Comfort Food Bliss: Bacon Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a warm, hearty meal. This recipe elevates the traditional version by adding crispy bacon, creating a savory and irresistible flavor combination. The smoky bacon complements the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. This Bacon Chicken and Dumplings recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
* **Bacon Boost:** The bacon adds a depth of flavor that traditional chicken and dumplings often lack. The rendered bacon fat also enhances the richness of the broth.
* **Easy Dumplings:** The drop dumplings are quick and easy to make, requiring no rolling or cutting. They are light and fluffy, perfectly soaking up the savory broth.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or herbs. Feel free to use your favorite type of chicken or even swap out the bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** The entire dish is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
**For the Chicken and Bacon:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 slices bacon, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed, depending on the bacon)
**For the Dumplings:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
## Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment for this recipe:
* Large Dutch oven or pot
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl
* Wooden spoon or spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Bacon Chicken and Dumplings:
**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**
* Place the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. If there isn’t much bacon fat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
* Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
**Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings**
* Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the broth.
* Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer.
**Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings**
* While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
* In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
**Step 6: Add the Dumplings**
* Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture, spacing them evenly apart. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it can cause the dumplings to deflate.
**Step 7: Finish and Serve**
* Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter:** Overmixing can result in tough dumplings. Stir until just combined.
* **Avoid Lifting the Lid:** Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. This can release steam and cause them to deflate.
* **Use High-Quality Bacon:** The flavor of the bacon will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish, so use high-quality bacon for the best results.
* **Adjust the Broth:** If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering mixture before adding the dumplings.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as peas, green beans, or corn. Add them along with the chicken broth.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a touch of heat.
## Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Cajun Chicken and Dumplings:** Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken mixture and include andouille sausage for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Chicken and Dumplings:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
* **Vegetarian Dumplings:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken and bacon. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian meal. Use a plant-based butter alternative in the dumplings.
* **Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings:** Brown the bacon and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the chicken and broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last 30 minutes, drop the dumplings into the slow cooker and cook on high until they are cooked through.
* **Bisquick Dumplings:** For an even faster option, use Bisquick to make the dumplings. Follow the instructions on the Bisquick box for drop dumplings.
## Serving Suggestions
Bacon Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complement it:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory dumplings.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic pairing with chicken and dumplings.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
**Storage:**
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Bacon Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** While the dumplings can become slightly softer upon thawing, you can freeze the dish for longer storage. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Reheating:**
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the dumplings gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
## Recipe Card
**Bacon Chicken and Dumplings**
A comforting and flavorful twist on classic chicken and dumplings, featuring crispy bacon for an extra layer of savory goodness.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35 minutes
**Total Time:** 55 minutes
**Servings:** 6
**Ingredients:**
**For the Chicken and Bacon:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 slices bacon, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
**For the Dumplings:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. If there isn’t much bacon fat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Prepare the Dumplings: While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture, spacing them evenly apart. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
7. Finish and Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Conclusion
Bacon Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, adding a smoky and savory element that elevates the dish to new heights. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces!