Multiple Approaches To Chicken And Dumplings Recipes From Traditional Stovetop To Instant Pot Methods

Introduction

Chicken and dumplings represents a comforting classic dish that has been adapted through various cooking methods and dietary preferences. The provided source material offers multiple approaches to preparing this dish, including traditional stovetop methods, Instant Pot techniques, and even vegan adaptations. Each recipe brings unique ingredients and preparation techniques while maintaining the core elements of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings that define this beloved comfort food.

Traditional Chicken and Dumplings Methods

Julia's Simple Chicken & Dumplings

Julia's recipe offers a straightforward approach to making chicken and dumplings from scratch. The recipe requires approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to prepare and serves 6-8 people. The method begins with simmering chicken parts in a stock pot with just enough water to cover the chicken for approximately 40 minutes, or until the meat easily separates from the bone. After cooling, the chicken is deboned, and the meat is divided into bite-sized pieces while discarding the bones.

The dumplings are prepared by combining flour, water, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, mixing until the dough is well-defined, barely sticky, and easy to handle. The dough is then rolled out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Once the chicken stock returns to a simmer, the dumpling dough is cut into strips approximately 1 inch by 3 inches and added to the simmering stock. The process continues by re-rolling and cutting additional dumpling strips until all dough is used. When the stock turns an opaque yellowish-white color and thickens, milk is added along with salt and pepper to taste. The recipe notes that excess portions can be frozen in a Tupperware container or doubled ziplock-type container for up to a month, and suggests that up to 2 cups of water can be added for more stock or the amount of dumplings can be doubled according to preference.

Cooked by Julie's Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe presents another traditional approach with a richer broth and additional vegetables. The ingredients include 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup each of roughly chopped carrots and celery, ½ cup diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 6 cups of chicken stock, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 rotisserie chicken (with skin and bones removed), ½ cup frozen peas, ½ cup heavy cream, fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

For the dumplings, this recipe calls for 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried), 3 tablespoons olive oil, and ¾ cup whole milk.

The preparation begins by melting butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepan, then adding carrots, celery, and onion to sauté until they begin to soften (about 3 minutes). Garlic is added and sautéed for another minute, followed by the flour which is cooked for 2 minutes more. Chicken stock, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning are then poured in, and the mixture is brought to a simmer. The pot is covered and simmered for 10 minutes.

While the pot simmers, the dumpling dough is prepared by stirring all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and rosemary together in a mixing bowl. A well is made in the dry ingredients, and olive oil and milk are added. After the initial simmering period, the chicken and heavy cream are added to the pot, which is then brought back to a simmer and seasoned with salt and pepper. The dumpling dough is portioned into balls using 2 tablespoons of dough for each, which are then added to the broth. The dish simmers for another 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.

The recipe suggests serving this dish with cheesy garlic bread on the side for a complete comfort meal and notes that leftovers will last in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Modern Cooking Methods: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

The Instant Pot method offers a significantly faster approach to preparing chicken and dumplings. While the exact recipe isn't detailed in the provided sources, one source mentions "Pressure Cooker Chicken and Dumplings" as part of a collection of "Insanely Quick Instant Pot Recipes." The source highlights that the Instant Pot can cook frozen meat, make delicious brown rice, and save dinner when the cook is in a pinch. It notes that in the time it would take to pick a place and order delivery, dinner can be on the table using this method.

The source includes a list of fast turkey and chicken Instant Pot recipes, with the chicken and dumplings entry described as "I was surprised by the way they made this" from Southern Family Fun. While specific ingredients and instructions aren't provided in the source, the mention of this method suggests that traditional chicken and dumplings can be adapted for pressure cooking, likely resulting in reduced cooking time and potentially different texture characteristics for both the chicken and dumplings.

Alternative Approaches: Crockpot and Vegan Versions

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

One source mentions a crockpot version of chicken and dumplings, though the full recipe isn't provided in the source material. The source does include a brief note about adding whisked cream and cornstarch to the broth, then portioning dumpling dough into balls (using 2 tablespoons of dough for each) and adding them to the broth. The dish then simmers for another 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

The source describes this crockpot version as containing protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a "pretty darn complete meal." Storage instructions indicate that leftovers will last in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

The vegan adaptation offers a plant-based alternative to the traditional dish. This version uses soy curls as the "chicken" substitute, along with vegetables, vegetable broth, various spices and herbs, and dumplings. The source describes this recipe as "super easy to make, comforting, and delicious" and "healthy, protein-packed meal that will warm you up on the inside."

The author notes that this is their "vegan version of the old classic dish, 'Chicken and Dumplings'" and emphasizes that "the beauty of my version is that it is vegan and gluten-free." The recipe is described as easy to prepare, with "the result is beyond amazing!" The author, who identifies strengths in preparing stews, takes simple ingredients and transforms them into "out-of-this-world tasty recipes."

The vegan version features "melt-in-your-mouth tender vegan chicken, creamy soup, hearty carrots, potato, and celery, a touch of herbs, and dumplings to top it all off." While specific ingredient quantities and preparation methods aren't detailed in the source, the description suggests a substantial and flavorful adaptation that maintains the comforting qualities of the traditional dish while adhering to vegan dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

The recipes provide several options for ingredient substitutions and variations to suit different preferences and dietary needs:

• Chicken options: Most recipes call for rotisserie chicken with skin and bones removed, though some allow for cooking chicken from scratch. One source notes that chicken can be boiled right in the broth or pan-seared according to a separate recipe before being shredded or diced.

• Vegetable variations: Multiple recipes include onions, carrots, and celery as base vegetables. One source suggests that spinach is a "great addition" and notes that peas are recommended as frozen rather than canned for best results. The vegan version includes potatoes as an additional vegetable.

• Dumpling variations: Dumplings range from simple flour-water mixtures to more complex versions with baking powder, herbs, and olive oil. Some recipes call for cutting dough into strips, while others portion it into balls.

• Broth variations: While chicken stock is standard, the vegan version uses vegetable broth. One source suggests using water with "better than bouillon" as an alternative.

• Seasoning options: Recipes typically include salt and pepper to taste, with additional options like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and rosemary enhancing flavor profiles.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Several cooking techniques and tips emerge across the recipes:

• Dumpling preparation: Dumplings should be well-defined, barely sticky, and easy to handle. If too sticky, more flour can be added; if crumbling, more water can be added.

• Simmering times: Recipes vary in simmering times, from 10 minutes in some Instant Pot methods to 40 minutes for initial chicken preparation in traditional methods.

• Dumpling cooking: Once dumplings are added, they should simmer for 15-25 minutes depending on the recipe, with one source suggesting not to stir them once added to the broth.

• Thickening: Some recipes use a flour-based roux (butter and flour cooked together) to thicken the broth, while others may use cornstarch mixed with cream.

• Doneness testing: Dumplings are tested for doneness by cutting one open to ensure they are cooked through.

Storage and Meal Planning

The recipes provide consistent guidance for storing leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Chicken and dumplings will last in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Freezing: The dish can be frozen for 2-3 months, with one source noting that excess can be frozen in a Tupperware container or doubled ziplock-type container.

• Meal prep: The recipes suggest this dish as a complete meal that can be prepared in advance, with the Instant Pot version particularly noted for its time-saving benefits.

Conclusion

The provided source material offers multiple approaches to preparing chicken and dumplings, demonstrating the versatility of this comfort food classic. Traditional methods involve longer cooking times with complex broths and carefully prepared dumplings, while modern techniques like the Instant Pot significantly reduce preparation time. The vegan adaptation demonstrates how the dish can be transformed to meet dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Despite the variety in preparation methods, all versions maintain the core elements that make chicken and dumplings a beloved comfort food: tender chicken, flavorful broth, and satisfying dumplings. The recipes also provide practical guidance for ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and storage, allowing home cooks to adapt the dish to their preferences and needs.

Sources

1. Julia's Simple Chicken & Dumplings
2. Chicken and Dumplings from Cooked by Julie
3. 25 Insanely Quick Instant Pot Recipes
4. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
5. Vegan Chicken and Dumplings