Why I Love This Recipe
I cherish this recipe because it evokes memories of family dinners and the warmth of home-cooked meals. The combination of succulent chicken and soft dumplings in a savory broth is both satisfying and comforting. It’s a dish that brings people together and fills the kitchen with delightful aromas.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken and Broth:
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4 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
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1 cup chopped celery
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1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
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2 (10.5-ounce) cans of chicken broth
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3 cans of water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
For the Dumplings:
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2 cups self-rising flour
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1/4 cup shortening
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3/4 cup boiling water
Directions
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Prepare the Broth: In a large soup pot, combine the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
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Make the Dumplings: In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring until the dough forms a ball.
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Roll and Cut Dumplings: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and then into squares, approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
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Cook the Dumplings: Remove the lid from the boiling broth. Add several dumpling squares at a time, replacing the lid after each addition for about 30 seconds. Continue until all dumplings are added. Once all dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender.
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Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s an ideal dish for a hearty family meal.
Variations
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Vegetable Additions: I sometimes add chopped carrots or peas to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the dumpling dough adds a delightful aroma and taste.
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Creamier Broth: For a richer broth, I add a splash of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking.
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Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika gives the dish a subtle heat that I enjoy.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency. Note that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that works well in this recipe.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the dumplings may change upon thawing and reheating.
How do I prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense?
To keep the dumplings light, avoid overworking the dough and ensure that the boiling water is added gradually to achieve the right consistency.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite in many households. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to please and become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.
Print
Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Whip up a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a kid-friendly favorite and freezer-friendly too.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
4 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
1 cup chopped celery
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth
3 cans water (use empty soup can for measuring)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup boiling water
Instructions
In a large pot, combine chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, broth, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer.
In a bowl, cut shortening into the self-rising flour until mixture is crumbly. Add boiling water gradually and stir until dough forms a ball.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 1–2 inch squares.
Remove lid from broth. Add dumpling squares a few at a time, replacing the lid after each addition for 30 seconds. Continue until all are added.
Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until dumplings are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Add carrots or peas for more nutrition.
Stir fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
A splash of cream can make the broth richer.
Spice it up with paprika or cayenne for heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern, American
