When thinking about pairing with chicken and rolled dumplings, consider delightful options that will complement the dish without overshadowing it. A light side salad with varied textures can work wonders. Think crisp greens with a zesty vinaigrette.
Another great choice is steamed broccoli or green beans tossed lightly with garlic. If you want something a bit more filling, creamy mashed potatoes, infused with a hint of garlic, will certainly do the trick.
These sides bring freshness, crunch, and warmth to the table, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Why This Recipe Works
1. The Flavorful Base:
The chicken stock serves as the backbone of the dish. I personally prefer using a homemade-style chicken stock. It provides depth and richness that store-bought versions often lack. The aromatic blend of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a comforting scent that fills the kitchen.
2. Tender Chicken:
Using bone-in chicken breasts ensures that the meat remains juicy and packed with flavor. The bones add a distinctive taste to the broth, enriching every bite. It’s a game changer!
3. Delightfully Soft Dumplings:
The rolled dumplings are incredibly easy to make. With just the right proportion of flour and buttermilk, they become fluffy balls of goodness that take the dish to a whole new level. The addition of smoked paprika lends a hint of smokiness, which amplifies the character of the meal.
4. Versatility:
This dish is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home. Feel free to add in seasonal vegetables or substitute chicken for turkey. The foundational recipe stands strong, allowing for creativity without compromising flavor.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine the moment you take your first bite. The initial flavor hits you with a wave of warmth. The chicken melts in your mouth, while the dumplings offer a light, fluffy texture that absorbs the savory broth perfectly.
The faint smokiness of paprika dances alongside fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend that sings comfort food. The fantastic melding of flavors makes you want to savor each forkful. Each scoop is a journey back to those comforting evenings spent around the table.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Variations?
This recipe goes beyond the ordinary. While many variations exist, what sets this apart is the combination of textures and the homemade stock’s deep flavor enrichment.
Many recipes use instant stock or pre-made dumplings, but here you get the real deal with fresh, from-scratch dumplings. The result? A richer taste and a more authentic experience that brings warmth to both body and soul.
The Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 6 cups low-sodium homemade-style chicken stock
- 2 (1-lb.) bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 1 small golden onion, cut in half
- 2 medium celery stalks, divided
- 2 large carrots, peeled and split
- 2 (5-inch) sprigs of fresh thyme or Italian parsley, plus chopped leaves for garnish
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for garnish
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. sea salt
- 3 Tbsp. cubed cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. whole buttermilk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large pot. Add the homemade chicken stock, ensuring it’s enough to cover the chicken. Toss in the bay leaf, smashed garlic, onion halves, celery, carrots, thyme or parsley, and sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper.
Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the flavors meld for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Remove and Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, and let it hang out while you make the dumplings.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk and heavy cream until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dumplings
On a floured surface, turn out the dough. Lightly dust with more flour and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Gently drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 15 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are cooked through. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this might break the dumplings apart.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
After the dumplings are done, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. You can serve this hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped thyme or parsley.
Notes: Tips for Success
- Use Homemade Stock: If you can, make your own stock. It enhances the depth of flavor immensely.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the dumpling dough, overmixing will lead to tough dumplings. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Thickness: If the broth is too thick, add a little more stock or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to concentrate the flavors.
- Customize: Add any extra vegetables like peas or corn to the broth for extra nutrients and texture.
- Batch Cooking: This dish is great for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better the next day!
How Do You Store Chicken and Rolled Dumplings?
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container, and it can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The dumplings might get a bit softer, but they will still taste delicious.
To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat until warm, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to help rejuvenate the broth.
Sides for Chicken and Rolled Dumplings
1. Crisp Green Salad:
A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette enhances the meal without overpowering it.
2. Steamed Green Beans:
The crunchiness of lightly steamed green beans offers a perfect textural counterpart to the soft dumplings.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes complement the broth while providing a satisfying comfort.
Ingredient Alternatives
1. Chicken Substitutes:
If you don’t have chicken, consider turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
2. Stock Options:
You can use store-bought broth, but it’s best to go low-sodium to control the saltiness.
3. Dairy-Free Versions:
Substitute buttermilk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
4. Gluten-Free Options:
Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings, adjusting the proportions based on the specific flour blend.
Conclusion
Chicken and rolled dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a glimpse into the comfort of home-cooked goodness.
This recipe’s ability to marry flavor and simplicity makes it a staple that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish beckons you to the table with its inviting aroma and rich taste.
Don’t hesitate to play around with ingredients or add your personal touch to make it truly your own. Happy cooking!
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Chicken and Rolled Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals
Description
Nothing brings comfort like a warm bowl of chicken and rolled dumplings. It’s a dish that takes you back to cherished memories, perhaps a family dinner or a cozy night in, surrounded by loved ones.
This recipe embodies simplicity, warmth, and love, perfectly bridging the gap between home cooking and gourmet dining. Why does this simple dish mean so much to so many? It’s about the rich flavor of the broth, the tender chicken, and those soft, pillowy dumplings, perfect for soaking up every drop of goodness.
Let's dive into the heart of this dish and explore why it truly stands out among countless comfort food options.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
For the Dumplings:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
-
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large pot. Add the homemade chicken stock, ensuring it's enough to cover the chicken. Toss in the bay leaf, smashed garlic, onion halves, celery, carrots, thyme or parsley, and sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper.
Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the flavors meld for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Remove and Shred the Chicken
-
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, and let it hang out while you make the dumplings.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk and heavy cream until just combined. Don't overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dumplings
-
On a floured surface, turn out the dough. Lightly dust with more flour and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
-
Gently drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 15 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are cooked through. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this might break the dumplings apart.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
-
After the dumplings are done, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. You can serve this hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped thyme or parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 491kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.8g31%
- Saturated Fat 10.8g54%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 76mg26%
- Sodium 756mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Homemade Stock: If you can, make your own stock. It enhances the depth of flavor immensely.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the dumpling dough, overmixing will lead to tough dumplings. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Thickness: If the broth is too thick, add a little more stock or water. If it's too thin, let it simmer a little longer to concentrate the flavors.
- Customize: Add any extra vegetables like peas or corn to the broth for extra nutrients and texture.
- Batch Cooking: This dish is great for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better the next day!
