Greeting my lovely friends.
As a lover of all things delicious. (we all are, right?)
I’m excited to share with you my personal recipe for Easy Chicken and Dumplings.
Nothing beats the feeling of comfort and satisfaction that comes with every bite of this flavorful dish.
The aroma alone will transport you back to cherished memories of home-cooked meals and cozy gatherings.
This recipe is specifically designed to serve two people.
Ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without worrying about excessive leftovers or complicated measurements.
It’s tailored to preserve the delicious flavors and textures that make chicken and dumplings such a delightful dish.
While also considering the need for smaller serving sizes and cost-effective cooking methods.
(I’ve always had a soft spot for chicken and dumplings)
It was a dish that my grandmother used to prepare for our family on special occasions or whenever we needed some extra warmth and nourishment.
Over the years, I’ve added my own twists and adjustments to the comforting flavors of this dish.
Making it an approachable and easy-to-follow recipe for any time of the day.
With this recipe, I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a memorable chicken and dumplings experience.
So, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through the ingredients and steps required to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Table of Contents
Let’s start with the dumplings
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making the star of the show – the dumplings!
This might sound intimidating, but it’s just a breeze once you have the right ingredients and follow these simple steps.
Gather the ingredients for the dumplings:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of cold butter, diced
- ⅓ cup of milk
Follow these steps to create the perfect dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Give it a quick whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the diced cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, gently incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Make sure not to overmix, a slightly lumpy texture is perfectly fine.
- Flour a clean surface or a cutting board and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough gently for about a minute until it comes together.
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour on top to make it more manageable.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. You can use a rolling pin or simply press it down with your hands.
The important thing is to ensure the dough is evenly flattened.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the flattened dough into small squares or rectangles. Aim for sizes that are easy to handle and fit nicely in your soup.
And voila, our homemade dumplings are ready! (Wasn’t that easy?)
Personally, I prefer smaller dumplings for chicken and dumplings because they soak up the flavorful broth and create a delightful bite-size experience.
But feel free to adjust the size according to your preference.
Now that you have your dumplings ready.
It’s time to move on to the next section of our recipe and create the heartwarming chicken soup that will complement them perfectly.
Follow along, and let’s prepare a delicious and nutritious meal that can be a part of your healthy meal prep for a week.
Create a flavorful chicken soup
Let’s get cookin’!
You’ve already nailed those delicious dumplings, and now it’s time to whip up the perfect chicken soup to go with them.
(You won’t regret it!)
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful soup:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (olive oil, canola oil, or any oil of your choice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk, almond milk, or any milk substitute)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s get started with the recipe!
- First, heat up a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil.
Once the oil is hot, toss in the chicken breasts and cook them for around 6-8 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked.
Once they’re done, set them aside to cool.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, and cook them until they’re slightly golden and tender.
(This will really elevate the flavor of the soup)
- While the vegetables are cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Once they’re shredded, set them aside for later.
- Now, it’s time to create a roux. Scoot the sautéed veggies to one side of the pot to make some space to melt two tablespoons of butter.
Once melted, sprinkle in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk them together until combined.
Allow the mixture to cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly.
- Next, gradually pour in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, and stir well. This will create a thick and creamy base for our soup.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the soup is simmering, add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir gently to combine.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, add the dumplings you made earlier into the soup!
Let them simmer in there for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and have absorbed all the delicious flavors of the soup.
Finally, serve up a steaming bowl of easy chicken and dumplings for two and enjoy the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.
(It’s comfort food at its finest!)
Elevate your Easy Chicken and Dumplings for Two
Now, Let’s turn easy chicken and dumplings for two into a flavor explosion!
Let’s jump right in and make this dish an unforgettable one! It’s so simple that even beginners in meal prepping can easily accomplish it.
Enhance the Flavor
Who says you can’t add a little extra creativity to your classic chicken and dumplings?
When sautéing your veggies, toss in some minced garlic or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
These additions will infuse your soup with depth and fragrance.
(taking it to the next level of yum!)
Customize the Vegetables
While our recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative with your veggies.
I love to throw in some corn, peas, or even diced potatoes to give my dish some color and heartiness.
It’s all about making a meal that suits your taste buds and preferences!
Experiment with different Seasonings
(Let’s spice things up a bit, shall we?)
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to tailor the flavor to your liking.
A pinch of dried thyme or paprika can add a subtle twist, while a dash of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes can provide a delightful kick.
(Seasoning is a personal preference, so add to your heart’s content!)
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in a meal prep container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Just be aware that the dumplings may soak up some liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency.
(No worries, though!) Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
While chicken and dumplings are a meal on their own, you can always pair them with some delightful sides.
I love to add a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness of the dish.
(And don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delectable soup!)
Cooking is all about making the recipe your own.
Have fun and experiment with different flavors, veggies, and seasonings to create a dish that suits your taste buds and dietary needs.
Now, it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor the delightful flavors of this comforting dish.
And the best part? You can even bring this as a healthy snack for work to enjoy at your desk or during a break.
As you take each scrumptious bite, let the creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings comfort and nourish your soul.
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of a homemade meal made with love.
I hope this recipe has brought joy and warmth to your table, creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.
Keep experimenting, customizing, and perfecting this dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with your friends and family.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious easy chicken and dumplings for two!
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FAQ
What is usually served with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings are often served as a one-pot meal, with all the necessary components included in the dish.
However, some people may choose to serve additional sides, such as a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, to round out the meal.
It’s also common to serve chicken and dumplings with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious broth.
What’s the best way to cook dumplings?
The best way to cook dumplings can vary depending on the type of dumplings you are making.
Generally, the most popular method is to boil them in a pot of salted water until they float to the top and are cooked through.
However, you can also steam dumplings, bake them, or fry them.
The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your dumplings, so it’s important to check them frequently to ensure they are cooked through.
How to thicken chicken and dumplings easily?
To thicken chicken and dumplings, you can use a simple flour and water slurry. Start by mixing equal parts of flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth.
Then, gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering chicken and dumplings, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue to cook the dish for a few minutes, until the broth has thickened to your desired consistency.
You can also use other thickeners like cornstarch, roux, or heavy cream to achieve the desired thickness.
What are the 6 ways to cook dumplings?
There are many ways to cook dumplings, but here are six popular methods:
- Boiling: Add dumplings to a pot of boiling salted water and cook until they float to the top and are cooked through.
- Steaming: Place dumplings in a steamer basket over simmering water and cook until they are tender and cooked through.
- Pan-frying: Fry dumplings in a hot skillet with oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Deep-frying: Submerge dumplings in hot oil and fry until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
- Baking: Place dumplings in a casserole dish and bake in the oven until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Grilling: Skewer dumplings and grill until they are crispy and cooked through.
How do you keep dumplings Fluffy?
To keep dumplings fluffy, it’s important not to overwork the dough.
When mixing the dough, handle it as little as possible to prevent the gluten from becoming tough and chewy.
Additionally, it’s important to not overcrowd the pot when boiling the dumplings, as they need room to expand and cook evenly.
Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the heat and serve them immediately to prevent them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
