2 Simple Tips for Making Perfect Chicken and Dumplings (2024)

Kelli Foster

Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor

Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.

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published Feb 27, 2020

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2 Simple Tips for Making Perfect Chicken and Dumplings (1)

When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get better than a heaping bowl of chicken and dumplings. With its rich, creamy broth, tender meat and veggies, and savory balls of dough, it straddles the line between soup and stew.

When done just right, the dumplings are light, fluffy, and tender. You slice into one with a spoon, scoop up a little chicken and broth, and the result is heaven. But those same doughy balls can be the meal’s downfall if they turn out tough, undercooked, or gummy.

Not to worry: I have two very simple tips to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Don’t Overwork the Dumpling Dough

First, mix the dumpling ingredients just until the dough comes together. You’ll whisk together the dry ingredients, then add melted butter and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don’t see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that’s okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

Do Steam the Dumplings for Perfect Texture

The second secret to making really good dumplings is to keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook. With the soup simmering over a low flame and the dumpling dough ready, you’ll drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of the simmering broth, then cover the pot with a lid. The dumplings cook by steaming, which is part of what gives them such a wonderful texture. It’s tempting to open the pot to check on the dumplings, but don’t do it! We recommend waiting at least 17 minutes as the moment you lift the lid, all that wonderful steam is gone in a flash.

Get the recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

2 Simple Tips for Making Perfect Chicken and Dumplings (2024)

FAQs

How do you make dumplings taste better? ›

A teaspoon of sugar adds an extremely subtle hint of sweetness. It also helps the dumplings retain their moisture through the cooking process and slows gluten development, which ensures tender dumplings. A pinch of salt seasons the dumplings and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Why are my chicken and dumplings not fluffy? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

Do you cook dumplings covered or uncovered? ›

Cook them covered for about ten minutes and then uncover for a while to thicken up. They are so good!

How do I make my chicken and dumplings thicker? ›

Use Cornstarch to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

To give that a little thicker texture we're going to add 1 cup of cool water to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it up well. Make sure the soup is brought back to a good boil and go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture.

What is the secret to good dumplings? ›

  1. Season the filling well. Whatever you choose for your filling, season it well. ...
  2. Then be sure to dry it out. ...
  3. Don't be afraid to experiment with fillings. ...
  4. Keep it together. ...
  5. Less is more. ...
  6. Store-bought wrappers are the most convenient option. ...
  7. But homemade wrappers are easier than you think. ...
  8. Choose your shape.
Apr 11, 2021

What is the secret to juicy dumplings? ›

Hand-mincing meat and adding more pork belly results in the juiciest dumplings. Traditionally, some Chinese cuisine uses hand minced meat for their dishes. For example, lots of dim sum items like siu mai, pork buns, beef meatball, and more use hand minced meat to control the texture and fat content of the dish!

Are dumplings supposed to float in chicken and dumplings? ›

It will sink at first, but once it is cooked, it will float to the top. Continue to form thick, flat dumplings and drop each piece into the stock pot of broth until you have used up all of the dough.

How to thicken chicken and dumplings if you don t have cornstarch? ›

One tablespoon of butter, melted in a pan until it stops bubbling, then add one tablespoon of flour. Whisk together for about a minute to toast the flour and coat each grain with fat. Add to the broth which should be boiling. That should thicken one cup of broth.

How to cook dumplings perfectly? ›

When the water comes to vigorous boil, add ¼ – ½ cup of cold water to bring the temperature of water down. This helps the wrappers from getting overcooked and starchy. Continue boiling and adding cold water until you see the dumplings floating on the surface. (It usually takes around 7 minutes for me.)

How do you tell if dumplings are done in chicken and dumplings? ›

To test if dumplings are done, stick a toothpick or skewer into the dumpling after the specified cook time. If the skewer comes out clean, the dumplings are done.

Do you cook dumplings on low or high heat? ›

Dumplings: Mix 2 cups Bisquick and ⅔ cup milk until soft dough forms. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto stew (do not drop directly into liquid). Cook uncovered over low heat 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth for chicken and dumplings? ›

Fortunately, we're here to let you in on a game-changing secret: Water makes a more than acceptable replacement for chicken stock in most soups, stews, sauces, and braises. And in many cases, water actually produces a better-tasting result.

Why do my dumplings in chicken and dumplings fall apart? ›

When cooking the dumplings, keep the pot at a gentle simmer. An aggressive simmer or boiling will break them apart. Keep the heat low and keep your pot covered so that they steam.

What are the three components of dumplings? ›

What are dumplings made of? The dumpling dough is made of three main ingredients: flour, water and salt.

How do you make frozen dumplings more flavorful? ›

Dumplings in alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce is an easy way to elevate frozen dumplings. Treat them like pasta and cook them in the simmering sauce; sliced onion, chopped garlic, or bacon are all good additions for extra flavor. If you don't have jarred sauce on hand, milk or heavy cream can be a quick fix.

What to add to bland chicken and dumplings? ›

Most recipes I have seen are a simple mixture of chicken broth, chicken, and flour based dumplings. And while my easy to make recipe certainly includes all of those classic ingredients, I decided kick up the flavor level just a bit with the addition of sauteed onion & garlic and a couple of bay leaves...

How to prepare already made dumplings? ›

Heat a pan on medium-high with a couple tablespoons of oil in it. Once hot, add your frozen dumplings. Cook in oil for about three to four minutes, turning once to sear multiple sides. Then add just enough water to cover dumplings about halfway, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

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