Joanna Gaines’s Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate homey dish that brings warmth and fills up the hungry eaters in your house!
With the convenience of using rotisserie chicken and refrigerated biscuits, this recipe is one of those quick and hearty family dinners.
One trick I always use is to add fresh herbs like thyme to the broth, which enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish!
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll find this dish simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding to serve.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 8 cups Water
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Carrots (sliced)
- 2 Celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 5 tbsp Butter (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a large pot, combine the chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into pieces.
Step 3:
While the chicken cools, prepare the dumplings.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter until a dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into small pieces.
Step 4:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the broth back to a simmer.
Drop the dumpling pieces into the broth one by one.
Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes, until they’re fluffy and cooked through.
Step 5:
Stir gently to combine everything well, ensuring the dumplings don’t stick to the pot.
Keep simmering until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld nicely.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs, as they add the best flavor to your chicken and dumplings.
This can make a big difference in taste and provide a more wholesome meal for everyone.
Adjust Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Sometimes a little extra seasoning can enhance the flavor significantly, depending on personal preference.
Avoid Overcrowding
When placing dumplings into the pot, be sure to avoid overcrowding them.
Give them enough space to expand and cook evenly without sticking together.
Thicker Broth
For a thicker broth, remove a cup of broth and mix with a tablespoon of flour.
Return the mix to the pot, stirring softly so the broth thickens without forming lumps.
Substitute Ingredients
If you’re out of bay leaves, thyme or rosemary can be a good alternative that complements the chicken flavor well.
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Chicken and Dumplings
Fresh Garden Salad
You might consider serving a fresh garden salad with your chicken and dumplings.
The crisp texture and vibrant flavors of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can bring a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the dish.
Classic Southern Cornbread
A slice of classic Southern cornbread can be a great addition to your meal.
The buttery sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory chicken and dumplings perfectly.
Plus, it’s always nice to have some extra bread to soak up all that delicious broth!
Garlic Green Beans
Garlic green beans bring a little crunch and flavor to the table.
The garlicky notes paired with the freshness of the beans balance nicely with the hearty chicken dish.
It’s an easy and quick side that adds color and taste to your meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
If you want to try something different, roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan might surprise you.
The earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts combined with nutty Parmesan adds a sophisticated element.
It’s a side that goes surprisingly well with the savory notes of chicken and dumplings.
Apple and Cranberry Salad
For a unique twist, an apple and cranberry salad brings a sweet and tangy contrast.
The crisp apples, tart cranberries, and a hint of honey in the dressing are lovely with the savory dumplings.
It’s a fresh side that many might not think of initially.
Variations and Substitutions
One fun way to switch things up is by using different meats.
You can try turkey or ham instead of chicken for a unique flavor!
If you’re looking for a non-meat alternative, tofu can be a great option.
Spice things up by adding herbs and spices.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some fresh thyme for an aromatic twist.
For the dumplings, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier option.
Experiment with different vegetables.
Add peas, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for added texture and taste.
If you’re out of biscuits, make dumplings from scratch with basic pantry staples.
You can use flour, baking powder, and a little bit of milk to create fluffy dumplings!
Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasonings.
A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines Chicken and Dumplings
After enjoying a delicious bowl of Joanna Gaines’ chicken and dumplings, you might find yourself with some leftovers.
Here are my friendly tips for storing them safely.
Cooling Down Quickly
Make sure you cool your chicken and dumplings as fast as possible before storing.
Doing this helps minimize bacterial growth that could spoil your leftovers.
I recommend transferring them to shallow containers to speed up the cooling process.
Choosing the Right Containers
It’s crucial to use airtight containers when storing your leftovers.
Airtight containers or freezer-safe bags will protect the dish from odors and moisture.
If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Storage Duration and Temperature
Your dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
Ensure your fridge is set to a temperature below 40°F to keep the leftovers safe.
For longer storage, freezing the dish will make it last up to three months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overworking the Dough
One common mistake is overworking the dough for dumplings.
If you work it too much, the dumplings can become tough.
When you mix your dough, keep it gentle and quick.
Skipping the Resting Time
Don’t skip the resting time for the dough.
It allows the gluten to relax, which makes for tender dumplings.
A 10-minute rest is usually enough for the best texture.
Cooking Dumplings Too Fast
Cooking dumplings too fast is another potential pitfall.
You could end up with doughy centers if the heat is too high.
Simmer your broth gently, keeping it low and steady for perfect dumplings!
Joanna Gaines Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 8 cups Water
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 Carrots sliced
- 2 Celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 5 tbsp Butter melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into pieces.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the dumplings.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into small pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the broth back to a simmer.
- Drop the dumpling pieces into the broth one by one.
- Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes, until they’re fluffy and cooked through.
- Stir gently to combine everything well, ensuring the dumplings don’t stick to the pot.
- Keep simmering until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld nicely.