Craving that warm, comforting feeling only homemade chicken and dumplings can provide? Forget takeout – this recipe will transport you straight to Cracker Barrel's cozy kitchen, but without leaving your own! This easy recipe focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, resulting in a delicious, hearty meal perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. Get ready to enjoy this classic comfort food, made healthier and tastier in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 lbs 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
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
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.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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 to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Making the Dumplings
While the chicken simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly lumpy.
Step 3: Combining and Cooking
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken and broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Step 4: Serving
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This hearty and delicious dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumplings: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use low-sodium broth: This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your preferences.
- For thicker dumplings: Use a little less milk.
- For fluffier dumplings: Use a little more milk.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
- Use bone-in chicken: For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a serving of this chicken and dumplings recipe generally contains around 350-400 calories, 25-30g of protein, and 30-40g of carbohydrates.
This recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's ideal for homemade cooking and counts among the best recipes for a comforting and satisfying experience. Enjoy!