Grandmas Chicken and Dumplings
Table of Contents
Grandma's Chicken and Dumplings: Perfect Rainy Day Food
Ever have those days where the sky just weeps all day long? I know I do! That's when I crave proper rainy day food , something to warm me from the inside out.
Enter: My Grandma's Chicken and Dumplings, a true classic. Honestly, this is comfort food at its finest. It has a rich, creamy chicken soup, and light, fluffy dumplings.
This comfort food recipe is rooted in Southern tradition. It's a family friendly soup recipe that's been passed down for generations.
This recipe isn't tricky. The homemade dumplings only take a little patience. Expect to spend about an hour and fifteen minutes, all-in.
This will make 6 generous servings.
Why This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Is a Winner
This isn't just any old creamy chicken soup . It's a winter warmer recipe that nourishes the soul. Chicken is packed with protein, giving you a boost on those dreary days.
It's the perfect cozy dinner idea for a cold, rainy night. Plus, it's a one pot meal for cold weather , meaning fewer dishes.
What’s not to love? It’s one of the best easy soup recipes for winter , in my humble opinion.
Now, let's dive into what makes this dish so special. We are using simple ingredients to create maximum flavour. I promise, once you taste these dumplings, you’ll never reach for the canned stuff again! And let’s face it, nothing beats a truly homemade meal, especially on a gloomy day.
Next, we will see the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this heavenly chicken and dumplings recipe . It's simpler than you think, promise! Honestly, the best comfort food doesn't need fancy ingredients.
Main Ingredients for the Soul Warming Soup
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any will do, but extra virgin adds a nice touch.
- Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless and skinless. Chicken thighs bring more flavor. Trust me.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium (chopped). About 1 cup (150g) .
- Carrots: 2 medium (chopped). Aim for 1 cup (120g) .
- Celery: 2 stalks (chopped). About 1 cup (110g) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced). That's about 2 teaspoons (6g) .
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is your friend here!
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) , or to taste.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . This is key to the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , chopped. For garnish. Optional, but makes it look fancy!
Now, about the chicken... Quality is key! Look for plump, pink chicken thighs that aren't slimy. Trust your gut. This is a must for family friendly soup recipes .
Seasoning Notes That'll Make You Sing
Thyme and rosemary are a match made in heaven. This rainy day recipes uses that. They’re essential for that warm, homey taste. A pinch of nutmeg can work, too!
Don’t skip the salt and pepper. It seems obvious, but it balances everything! If you fancy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
That's one of the best easy soup recipes for winter .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. This is where the magic happens.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
Don’t stress if you don’t have a Dutch oven. Any large pot will do. Honestly, a big saucepan can work in a pinch! These one pot meals for cold weather are about ease, not perfection.
Get your gear sorted and let's get cooking! This is where the real fun begins. You are going to love this winter warmer recipes !
Okay, let's dive into making some seriously soul soothing Chicken and Dumplings , perfect for a miserable rainy day! Honestly, is there anything better than a bowl of creamy, warm goodness when the weather's trying to drag you down? Let’s get this rainy day food going!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Chicken and Dumplings
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion ( approx. 1 cup or 150g ), 2 carrots ( approx.
1 cup or 120g ), and 2 celery stalks ( approx. 1 cup or 110g ). Mince those 2 cloves of garlic ( approx.
2 teaspoons or 6g ). Measure out your spices 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5 ml) dried rosemary , 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper , and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt .
This is one of the easy soup recipes for winter that becomes even easier by prepping beforehand. Getting everything ready will save you tons of time and stress later.
step-by-step: From Pot to Plate
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs , cut into 1 inch pieces. Brown on all sides.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth . Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes .
- Make the Dumplings: Whisk together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour , 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder , and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt . Cut in 1/4 cup (57g) cold butter until crumbly.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover and simmer for 15- 20 minutes (don't peek!). Dumplings are done when fluffy.
- Finish: Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream . Garnish with parsley. This family friendly soup recipes are a real winner.
Pro Tips: Rainy Day Food Secrets
Want to elevate your chicken and dumplings recipe ? Here's my secret: don't overmix the dumpling dough! That's a big no-no.
You’ll get tough dumplings. Cold butter is also essential. Honestly, this homemade dumplings recipe gets better every time I make it.
A great way to start the cozy dinner ideas . Thinking about how my family would go crazy for this creamy chicken soup during those freezing winter months in England.
It always felt like such a winter warmer recipes , a true comfort food . It also falls into that category of one-pot meals for cold weather that makes everything so much easier to manage!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Comfort Food Vibe
Right then, let's dive into some rainy day recipes wisdom. This chicken and dumplings recipe isn't just food, it's a memory.
It reminds me of being a kid, stuck indoors, but somehow still happy. I remember my nan making something similar and I swear it could stop the rain!
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good!
Presentation matters, even for comfort food . Plating is easy, but the goal is a warm and inviting appearance. Serve it in a rustic bowl.
Garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of colour.
Pair this with some proper crusty bread, like sourdough. It’s awesome for soaking up all that lovely creamy chicken soup .
For drinks, how about a nice chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? A light salad also works.
Storage Tips: Making it Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your homemade dumplings separately. This prevents them from getting soggy.
- Refrigeration: Pop the soup and dumplings in separate containers, within 2 hours of cooking. They'll keep for 3-4 days .
- Freezing: The soup freezes well, but the dumpling texture might change. Freeze the soup portion in an airtight container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Add the dumplings during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Feel like tweaking this winter warmer recipes classic? Go for it!
- Dietary: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It adds a slight sweetness. This also works if you want easy soup recipes for winter .
- Seasonal: In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the soup for a seasonal twist!
Nutrition Basics: Good for the Soul
This recipe has an estimated 550 calories per serving. Not exactly diet food, but it's packed with protein, around 35g, and good fats, around 30g, to keep you full and satisfied.
Plus, it's got some good stuff from the veggies. It's family friendly soup recipes . Think of it as cozy dinner ideas that lift your spirits, especially when you're looking for one pot meals for cold weather .
Honestly, this rainy day food is more than just a meal. It's a mood booster. Get cooking! You'll be glad you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Chicken and Dumplings recipe perfect rainy day food?
Think of this Chicken and Dumplings as a warm hug on a gloomy day! It's comforting, filling, and packed with flavour. The creamy broth and soft dumplings are exactly what you need when the weather outside is frightful, offering a delightful escape from the chill.
Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
You can certainly prep some components! The chicken and broth base can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to make the dumplings fresh right before cooking, as they can become a bit soggy if left too long. Think of it like a Sunday roast - some bits are better fresh!
My dumplings turned out tough. What did I do wrong?
Tough dumplings usually mean the dough was overmixed. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a chewier texture. Be gentle when mixing the dumpling dough; just combine the ingredients until they come together, a bit like making scones. Also, make sure your butter is properly cold!
Any tips for making this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content, and swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even a splash of milk to reduce the fat. You could also increase the amount of vegetables or add some whole wheat flour to the dumplings for added fibre.
It's all about balance, a bit like enjoying a portion of fish and chips: tasty but not every day!
Can I freeze leftover Chicken and Dumplings?
Freezing Chicken and Dumplings isn't ideal, as the dumplings can become a bit mushy upon thawing. However, if you must, freeze individual portions separately in airtight containers. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat, and consider adding a splash of fresh broth to revive the sauce.
It may not be quite as good as fresh, but it will still be delicious!
I'm looking for easy rainy day food - how can I speed this up?
For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shred it and add it to the broth. You can also use pre-made biscuit dough, cut into smaller pieces, instead of making the dumplings from scratch. This will cut down on prep time considerably, so you can get to the comforting part faster!
Grandmas Chicken And Dumplings
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |