There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of chicken and dumplings wafting through the kitchen. For me, it evokes memories of family gatherings and chilly nights spent cozied up around the table. The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Dumplings is a heartwarming dish that transcends generations. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and perhaps even share it with loved ones. With tender chicken nestled in a rich broth and fluffy dumplings floating above, this dish is the epitome of homemade comfort food.
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Pioneer Woman Chicken And Dumplings
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting recipe for chicken and dumplings that brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ tsp. ground thyme
- ¼ tsp. turmeric
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Dredge the chicken pieces with flour mixed with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme and turmeric.
- Pour in chicken broth and apple cider, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the browned chicken back to the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dumpling ingredients: combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, kosher salt, and half-and-half to create a dough.
- After simmering, remove the chicken pieces, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in heavy cream.
- Drop portions of the dumpling mixture into the pot using a spoon. Cover partially and simmer for 15 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.
- Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Notes
For lighter dumplings, don’t overmix the dough; lumps are okay! Adding a bay leaf while simmering can enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a masterpiece that promises to delight your taste buds while providing numerous benefits. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for family gatherings. The ingredients are often staples in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
“This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! It’s comforting, filling, and everyone in my family loves it!” – A Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating the perfect batch of Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings is simpler than you might think. This recipe follows a straightforward process: you’ll start by browning the chicken, whip up a rich broth, and then follow it up with fluffy dumplings that elevate the dish to a new level of comfort. Let’s break it down step by step!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to make the most delightful chicken and dumplings:
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ tsp. ground thyme
- ¼ tsp. turmeric
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (optional)
Feel free to substitute the chicken for a rotisserie option for a quicker meal or adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand.
Directions to Follow
Here’s your guide to prepare this delicious dish:
- Dredge the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with flour mixed with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme and turmeric.
- Make the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the browned chicken back to the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, mix the dumpling ingredients: combine the 1½ cups of flour, cornmeal, baking powder, kosher salt, and half-and-half to create a dough.
- Shred the Chicken: After simmering, remove the chicken pieces, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Cook the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop portions of the dumpling mixture into the pot. Cover partially and simmer for 15 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Chicken and Dumplings make an inviting centerpiece for any meal. Serve it hot in a deep bowl, with a slice of crusty bread on the side for those who enjoy soaking up the delicious broth. Pair it with a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish or steamed vegetables for a healthier plate.
How to Store
To keep your chicken and dumplings fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to save them for later, this dish freezes beautifully! Portion it out and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken; just skip the browning stage!
- Dumpling Texture: For lighter dumplings, don’t overmix the dough; lumps are okay!
- Flavor Boosts: Adding a bay leaf to the pot while simmering can enhance the flavor of the dish further.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with this base recipe! Consider adding some chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost. Swap the chicken for turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You could also add different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist.
FAQs
1. What is the prep time for this dish?
Preparing the ingredients takes about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 45 minutes. In total, anticipate roughly 1 hour for this recipe.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, although it may require additional cooking time to ensure that it’s fully cooked through.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving!
There you have it! This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a nurturing experience for both cook and diner alike. Enjoy crafting this homey meal that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.