Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.

Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and flavor.

Onion: Adds depth and aroma to the broth.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of spice.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.

Vegetable broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.

All-purpose flour: Used to make the dumplings, giving them structure and fluffiness.

Plant-based milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling dough, making it tender.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

When making the dough for the dumplings, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.

• Chicken - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit has a texture similar to shredded chicken and absorbs flavors well, making it a great plant-based alternative.

• Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a savory base without using animal products.

• Butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a plant-based fat that can be used for sautéing and adds a rich flavor.

• Milk - Substitute with plant-based milk: Plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk can be used to make the dumplings vegan.

• Eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg; it helps bind the ingredients together.

• Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture without dairy.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For those who are gluten intolerant, gluten-free flour can be used to make the dumplings.

• Chicken seasoning - Substitute with poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs that mimics the flavor of chicken seasoning without using any animal products.

• Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dumplings soggy.

• Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the broth and dumplings without squishing them.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The vegetable broth and dumplings will stay fresh and flavorful during this period.

• For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and dumplings in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When freezing, consider separating the dumplings from the broth. This prevents the dumplings from becoming too mushy when reheated. You can store them in separate containers or bags.

• To reheat refrigerated chicken and dumplings, transfer the desired portion to a pot and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• For frozen chicken and dumplings, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking the dumplings.

• If you separated the dumplings before freezing, add them to the broth during the last few minutes of reheating to ensure they are heated thoroughly without becoming too soft.

• Enjoy your reheated chicken and dumplings with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to revive its fresh, comforting flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken and dumplings in a pot.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable broth or plant-based milk to maintain moisture.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This helps keep the dumplings tender and the vegetables vibrant.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed until the chicken and dumplings are hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the dumplings.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the leftovers to a slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for a gentle reheat that keeps the dumplings soft and the vegetables tender.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring water to a boil.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the moisture and texture of the dumplings and vegetables.

• Large pot: Used for cooking the vegetables and simmering the broth and dumplings.

• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to enhance their flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Used for combining the flour, baking powder, salt, and plant-based milk to form the dough.

• Measuring cups: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients like flour, plant-based milk, and vegetable broth.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, black pepper, and baking powder.

• Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the vegetables and the broth.

• Knife: Used for dicing the carrots, celery, and onion, and for mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Ladle: Used for serving the hot chicken and dumplings.

• Spoon: Used for dropping spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth.

• Stove: Used for heating and cooking the entire dish.

Prep veggies in advance: Dice carrots, celery, and onion the night before and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

Ready-made broth: Opt for pre-made vegetable broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.

Quick dough mix: Measure out the flour, baking powder, and salt ahead of time, so you only need to add plant-based milk when ready.

Frozen peas convenience: Keep a bag of frozen peas in the freezer for quick addition to the recipe.