Are you craving a heartwarming, delicious meal that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Chicken Dumpling Bake! This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's one of those easy recipes that's sure to become a family favorite, providing a healthy and satisfying experience without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the frozen peas.
Step 4: Making the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Assembling and Baking
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Don't worry about making them perfect; rustic is charming!
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Chicken Dumpling Bake is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily create at home. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this delightful and easy recipe!