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Easy & Comforting Chicken and Dumplings: A Simple Recipe for a Classic Dish

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Easy & Comforting Chicken and Dumplings: A Simple Recipe for a Classic Dish

Chicken and dumplings. Just the words conjure up images of cozy nights, warm kitchens, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness. It’s a classic dish, beloved for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. But sometimes, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be a deterrent. That’s where this recipe comes in! This is a super easy chicken and dumplings recipe that anyone can make, regardless of their cooking experience. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on streamlining the process without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, comforting chicken and dumplings in under an hour!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency. Here’s what makes it so great:

* **Simplified Ingredients:** We use readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. No need for a special trip to the grocery store.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** This recipe significantly cuts down on the traditional cooking time without compromising the delicious flavor you expect from chicken and dumplings.
* **Semi-Homemade Dumplings:** We use canned biscuit dough for the dumplings, which saves a ton of time and effort. Don’t worry, they still taste amazing!
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a bonus! This recipe can be made entirely in one large pot or Dutch oven.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings and vegetables to your liking. Add more herbs, change up the veggies, or use different types of canned soup – make it your own!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this easy chicken and dumplings recipe:

* **Chicken:** 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination)
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (64 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This adds creaminess and flavor.
* **Cream of Celery Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* **Vegetables:** 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped onion (or 1 (10-12 oz) bag of frozen mixed vegetables – carrots, peas, green beans)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
* **Herbs & Spices:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf (adds subtle flavor; remove before serving)
* **Canned Biscuits:** 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands! or similar)
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting chicken and dumplings:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot or Dutch oven.
* Add the chicken broth. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth. If not, add a little more.
* Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

* Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.

**Step 3: Shred the Chicken**

* Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. You can also use your hands, but be careful not to burn yourself.

**Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings**

* Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion (or the frozen mixed vegetables) to the pot with the chicken broth.
* Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

**Step 5: Add Cream Soups and Shredded Chicken**

* Stir in the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup (if using). Mix well until the soups are fully incorporated and the broth is creamy.
* Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine.
* Season with salt to taste. Remember that canned soups and chicken broth can be salty, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

**Step 6: Prepare the Dumplings**

* Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough.
* On a lightly floured surface, or using your hands, flatten each biscuit slightly.
* Cut each biscuit into quarters or smaller pieces. This ensures the dumplings cook through evenly and are a manageable size.

**Step 7: Add the Dumplings to the Pot**

* Drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering chicken and broth mixture, one at a time, making sure they are evenly distributed.
* Do not overcrowd the pot. You may need to cook the dumplings in batches if your pot is not large enough.

**Step 8: Cook the Dumplings**

* Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. They should be puffed up and golden brown. The internal temperature of the dumplings should reach 200°F (93°C).
* Do not lift the lid frequently while the dumplings are cooking, as this can release steam and prevent them from cooking properly.

**Step 9: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving.
* Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Cut Dumplings to the Right Size:** Cut the biscuits into smaller pieces to ensure they cook through evenly. Larger pieces may be doughy in the center.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** If your pot is not large enough, cook the dumplings in batches to avoid overcrowding.
* **Resist Lifting the Lid:** Avoid lifting the lid frequently while the dumplings are cooking, as this can release steam and prevent them from cooking properly. Be patient!
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
* **Use a Dutch Oven:** A Dutch oven is ideal for making chicken and dumplings because it distributes heat evenly and retains moisture.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken and broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the dumplings just before cooking.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot after the vegetables have cooked.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans.
* **Soup:** Use cream of mushroom soup instead of or in addition to cream of celery soup.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Dumplings:** Make your own dumplings from scratch if you prefer. There are many simple dumpling recipes available online. You can also use store-bought dumpling mix.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free canned biscuits or make your own gluten-free dumplings.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and dairy-free biscuits, or make your own dairy-free dumplings using plant-based milk and butter substitutes.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dish suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw is another great side dish that complements the flavors of chicken and dumplings.
* **Cornbread:** Warm cornbread is a classic accompaniment to chicken and dumplings.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve chicken and dumplings with a side of mashed potatoes.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method.

**Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?**

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Remove the bones before adding the chicken back to the pot.

**Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Add the chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken and add it back to the slow cooker along with the cream soups. Add the dumplings during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, making sure to place them on top of the chicken mixture so they steam properly. The slow cooker is great to keep the food warm for a party.

**Q: Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?**

A: Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

**Q: Why are my dumplings gummy?**

A: Gummy dumplings can be caused by overcrowding the pot, not cooking them long enough, or lifting the lid too frequently. Make sure to cook the dumplings in batches if necessary, cook them until they are fully cooked through, and avoid lifting the lid while they are cooking.

**Q: Can I add other seasonings?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other seasonings to your liking. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and poultry seasoning.

**Q: My chicken and dumplings are too thick. What can I do?**

A: If your chicken and dumplings are too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin them out. Stir in the broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

**Q: My chicken and dumplings are too thin. What can I do?**

A: If your chicken and dumplings are too thin, you can simmer them uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the broth.

## Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can make this delicious and satisfying dish. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, creamy, and comforting chicken and dumplings! It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will warm you from the inside out.

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