Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. The heart of this dish lies in the dumplings themselves—soft, tender, and perfectly cooked dough pieces that soak up the savory chicken broth. If you’ve ever wondered how to make dough for chicken and dumplings from scratch, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through an easy, foolproof method to create delicious dumpling dough that will elevate your chicken and dumplings to homemade perfection.
What You’ll Need for Dumpling Dough
Before diving into the process, gather these simple ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 2 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
– About 1 cup milk (adjust as needed)
These ingredients are pantry staples, so no special trips to the store are necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dumpling Dough
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your dumplings will rise slightly and have a light texture.
2. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles. This step is key for flaky, tender dumplings.
3. Add the Milk
Pour in the milk gradually while stirring. Mix until the dough comes together into a soft ball. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s manageable but still moist.
4. Prepare Your Work Surface
Dust your countertop or cutting board generously with flour to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and sprinkle a bit more flour on top.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin dusted with flour, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Add flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the surface or rolling pin. The goal is a smooth, even sheet of dough.
6. Cut the Dumplings
Use a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry wheel to cut the dough into squares roughly 2 inches by 2 inches. Don’t worry about perfection—some dumplings may be bigger or smaller, and that’s part of their charm.
7. Dust and Set Aside
Lightly dust the cut dumplings with more flour to keep them from sticking together. If you’re not cooking them immediately, layer them on a floured plate or baking sheet with wax paper between layers. You can even freeze them for later use.
Cooking Your Dumplings in Chicken Broth
Bring your chicken broth to a boil and add shredded cooked chicken. Then, add the dumplings one at a time, stirring gently to keep them from sticking together. The extra flour on the dumplings will help thicken the broth as they cook. Let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and no longer doughy when tasted.
Tips for Perfect Dumpling Dough
– Keep the butter cold: This helps create a flaky texture.
– Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough dumplings.
– Flour is your friend: Don’t be shy about using flour on your surface, rolling pin, and dumplings to prevent sticking.
– Adjust milk quantity: Depending on humidity and flour type, you might need a little less or more milk to get the right dough consistency.
– Roll thin but not too thin: About 1/4 inch thickness is ideal for cooking evenly without falling apart.
Why Make Your Own Dumpling Dough?
Making dumpling dough from scratch is easier than you think and tastes so much better than store-bought options. Homemade dough gives you control over texture and thickness, and it’s a fun way to connect with traditional cooking. Plus, fresh dumplings absorb the flavors of the chicken broth beautifully, making every bite a comforting delight.
Chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish, and mastering the dough is the key to making it truly special. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create dumplings that are tender, flavorful, and perfect every time. So roll up your sleeves, grab your rolling pin, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!