Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Dumplings

Follow these stages to bring the creamy chicken soup and homemade dumplings together. The key is to prepare the soup base first, make the dumpling dough while the soup simmers, and then let the dumplings steam under a tightly covered lid.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. If you’re following the optional searing step, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side.

The chicken won’t be fully cooked at this stage, so don’t worry about cooking it through. Remove it from the pot, let it rest for 10 minutes, then dice the meat and discard the bones.

If you’re using boneless chicken or leftover cooked chicken, adjust this stage according to the recipe’s chicken options.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Soup Base

Use the same pot to melt the butter, scraping up any browned bits left from searing the chicken. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning blend. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until they’re coated. Let the mixture cook for 2 minutes before gradually adding the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the half and half, then add the optional bouillon cube and frozen peas.

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 3: Mix the Homemade Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour or all-purpose flour with the baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar.

Add the cold sour cream, cold milk, and melted butter. Fold the mixture together gently until the ingredients come together into a dough.

Avoid overmixing. The goal is to combine the ingredients without working the dough more than necessary.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Dumplings

Return the diced chicken to the soup and reduce the heat to low. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the surface of the soup, spreading them into an even layer.

Spoon a little broth over each dumpling, as directed in the recipe. This helps moisten the tops as they cook.

Step 5: Cover and Cook Until the Dumplings Are Done

Cover the pot tightly and increase the heat slightly. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Keeping the lid closed is important because the dumplings need the trapped steam to cook. Once the cooking time is complete, insert a toothpick into a dumpling to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready.

If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken and dumplings warm.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

• Don’t skip the resting time if you sear the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before dicing and removing the bones, as directed in the recipe.

• Use the same pot for the soup base: Scraping up the browned bits after searing helps incorporate the flavor left in the pot.

• Add the broth gradually: Pour it in slowly while stirring constantly to help the flour blend into the liquid.

• Mix the dumpling dough gently: Fold the ingredients together rather than mixing aggressively to help keep the dumplings tender.

• Keep the dumplings evenly distributed: Drop spoonfuls across the surface so they’re arranged in an even layer.

• Keep the lid closed: Resist the temptation to check the dumplings during their 15-minute simmer. Lifting the lid releases the steam they need to cook.

• Check with a toothpick: Insert it into a dumpling after cooking. A clean toothpick indicates that the dumplings are ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dumpling dough: Working the dough too much can affect its tenderness. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently until combined.

• Adding the broth too quickly: Pouring it in all at once can make it harder to incorporate smoothly into the flour and vegetables. Add it gradually while stirring.

• Skipping the flour-cooking stage: The recipe calls for cooking the flour-coated vegetables for 2 minutes before adding the broth. Follow this step rather than immediately pouring in the liquid.

• Lifting the lid while the dumplings cook: Opening the pot releases steam. Keep the lid tightly closed for the full 15-minute simmer.

• Assuming the chicken is cooked after searing: The recipe specifically notes that the chicken won’t be cooked through after 3 minutes per side. It returns to the soup to finish cooking.

• Overlooking the dumpling doneness check: Cooking time alone isn’t the only check. Use a toothpick to confirm that the centers are cooked.

• Forgetting to season the chicken: Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before the optional searing step helps distribute flavor throughout the dish.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

The original recipe is flavorful as written, but a few optional adjustments can help you tailor it to your preferences. These are variations rather than changes to the original recipe.

• Use rotisserie chicken: For a convenient shortcut, shred or dice cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup base after the vegetables and broth have simmered. The chicken won’t need the raw-chicken searing step.

• Choose your dumpling flour: Use cake flour for the lighter dumplings described in the recipe notes, or choose all-purpose flour if that’s what you have available.

• Make the soup milder: Reduce or omit the hot sauce if you prefer less heat.

• Adjust the savory flavor: Leave out the optional bouillon cube or use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to reduce the sodium contributed by those ingredients.

• Add extra vegetables: Additional carrots, celery, or peas are possible variations if you’d like a vegetable-forward soup. Keep in mind that changing the quantities may affect the final consistency.

• Try a biscuit-dough shortcut: Refrigerated biscuit dough can be used instead of homemade dumpling dough. Cut it into quarters and add it to the simmering soup, following the package instructions and checking that the pieces are cooked through.

• Experiment with fresh herbs: Fresh parsley makes a simple finishing garnish. Other fresh herbs can be explored as optional additions, although they will change the flavor from the original recipe.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a hearty meal on its own, thanks to the chicken, vegetables, creamy broth, and dumplings. Serve it in wide bowls so each portion includes plenty of soup and several dumplings.

For a little freshness alongside the rich broth, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are also good options if you’d like another vegetable on the table.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh herbal finish. If you’re serving the dish for a family dinner or a casual gathering, offer warm bread on the side for anyone who wants to enjoy every bit of the creamy broth.

For drinks, water, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can You Prepare Chicken and Dumplings Ahead of Time?

You can make some of the preparation easier by dicing the vegetables in advance and measuring out the seasonings. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, having it ready before you start will also simplify the cooking process.

For the best experience with the homemade dumplings, it’s worth paying attention to their texture. Dumplings absorb moisture as they sit in soup, so the finished dish may become thicker during storage.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftover chicken and dumplings to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Keep the chicken, broth, and dumplings together so the flavors remain combined.

The soup may thicken as it cools because the dumplings continue to absorb liquid. When reheating, check the consistency and stir gently.

Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?

Freezing is possible, but the texture of the dumplings may change after thawing. They can become softer or more prone to breaking apart, and the creamy broth may separate slightly.

If you’re planning to freeze a portion, consider how much the dumpling texture matters to you. For the closest experience to freshly made dumplings, serving the dish soon after cooking is a good option.

How to Reheat Leftovers

Reheat the soup gently in a pot on the stovetop, stirring carefully to avoid breaking apart the dumplings. If the broth has thickened considerably in the refrigerator, add a little chicken broth to loosen it as needed.

Heat until the chicken and soup are thoroughly warmed. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can damage the soft dumplings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup base after simmering the vegetables and broth. This shortcut reduces both preparation and cooking time.

2. How can I simplify the dumpling preparation?

If making dumplings from scratch feels time-consuming, consider using canned biscuit dough as a shortcut. Cut the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the simmering soup; they’ll cook through and provide a similar comforting texture. 

3. Is it possible to prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the vegetables and adding them to the slow cooker along with the broth and chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. For the dumplings, prepare them separately and add during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from disintegrating. 

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For the dumplings, ensure you use a gluten-free flour mix and adjust the recipe accordingly. 

5. How can I streamline the cooking process further?

To save time, consider using pre-chopped vegetables and pre-cooked chicken. Additionally, using frozen peas instead of fresh ones can cut down on prep time. These small changes can make the cooking process much more efficient.