Craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe with egg noodles! This classic dish is perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a satisfying weeknight dinner. Forget those boxed mixes; this recipe delivers fluffy dumplings and tender chicken in a rich, savory broth, all made from scratch. It's a quick dinner idea that’s surprisingly healthy and will quickly become one of your best recipes.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra melted butter
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken and Broth
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Making the Dumplings:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. This easy recipe focuses on simplicity!
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Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Finishing Touches:
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Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra melted butter, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumplings: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix until just combined.
- Use a good quality chicken broth: The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking: Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- For thicker dumplings: Use less milk in the dumpling batter.
- For thinner dumplings: Use more milk in the dumpling batter.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or green beans to the broth.
- Use different noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other types of pasta such as small shells or even egg-free options.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy chicken and dumplings: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate. Generally, this recipe offers a good source of protein and some essential vitamins and minerals.
This hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe with egg noodles is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that deliver wholesome comfort. Enjoy this healthy meal!