Easy Chicken Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Nights
Easy Chicken Dumplings Recipe is the comfort dish you didn’t know you needed! This scrumptious, hearty meal is perfect for cozy nights in when you want something warm and satisfying, yet easy to prepare. You’ll find this step-by-step recipe incredibly simple, making it great for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With tender chicken baked in a savory broth and soft dumplings to soak up all the goodness, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started on this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best reasons to love this Easy Chicken Dumplings Recipe is its ability to comfort you on chilly evenings. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul. The prep is uncomplicated, allowing you to whip it up in no time, and it’s family-friendly, perfect for satisfying both kids and adults. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find this recipe is budget-friendly as well. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade classic that everyone will ask for again and again!
Ingredients
To create the delicious Easy Chicken Dumplings that bring laughter and conversation to your dinner table, gather the following:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
The combination of tender chicken, fragrant ginger, and savory soy sauce makes each bite a burst of flavor that is sure to please your palate.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Chicken Dumplings:
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In a large bowl, mix the flour and water together until you form a smooth dough. You want it to be pliable and not sticky. This usually takes a few minutes of mixing.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic. The more you knead, the better your dumplings will turn out!
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Once well-kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, ensuring that your dumplings will be soft.
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While the dough is resting, combine the chopped chicken thighs, grated ginger, finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
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After the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions (around 10-12 pieces). Roll each piece out thinly to about 1/8 inch thick. This is where you can get creative with size – the thicker they are, the chewier they’ll be!
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Place one tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold over the dough to create half-moons, ensuring to seal the edges tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
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In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the whole peppercorns for an extra layer of flavor. Drop the prepared dumplings into the broth and allow them to cook until they float, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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As a final touch, you can sprinkle some additional green onions on top for garnish before serving.
With each bite, you’ll find the dumplings tender, the filling bursting with flavor, and the broth rich and comforting—truly a cozy meal!
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dumplings and freeze them before cooking. This way, you always have a delightful dish ready for a comforting dinner.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the filling! You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition or even replace the chicken with shrimp for a delightful twist.
- Herbs: Enhance the flavor even more by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the filling.
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a bit of chili paste or sriracha to the filling for an added kick.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Easy Chicken Dumplings are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. A drizzle of chili oil over the top adds a spicy kick. You might even serve them alongside a good loaf of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth!
Nutritional Information
For a serving of Easy Chicken Dumplings, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Chicken Dumplings
To store any leftover dumplings, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked or uncooked dumplings. To reheat, steam them lightly until heated through or add to a pot of boiling broth to cook further.
Variations abound with this recipe! Consider making a vegetarian version using tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables, thus expanding on this comforting dish without compromising flavor.
Conclusion for Easy Chicken Dumplings
In conclusion, the Easy Chicken Dumplings Recipe is your go-to dish for those cozy nights when you’re craving warmth and comfort. It’s a fun, engaging process to make dumplings from scratch, with delicious results that will bring smiles to your dining table. So gather your ingredients, invite your family into the kitchen, and get cooking! You won’t regret it.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they may be less flavorful. If using breasts, consider marinating them longer for enhanced taste.
2. Are dumplings healthy?
This recipe is fairly balanced, but you can also make it healthier by incorporating more vegetables into the filling or opting for whole-wheat flour.
3. How can I tell when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are cooked through when they float to the surface of the broth; you can also cut one open to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour, and it will work just fine.
5. What can I do with leftover dumpling filling?
You can use the leftover filling in stir-fries or as a filling for spring rolls or even lettuce wraps for a different twist!
Easy Chicken Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
For the Filling
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 pieces green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For Cooking
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and water together until you form a smooth dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Combine chicken thighs, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well.
Forming Dumplings
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions (around 10-12 pieces) and roll each piece out thinly to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place one tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle and fold over to create half-moons.
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil and add whole peppercorns.
- Drop the prepared dumplings into the broth and allow them to cook until they float, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle additional green onions on top for garnish before serving.