dumplings.
- Drop the biscuit pieces into the warm soup mixture.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in bowls for a comforting meal.
Notes
Serve with fresh herbs on top for added flavor and enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg