Baked Chicken and Dumplings

Baked Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Classic American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Baked Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. It's a one-pot meal that is both satisfying and nutritious, offering a balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

History

The concept of chicken and dumplings has its roots in various cultures, but it is most commonly associated with Southern American cuisine. Traditionally, it was a way to stretch a small amount of meat into a meal for a large family. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with each region and family adding their own twist. This baked version simplifies the cooking process while maintaining the comforting essence of the original dish.

Ingredients

vegetable cooking spray
0.5 cup milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, uncooked
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
10 oz (283 g) package frozen sliced carrots
0.5 tsp dried sage, crushed
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cans chicken broth

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the milk and oil, then gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix well until the mixture reaches a dough consistency and set it aside.
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the casserole dish, then cover them with onion, celery, and carrots.
Evenly sprinkle sage and pepper over the vegetables and pour the broth over the dish.
Using the dough mixture, form 2-inch balls and drop them into the casserole dish.
Cover the dish tightly and bake it for 1.5 hours.

Variations

1. Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables.
2. Use whole wheat flour for the dumplings for added fiber.
3. Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. For the best flavor, sear the chicken breasts before placing them in the casserole dish. This adds depth to the dish.

2. Don't overmix the dough for the dumplings; a light touch keeps them fluffy.

3. Ensure the casserole dish is covered tightly to prevent the broth from evaporating and to steam the dumplings properly.

4. You can check the doneness of the dumplings by inserting a toothpick into one. If it comes out clean, they're ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, directly from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add a fresh contrast to the hearty dumplings and savory chicken.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dough for the dumplings is gently mixed and then baked in the broth, creating a unique texture that's both soft and slightly chewy.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Almond milk can replace cow's milk for a dairy-free version.

2. Gluten-free flour blends can be used in place of regular flour for those avoiding gluten.

3. Vegetable broth can substitute chicken broth for a vegetarian option, omitting the chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetable and chicken base ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add the broth and dumplings, and bake. This can save preparation time on busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in individual bowls, ensuring each serving gets an equal amount of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this dish, complementing its hearty yet comforting nature.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little broth or water if the mixture has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Baked Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced option for a main meal. The exact count may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and the amount of dough used for the dumplings.

Carbohydrates

This dish provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the flour used in the dumplings and the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced option when paired with a light side dish.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the vegetable oil used in the dumplings and the natural content in the chicken. Each serving contains about 10-15 grams of fat, ensuring the dish remains flavorful without being overly heavy.

Proteins

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and this dish capitalizes on that by providing a generous serving of chicken breast in each portion. Expect around 25-30 grams of protein per serving, contributing to muscle maintenance and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables like carrots and celery. It provides vitamin A, essential for eye health, and various B vitamins from the chicken and broth. Minerals such as potassium and magnesium are also present, supporting overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (from flour) and dairy (from milk). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should consider substitutions to accommodate their dietary needs.

Summary

Baked Chicken and Dumplings is a nutritious dish that offers a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a comforting meal that can fit into a balanced diet.

Summary

Baked Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that brings comfort and nutrition to the table. It's versatile, allowing for various dietary needs and preferences, and is sure to become a cherished recipe in any cook's repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Baked Chicken and Dumplings. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mabel, who lived down the street from me. Mabel was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had kindly invited me over for dinner that evening.

As I stepped into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables. Mabel was bustling about, stirring pots and checking on the oven, a look of concentration on her face. I watched her with admiration, marveling at her skill and expertise in the kitchen.

After catching up on the latest gossip and sipping on cups of steaming tea, Mabel finally revealed the star of the evening's meal - her famous Baked Chicken and Dumplings. As she pulled out the bubbling casserole dish from the oven, my stomach rumbled in anticipation. The golden-brown crust of the dumplings looked perfectly crispy, and the rich, savory scent of the chicken broth filled the air.

Mabel set the dish on the table, and we both dug in eagerly. The tender chicken was perfectly seasoned, and the dumplings were light and fluffy, soaking up the delicious broth. Each bite was a comforting blend of flavors and textures, a true taste of home.

I couldn't help but ask Mabel for the recipe, knowing that I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. She smiled warmly and handed me a tattered old recipe card, stained with years of use. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I made a mental note of each step, determined to master the art of making Baked Chicken and Dumplings.

Over the following weeks, I practiced making the dish over and over again, tweaking the recipe to suit my own taste. I experimented with different seasonings, cooking techniques, and types of dumplings, until I finally found the perfect combination that reminded me of Mabel's delicious version.

As I cooked, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years, from my own mother and grandmothers, from friends and neighbors, and from cookbooks and cooking shows. Each recipe held a special memory and a story behind it, a connection to the person who had shared it with me.

But there was something special about Mabel's Baked Chicken and Dumplings that stood out from the rest. It was more than just a dish - it was a symbol of friendship, of warmth and comfort, of the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, whenever I make Baked Chicken and Dumplings now, I think of Mabel and that chilly autumn evening in her kitchen. I think of the laughter we shared, the stories we told, and the delicious meal we enjoyed together. And I am grateful for the gift of her recipe, passed down through generations, a treasure to be cherished and shared with those I hold dear.

As I take a bite of the steaming hot dish, savoring the flavors that bring back so many memories, I can't help but smile. Because in that simple casserole dish lies a piece of my history, a taste of the past that will always hold a special place in my heart. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, Mabel's legacy will live on, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste it.