There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Stew, isn’t there? I remember a chilly evening when the sun dipped below the horizon. It left a crisp chill in the air.
In a burst of culinary inspiration, I decided to resurrect an age-old family recipe. My grandmother had lovingly perfected it over the years. With every ingredient carefully chosen—3 to 3.5 pounds of chicken, fresh vegetables sautéed to tenderness, and the perfect blend of stock—my kitchen filled with familiar aromas.
As each heaping teaspoon of dumpling batter floated onto the simmering stew, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to my family’s traditions. Those fluffy, golden dumplings doubled in size, soaking up the rich flavors of the homemade chicken and dumpling stew. In just 1 hour and 40 minutes, what began as a quest for warmth transformed into a hearty meal.
It not only nourished my body but wrapped me in the fond memories of family dinners long past. Join me as we explore the nuances of this beloved recipe. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we’ll make your own Chicken and Dumpling Stew a cherished family classic.
Introduction to Chicken and Dumpling Stew
Chicken and dumpling stew is loved in America, more in the South and Midwest. It’s warm and comforting, a favorite for many. It started during the Great Depression, helping families stay warm and fed.
The stew has tender chicken and soft dumplings in a tasty broth. It began with simple cornmeal dumplings and turnip greens. Now, there are many kinds, like “chicken and pastry” and “bott boi,” each with its own twist.
Chicken and dumpling stew is a true comfort food. It’s great for family dinners and community events. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it a favorite in many homes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why I Love Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Stew
Homemade chicken and dumpling stew makes me feel happy. It reminds me of good times with my family. The smell of it fills our home, making it cozy.
My family used fresh ingredients for this recipe. It made the stew taste better and be healthier. The chicken and veggies were tender, and the dumplings were fluffy.
This stew is full of comfort and memories. It takes me back to when we all laughed together. I love making it for my family, keeping our traditions alive.
Best Chicken and Dumpling Stew Recipe
Making the best chicken and dumpling stew at home is simple. It’s great for cozy gatherings or family dinners. It brings warmth and flavor to your table. Here’s a list of ingredients for the stew and dumplings to make it easy.
Ingredients for the Stew
- 2 lbs. bone-in, skinless chicken (3.5 to 4 pounds total weight)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for broth)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (approximately 3 ounces, diced)
- 3 medium carrots (about 12 ounces, diced)
- 3 medium ribs of celery (approximately 7.5 ounces, diced)
- 2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth (1.6 liters)
- 1 cup evaporated milk (240 ml)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, ½ teaspoon ground sage
Ingredients for the Dumplings
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (approximately 6.75 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup sour cream (approximately 4 ounces)
- ¼ cup whole milk (60 ml)
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (approximately 2 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Easy Chicken and Dumpling Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making easy chicken and dumpling stew is fun and fills your belly and heart. This guide will help you make a tasty dish for family dinners or cozy nights.
First, get your ingredients ready. You need 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts, 6 cups of chicken broth, and 2 cups of flour for dumplings. Also, pick your favorite veggies for extra flavor.
- Start by searing the chicken in a big pot over medium-high heat. It takes about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden.
- Take the chicken out and cook your veggies like onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot for 5 minutes.
- Put the chicken back in with the chicken broth and boil. Let it simmer for 30 minutes. This makes the broth very tasty.
- While the stew cooks, make the dumpling dough. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to get a soft dough.
- When the chicken is done, shred it and put it back in the pot. Drop the dumpling dough by the spoonful into the stew.
- Cover the pot and cook the dumplings for about 17 minutes. For thicker dumplings, cook for 2 more minutes.
Your stew is now ready to eat! It serves 6, so everyone gets a big helping.
For the best taste, eat your stew hot. Store leftovers in a tight container for up to 3 days. With these easy steps, you’ll make a meal that everyone will love.
Classic Chicken and Dumpling Stew: Tips for Authenticity
To make the best chicken and dumpling stew, follow some key tips. First, brown the chicken before simmering. This step adds rich flavors to the stew. It also keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Using homemade stock makes the dish even better. Homemade stock gives a unique flavor that makes your stew stand out. Mix 1.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth with 1.5 cups of hot water for the right base.
The texture of the dumplings is also important. Make the dough 1/8 inch thick and cut it into 1 inch by 2 inch strips. This size helps them puff up while cooking. You should get about 12 dumplings, the size of a golf ball.
Don’t overcook the dumplings. Cooking them for 10 minutes makes them fluffy. Let the sauce simmer before serving to blend the flavors. These tips will help you make a delicious chicken and dumpling stew that everyone will enjoy.
Hearty Chicken and Dumpling Stew Variations
I love making my hearty chicken and dumpling stew in new ways. It’s easy to add ingredients that make it special. Trying different things keeps this classic dish fresh.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Adding veggies to the stew is a great idea. Green beans, peas, and corn make it taste better and look nice. They also make it healthier.
Broccoli, kale, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes add more flavor. They also bring sweetness that goes well with the savory parts. Just make sure to cook them right so they stay tender.
Substituting Different Proteins
Changing the protein in the stew is another fun thing to do. Chicken is classic, but turkey is tasty too. You can even use plant-based chicken for a different taste.
Remember, different proteins cook differently. Turkey needs a bit more time to get tender. Vegetarian options cook faster. But no matter what, it’s always a tasty meal!
Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Stew: Making it Rich and Delicious
Making creamy chicken and dumpling stew is a treat. I use half and half or heavy cream. These add a rich, velvety touch to the stew.
The stew’s rich flavors mix well with the cream. This makes every bite a joy. It’s perfect for family meals or cozy nights.
Here’s a table showing the stew’s nutritional values. It’s full of good stuff:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 ¾ cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 332 kcal (17% of daily value) |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g (12% of daily value) |
| Protein | 22 g (44% of daily value) |
| Fat | 10 g (15% of daily value) |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g (25% of daily value) |
| Cholesterol | 61 mg (20% of daily value) |
| Sodium | 896 mg (39% of daily value) |
| Potassium | 812 mg (23% of daily value) |
| Fiber | 3 g (13% of daily value) |
| Sugar | 7 g (8% of daily value) |
| Vitamin A | 2862 IU (57% of daily value) |
Adding colorful veggies makes the stew even better. It’s both filling and comforting. Seeing happy faces makes all the effort worth it.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumpling Stew: Convenience and Flavor
Making a slow cooker chicken and dumpling stew is a favorite of mine. It’s easy and makes my house smell great. I just put everything in and forget about it, perfect for busy days.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for the Slow Cooker
Choosing the right ingredients is key. I use chicken thighs or breasts for tenderness. Root veggies like carrots and celery stay firm. I mix broth and heavy cream for a creamy stew.
Don’t forget to add dumplings 30 minutes before serving. This way, they’re fluffy and delicious. This stew is a hit with my family for its taste and ease.
