Introduction
Chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and light, fluffy dumplings creates a nurturing experience, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Adding biscuits to the mix elevates this classic recipe, giving it a delightful twist. The biscuits soak up the savory flavors while providing a satisfying texture, making each bite truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
Chicken thighs are preferred for their moistness and rich flavor. They stay tender during the cooking process, ensuring that the meat falls apart easily without drying out. - 4 cups chicken broth
A quality chicken broth acts as the base for the entire dish, infusing the chicken and dumplings with flavorful depth. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the seasoning. - 1 cup carrots, diced
Carrots add a natural sweetness and bright color. They also provide essential nutrients and a slight crunch, balancing the creaminess of the broth. - 1 cup celery, diced
Celery contributes a fresh flavor and healthy crunch. Its high water content helps maintain moisture in the dish, enhancing the overall texture. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Thyme is a classic herb that complements chicken wonderfully. Its earthy floral notes add complexity and enhance the dish’s aroma. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder infuses a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish. It enhances the broth’s savoriness and provides depth. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a rich flavor and helping them soften. It adds healthy fats that contribute to the overall richness of the dish. - 2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is essential for creating the dumplings and biscuits. The gluten in the flour gives the biscuits structure while keeping them tender and fluffy. - 1 tablespoon baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the biscuits rise and become airy. It ensures a light texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty broth. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the dish, balancing the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the chicken. It’s crucial for seasoning the biscuits as well. - 1 cup milk
Milk adds moisture to the biscuit dough. It helps create a tender crumb in the biscuits and enriches the overall flavor. - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Melted butter enriches the biscuit dough, adding flavor and tenderness. It helps create a rich, golden crust when baked.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Sauté vegetables and chicken.
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the chicken thighs, seasoning with thyme, garlic powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavors of the broth and allows the chicken to sear slightly for added depth.
Step 2: Add chicken broth and simmer.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, letting it cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the chicken to become tender and the broth to develop a rich flavor. Check occasionally to control cooking and avoid evaporation.
Step 3: Prepare biscuit dough.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so stop as soon as the mixture comes together. This dough will create the fluffy biscuits that complement the hearty chicken and broth.
Step 4: Shred the chicken.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Shredding ensures the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish, allowing each bite to be flavorful and tender.
Step 5: Drop biscuit dough into the broth.
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough directly into the simmering broth. Allow space between each scoop, as they will expand during cooking. This technique creates fluffy dumplings that absorb the broth’s flavors while steaming through.
Step 6: Cover and cook dumplings.
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam in the broth for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid, as this will release steam critical to the dumplings’ rise. It’s essential for them to cook through, becoming succulent and soft in the savory broth.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy.
Once the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. This is the moment to appreciate the warmth and heartiness of the dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors that radiate from this classic recipe.
The Perfect Biscuit Texture
Creating perfect biscuits is all about balance. The key lies in the mixing process—decisive enough to combine ingredients, but gentle to maintain an airy, tender texture. Using cold butter and minimal handling helps achieve a flaky, soft biscuit that contrasts delightfully with the creamy broth.
Broth Variations to Explore
While chicken broth is customary, feel free to explore variations. Using vegetable broth adds a subtle earthiness, while homemade stock can intensify flavors. You might even experiment with a splash of white wine or a dash of soy sauce for unexpected depth and richness, transforming the core of this timeless dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
For the best experience, consume immediately. If storing, ensure the chicken and dumplings cool completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess. When reheating, do so gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain the creamy consistency while avoiding the rubbery texture that can come from the microwave.
FAQs
What if the broth is too thick?
If the broth thickens more than desired, gently stir in extra chicken broth or water. This will help adjust the texture while retaining the flavors.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply add it to the simmering broth towards the end, just long enough to heat it through before adding the dumplings.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Dense dumplings usually stem from overmixing the dough or not allowing enough steam to cook them. Be gentle when combining ingredients and avoid lifting the lid while they cook.
How can I boost the flavor of the broth?
Enhance the broth’s flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce, a bay leaf during simmering, or some fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving for added freshness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for more color and variety. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking for optimal tenderness.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken may enhance flavor further, but skinless, boneless thighs are the best choice for tenderness and ease of shredding.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings with biscuits is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The savory broth, succulent chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a dish that fills not only the stomach but also the heart.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a family gathering centerpiece, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor each bite of this classic dish.
Recipe Card
Comforting Chicken and Dumplings with Fluffy Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables and chicken.
- Add chicken broth and simmer.
- Prepare biscuit dough.
- Shred the chicken.
- Drop biscuit dough into the broth.
- Cover and cook dumplings.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.