– **Title**: Easy Chicken and Dumplings
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot, combine the cubed chicken breasts, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the milk and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Season with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
4. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your Easy Chicken and Dumplings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can swap it with vegetable oil or butter if that’s what you have on hand. It will change the taste a bit, but it’ll still work well.
Vegetables: The base of this recipe is the combo of onion, carrots, and celery, known as mirepoix. You can substitute with bell peppers or corn if that’s what you prefer or if you’re looking for a twist!
Chicken Broth: I suggest using low-sodium chicken broth for a balanced taste. If you don’t have broth, a mixture of water and bouillon cubes or powder will do the trick.
Cooked Chicken: You can use any leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re going meatless, why not try canned beans? Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Biscuit Dough: Store-bought is super easy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade biscuit dough would be amazing! For a healthier option, try whole wheat biscuit mix.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Fluffy Dumplings?
Getting your dumplings fluffy and cooked just right is essential! Here are my tips:
- Make sure the soup is simmering before adding the dough. This helps them rise properly.
- Drop spoonfuls gently on top of the soup. No need to press them down; they need space to grow.
- Cover the pot tightly while they cook to trap steam. This is key to getting them fluffy!
- Do not peek too often; each time you lift the lid, steam escapes.
By following these tips, your dumplings will come out perfectly soft and delicious. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, expect to spend about 1 hour enjoying the wonderful scents and tasty results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft. This step adds great flavor to the dish!
2. Add Garlic and Broth:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Add the shredded or diced chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Stir it well to mix all the flavors.
3. Prepare the Dumplings:
When the broth is gently simmering, grab your biscuit dough. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough over the surface of the soup. Be sure to leave a little space between each dumpling so they have room to expand while cooking.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the dumplings to cook through and become fluffy. Try not to lift the lid while it’s cooking to keep the heat in.
5. Add the Peas and Final Touches:
After the dumplings are cooked, stir in the frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through. Taste your chicken and dumplings, and adjust the seasoning if you think it’s needed. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for that fresh touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Chicken and Dumplings are ready to enjoy! Ladle it into bowls and savor this comforting and delicious meal. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use fresh chicken; simply dice or shred it and add it to the pot along with the broth. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked before adding the dumpling dough.
What If I Don’t Have Biscuit Dough?
No worries! You can make a simple dumpling batter by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 cup milk. Mix until just combined, then drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth as you would with the biscuit dough.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may become softer upon reheating, but you can gently warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the flavor!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables! Corn, green beans, or even diced potatoes work great. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly — firmer veggies may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
