Chicken and dumplings is a hearty comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This classic meal features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth along with soft, pillowy dumplings. Getting the cooking time just right is essential for achieving the ideal texture and flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook mouthwatering chicken and dumplings every time.
Key Factors That Influence Cooking Time
There are several key factors that impact the total cooking time for chicken and dumplings
-
Size of chicken pieces – Smaller pieces will cook faster while larger pieces or whole chicken parts require more time.
-
Dumpling size – Smaller dumplings cook quicker than larger dumplings. Aim for uniform sizes when forming dumplings
-
Cooking method – The method used, such as simmering, steaming or baking, affects timing.
-
Temperature – A higher simmer or steam temperature reduces cooking time
-
Altitude – Higher altitudes increase cooking time due to lower boiling points.
Paying attention to these elements will allow you to adjust your cooking time and technique accordingly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof chicken and dumplings:
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking. Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper and other spices of your choice.
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before simmering.
Simmer the Chicken
- Place chicken in a large pot and add enough liquid to just cover. Chicken broth or stock works best.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer chicken for 30-40 minutes until very tender and cooked through.
Make the Dumpling Dough
As the chicken simmers, prepare your dumpling dough.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1 tsp baking powder.
- Cut in 2-3 tbsp cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 1/2 cup milk and stir just until a shaggy dough forms.
Form the Dumplings
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into 1-2 inch pieces using a knife or biscuit cutter.
Add Dumplings & Finish Cooking
- Once chicken is tender, drop dumplings evenly into the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- The dumplings will puff up when they are done.
Check the internal temperature of a dumpling using a thermometer to ensure they have reached 165°F.
Cooking Times for Different Methods
While simmering on the stovetop is the traditional way to make chicken and dumplings, other cooking methods can also be used.
- Simmering: 30-40 minutes for chicken, plus 15-20 minutes to cook dumplings
- Steaming: 25-35 minutes for chicken, 15-20 minutes for dumplings
- Baking: Bake chicken pieces at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then add dumplings and bake 15-20 minutes more.
- Slow cooker: Cook chicken on low for 6-8 hours then add dumplings and cook 30 minutes more.
No matter what method you use, always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The dumplings should register at least 165°F as well.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Follow these handy tips for the best homemade chicken and dumplings:
- Maintain a gentle simmer – too high heat can cause dumplings to fall apart.
- Don’t crowd the pot – dumplings need room to cook evenly.
- Use thawed chicken and dumplings – this prevents uneven cooking.
- Check doneness with a thermometer for accuracy.
- Keep the lid on tight so steam properly cooks dumplings.
- Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to the broth to thicken it.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for fresh flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your chicken and dumplings don’t turn out quite right, here are some common issues with solutions:
Problem: Chicken is undercooked or tough
Solution: Simmer chicken longer until extremely tender before adding dumplings.
Problem: Dumplings are gummy or mushy
Solution: Avoid over-mixing the dough. Cook dumplings at a gentle simmer.
Problem: Broth is thin and watery
Solution: Mix a spoonful of flour into the broth to thicken it.
Problem: Dumplings fall apart
Solution: Use less liquid, use a gentle simmer, and don’t overcrowd the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and dumplings makes for a wonderfully comforting meal on its own. But you can round it out with a few simple sides:
- Fresh biscuits or cornbread – perfect for dunking in the flavorful broth.
- Steamed greens like kale or collards.
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips or onions.
- A fresh, vibrant salad tosses with vinaigrette.
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to further soak up the delicious broth.
This soul-warming dish is ideal for fall and winter meals but can be enjoyed any time of year when you’re craving comfort food. With this handy guide, you’ll be able to master the perfect chicken and dumplings to satisfy any craving.
How Do You Thicken Chicken And Dumplings?
The flour that binds with the butter and coats the vegetables in this recipe makes a roux that thickens the soup. If you want the soup to be even thicker, you can make a slurry from cold water and flour, then add that to the pot and bring it to a simmer to thicken.
Bisquick Chicken And Dumplings
This soup is loaded with so much flavor. I especially love the flavor the rosemary adds, it really makes it taste like the perfect cold weather soup.
The soup is so thick and creamy, the chicken is so tender, and the Bisquick Dumplings are perfectly soft and melt in your mouth. This dish is all around so satisfying, and it makes such a delicious and easy Sunday dinner.
While you’re here, be sure to check out my all-time favorite Bisquick recipe. Sausage Balls are so good, easy, and make the best crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Oil and Butter: Using a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing creates the best flavor. I prefer sautéing the chicken in olive oil and the vegetables in butter.
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and take on the flavor of the dish really well. You can swap this for boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. I do recommend using air chilled chicken because it’s more tender. If you want to make this recipe even quicker and easier, you could use shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetables: A combination of carrot, onion, and peas adds lots of flavor and a bit of color to this dish. You could also add celery if you like.
Flour: This is mixed with the melted butter to create a roux, which will thicken the soup. If you don’t have flour on hand, you could substitute it with half the amount of cornstarch.
Aromatics, Herbs, and Spices: Fresh garlic, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and dried thyme adds the perfect combination of flavors. You could use poultry seasoning if you want to keep it really easy, but I really like this exact blend of spices for this dish.
Bisquick Baking Mix: I love making dumplings with Bisquick because they are perfectly fluffy and taste so delicious. I find them to be a lot less finicky than other dumplings, which is such a bonus. Plus, I love that it saves time.
Milk: Milk is the liquid that you mix with the Bisquick to make the dumplings. It creates a softer and more flavorful dumpling than water would. There’s also a bit of milk in the soup to make it more creamy.
Chicken N’ Dumplings My Great Granny Style Old School Chicken And Dumplings | Roll Out Dumplings
FAQ
How long are you supposed to cook dumplings?
Drop dumplings into pan. Lightly brown each side (1-2 min each side, depending on fresh/frozen). Add 2-4 teaspoons of water (more water if more dumplings), cover immediately and steam for 3 minutes with lid fully on. Remove lid and allow remaining water to steam off.
How do you know when chicken and dumplings are done?
Check the dumplings for doneness: They are ready when they are about quadrupled in size and no longer raw and doughy in the center. If not fully cooked, cover and cook for 2 minutes more. Serve garnished with more chopped parsley and black pepper.
How long does it take to cook the dumplings in chicken and dumplings?
Allow dumplings to cook for about 15-20 minutes. You should notice your broth starting to thicken (from the extra flour) and your dumplings may start to sink a little to the bottom because they are soaking up the broth. Take one out and taste test it. It shouldn’t have a doughy taste anymore.
Do you cover chicken and dumplings when you’re cooking them?
Drop dumpling batter into the simmering stew by heaping teaspoonfuls, over the surface of the stew. (Note that the dumplings will easily double in size as they cook.) Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
How long does it take to cook chicken & dumplings?
A warm, cozy bowl of chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food on just about any day of the year. While it’s delicious made from scratch, a slow cooker recipe can take as much as five hours to whip up — and sometimes we just want dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
How do you cook chicken dumplings in a crock pot?
Place on a tray dusted with all-purpose flour. Pour chicken stock into a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Gently add dumplings, piece by piece. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Divide soup and dumplings among bowls. Garnish with green onions and garlic flakes. Serve hot.
How do you make homemade chicken & dumplings?
Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or thyme for a bright, colorful touch. Sometimes called “Chicken and Dumplings,” this homemade Chicken and Pastry is classic Southern comfort food at its best! In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and melted butter.