Chicken dumplings—a classic comfort food—are surprisingly easy to make from scratch. This recipe provides a simple, straightforward approach, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick weeknight meal. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this recipe focuses on delivering delicious, satisfying dumplings without the fuss.
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or rotisserie chicken!)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
For Serving:
- Extra chicken broth or milk for cooking
- Your favorite dipping sauce (soy sauce, ranch, etc.)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded chicken, parsley, and chicken broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Make the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Assemble the Dumplings: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out circles (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
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Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and float to the surface.
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Serve: Serve the chicken dumplings hot, with your preferred dipping sauce. They’re delicious on their own or as a hearty side dish.
How to Make the Dumplings Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken filling and dumpling dough ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the dumplings just before cooking for best results. This makes a perfect meal prep strategy for a busy week.
Can I Freeze Chicken Dumplings?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Cook them from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Kind of Chicken Can I Use?
You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey. Just make sure it's shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What are some variations to this recipe?
Get creative! Add different vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the filling. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
This simple chicken dumplings recipe provides a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
