Chicken and Dumplings: A Deep Dive into Comfort Food

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There is nothing like a bowl of chicken and dumplings to warm you up. This dish is a classic comfort food, popular in the Southern and Midwestern United States. It is a meal that brings back memories of family and home, and I am excited to share more about it with you. In this post, I will explore its history, different versions, and how you can make it perfectly in your own kitchen. Whether you prefer making it completely from scratch or want to take some convenient shortcuts, I’ve got you covered.

What are Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings starts with a savory chicken soup. This soup includes vegetables and a creamy broth. The soup is then topped with dumplings. These dumplings steam right on top of the soup, which is a wonderful way to cook them. This dish is a popular comfort food in the Southern US, but the thickness of the soup and the kind of dumplings used can vary quite a bit.

A Taste of History

The origins of chicken and dumplings trace back to the Southern United States. It was a significant dish in the Antebellum South and during tough economic times. Some people consider it a resourceful meal from the Great Depression. Early versions used cornmeal dumplings cooked with turnip greens. It is also thought to have possible origins as a French Canadian meal.

There are many regional variations of chicken and dumplings:

• The dish is very popular in the Southern and Midwestern United States.
• In the Appalachian region, a variation called “chicken pastry” or “chicken slicks” uses flat noodles.
• The Pennsylvania Dutch version, called “bott boi,” includes large square noodles and meat, like chicken, ham, or beef simmered in stock. Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or celery and saffron are often added.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so delicious:

• Chicken: Bone-in chicken breast or thighs add the most flavor to the broth. You can use a whole chicken or cut-up chicken pieces. Leftover chicken also works well. Searing the chicken first is optional, but it does add a lot of flavor.
• Vegetables: The most common vegetables used are onion, carrots, and celery. You might want to add peas too. Dice all the vegetables into small pieces.
• Broth: Chicken broth is the key liquid for this dish. You can use bouillon to enhance the flavor.
• Dumplings: Dumplings are made from flour, baking powder, salt, and liquid. Cake flour can make your dumplings lighter. Adding cornmeal can prevent the dumplings from becoming gummy. Fats like butter are also part of the mix.
• Flavor Enhancers: Ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mustard powder add to the taste. Herbs like thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, and sage also boost the flavor. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning.

Types of Dumplings

There are three main types of dumplings used in this dish:

• Drop Dumplings: These are the easiest type. You simply drop the dough into the soup. This is the type I will focus on in the recipe below.
• Rolled Dumplings: For these, the dough is rolled out, cut into shapes, and then cooked in the broth.
• Biscuit Dumplings: You cut biscuit dough into smaller pieces and add it to the soup to cook. You can use homemade or refrigerated biscuits.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s how to make delicious chicken and dumplings:

1. Preparation: Gather your tools. You will need a Dutch oven and measuring spoons.
2. Sear the Chicken (optional): Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear it in olive oil for 3 minutes per side. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then dice it. Searing the chicken adds great flavor to the broth.
3. Make the Broth: Melt butter in the same pot and use a spatula to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring constantly, then add half and half in the same manner. Add the frozen peas. Simmer this mixture while you make the dumplings.
4. Make the Dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add cold sour cream, cold milk, and melted butter. Gently fold the ingredients together to form a dough. Do not overmix it.
5. Combine the Dish: Add the diced chicken back to the pot and stir. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the soup. Cover the pot tightly and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Use a toothpick to test the dumplings for doneness. Garnish with parsley before serving.
6. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish.

Tips for Perfect Dumplings

Here are some tips to ensure your dumplings turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Peek: Do not lift the lid while the dumplings steam.
• Use Cake Flour: Use cake flour for lighter dumplings.
• Simmer Gently: The soup should simmer gently while the dumplings are cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Use a timer so you don’t overcook your dumplings.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to make sure the dumplings are cooked through.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the dough to keep the dumplings light.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop will help you make uniform dumplings.
• Add Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon to the dumpling batter.
• Use Cold Liquids: Use cold liquids to avoid toughening the dough.

Enhancing the Flavor

Here are some additional tips for the best flavor:

• The Importance of Searing: Searing the chicken before adding it to the broth creates a richer flavor.
• Flavor Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and hot sauce add depth to the flavor.
• Herb Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your soup and dumplings.
• Broth Variations: Try using bone broth for a more complex flavor.
• Layering Flavors: Different flavor enhancers create a unique taste profile for this dish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Chicken and dumplings is a meal all by itself, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green vegetable, like steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, or roasted Brussels sprouts. A simple salad is also a good option.
• Drinks: Choose beverages that pair well with chicken and dumplings.
• Presentation: You can serve the dish in bowls for casual occasions.

Recipe Customization and Troubleshooting

Here are some tips for customizing and troubleshooting:

• Dietary Adjustments:
  • You can reduce fat and sodium by using low-sodium broth, unsalted butter, and less heavy cream.
  • Consider healthier ingredient substitutions such as whole wheat flour for some of the white flour in the dumplings.
  • For gluten-free versions, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Troubleshooting:
  • If your dumplings are dense or gummy, be sure to not overmix the batter.
  • If the broth is too watery, simmer it longer without the lid to allow it to thicken.
• Encourage Experimentation: Try experimenting with different ingredients to find your favorite version.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how to store leftovers:

• Soup: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Dumplings: Dumplings are best fresh, but you can remove them from the soup and reheat them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Consistency: Note that the consistency of the soup may change after storage but the flavor will remain great.

Quick and Easy Version

If you are short on time, here is a simplified version:

• Ingredients: Use 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, 3 cans of chicken broth, 3 cups of cooked chicken, and 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough.
• Instructions: Stir the soup, broth, and chicken in a pot. Heat until simmering. Cut each biscuit into quarters and gently stir them into the soup. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the biscuits are cooked through.

Personal Stories and Community Connection

I have so many memories of enjoying chicken and dumplings with my family. It’s a dish that always brings us together. This recipe is more than just a meal, it is a connection to family, friends, and home. Please share your own experiences and variations in the comments below.

Conclusion

Chicken and dumplings is a truly comforting and versatile dish. I encourage you to try the recipe and experiment to find your favorite version. Enjoy this warm and inviting meal!

I hope you enjoy this post and the recipe. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy cooking!