Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! Our Test Kitchen has perfected a recipe for Sloppy Chicken Dumplings that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. This dish is a delightful twist on classic sloppy joes, incorporating fluffy homemade dumplings for an extra layer of texture and warmth. It's the perfect blend of comfort food and homemade goodness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready to impress your family with this delicious and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
Making the Sloppy Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Making the Dumplings:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly lumpy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the top of the simmering sloppy chicken.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Chicken Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Use a good quality ground chicken: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices to suit your preference. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the sloppy chicken mixture.
Variations:
- Spicy Sloppy Chicken Dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy chicken mixture.
- Cheesy Sloppy Chicken Dumplings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dumplings during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetable Sloppy Chicken Dumplings: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the sloppy chicken mixture for extra vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hearty and delicious Sloppy Chicken Dumpling recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of savory sloppy chicken and fluffy dumplings makes it a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!