This Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy dish filled with juicy chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
You can whip this up without breaking a sweat. I love how it makes the whole house smell incredible, and honestly, who can resist the combo of chicken and dumplings? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Chicken Broth: I love using low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works great too for a different twist!
Poultry Seasoning: This blend gives a warm, savory flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own with sage, thyme, and marjoram.
Dumpling Batter: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful of the ratio for other ingredients.
Milk: Regular milk is great, but you can swap it for almond milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk you like!
How Do You Ensure Fluffy Dumplings?
Fluffy dumplings are all about the timing and moisture content. Time is crucial, so don’t peek while they cook! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure the broth is simmering gently before adding dumplings.
- Drop the batter straight into the simmering broth; don’t flatten them.
- Cover tightly and don’t lift the lid for at least 10 minutes. This keeps the steam in, helping them rise and cook through.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have soft and delightful dumplings to enjoy with your chicken!
Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in about 35-40 minutes! Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts along with the chicken broth, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. This won’t take long!
2. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. The house will start smelling amazing!
3. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
4. Make the Dumpling Batter:
While the chicken is cooking, let’s prepare the dumpling batter! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then, stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth and increase the heat to bring it back to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls (around 1-2 tablespoons) of the dumpling batter directly onto the simmering broth. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook for 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid. This is key for making fluffy dumplings!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After the time is up, carefully lift the lid (watch out for steam!) and check if the dumplings are cooked through. Taste the broth and add more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and freshness. Ladle the crack chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
There you go! An easy recipe for Crack Chicken and Dumplings that’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Crack Chicken and Dumplings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when simmering. Check that the chicken is fully cooked through before shredding.
What If I Don’t Have Poultry Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend by using equal parts of dried thyme, sage, and marjoram. About 1 teaspoon of each should work well as a substitute!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth in advance, then add the dumplings right before serving. This way, they’ll stay fluffy and fresh. Just reheat the broth before adding the dumplings.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.
