Best 7 Make Ahead Chicken And Dumplings Recipes

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When searching for the ultimate comfort food, few dishes can compete with the classic combination of tender chicken, savory dumplings, and rich broth in a "make ahead chicken and dumplings" recipe. This timeless dish has been a staple in kitchens for generations, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warm the soul. Whether you're craving a hearty meal to feed a crowd or simply want to savor the taste of homemade goodness, discovering the best recipe for "make ahead chicken and dumplings" is an adventure worth embarking on.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS



The Best Chicken & Dumplings image

Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. -Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 25

3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 broiler/fryer chicken (about 3 pounds), cut up
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine or apple cider
2 teaspoons sugar
2 bay leaves
5 whole peppercorns
DUMPLINGS:
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
SOUP:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
Additional salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken, 1 piece at a time, and toss to coat; shake off excess. In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches on all sides; remove from pan., Add onion, carrots and celery to same pan; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in 1/4 cup flour until blended. Gradually add stock, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, sugar, bay leaves and peppercorns. Return chicken to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 20-25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear., For dumplings, in a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk and melted butter until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened (do not overmix). Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet; set aside., Remove chicken from stockpot; cool slightly. Discard bay leaves and skim fat from soup. Remove skin and bones from chicken and discard. Using 2 forks, coarsely shred meat into 1- to 1-1/2-in. pieces; return to soup. Cook, covered, on high until mixture reaches a simmer., Drop dumplings on top of simmering soup, a few at a time. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of dumplings comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering). Gently stir in cream, parsley and thyme. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 892mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS



Make-Ahead Chicken and Dumplings image

We've devised a clever and no-fail way to make classic chicken and dumplings into a freezer-friendly meal. Make the chicken stew ahead of time, and when you're ready to cook, simply add easy Bisquick dumplings, and dinner's ready!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h10m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
2 medium stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (5 to 6)
1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
1/2 cup milk

Steps:

  • In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add flour, thyme, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Gradually stir in broth. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Boil and stir 1 minute.
  • Add chicken; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 13 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Transfer chicken to cutting board. Using two forks, shred into large bite-size pieces, and return to Dutch oven; heat to simmering.
  • In medium bowl, stir Bisquick™ mix and milk together until soft dough forms. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 9 to 11 minutes or until dumplings are completely cooked in center.
  • To freeze: Cook chicken stew as directed in recipe in steps 1 and 2. Cover and refrigerate chicken stew 30 to 40 minutes. Divide stew between two 1-quart freezer containers; cover and freeze up to 2 months. To finish chicken and dumplings: Place frozen chicken stew containers in large bowl filled with hot water about 5 minutes or until stew can be slid out of containers into 4-quart Dutch oven. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until stew is heated to boiling. Make and cook dumplings as directed in step 3.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 135 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1440 mg, Sugar 7 g, TransFat 0 g

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS



Chicken and Dumplings image

This comfort-food recipe combines chicken thighs, plump dumplings, and plenty of vegetables for a meal that's warm and filling. Everything is ready in about an hour, so try them for a weekend meal.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Thighs

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 medium carrots, cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup (spooned and leveled) all-purpose flour
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven (or a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid), heat butter over medium. Add onion, carrots, and thyme. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly; season with salt and pepper. Nestle chicken in pot; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup flour, dill, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. With a fork, gradually stir in 1/2 cup milk to form a moist and soft batter. It should be just a little thicker than pancake batter and should easily drop from the tip of a spoon. (Add additional 2 tablespoons milk if too thick.) Set aside.
  • Stir peas into pot. Drop batter in simmering liquid in 10 heaping tablespoonfuls, keeping them spaced apart (dumplings will swell as they cook). Cover, and simmer until chicken is tender and dumplings are firm, 20 minutes. Serve.

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS



Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings image

This is comfort food that can't be beat!

Provided by Karena

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Noodle Soup Recipes

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

7 pounds cut up chicken pieces
4 cups chicken stock
2 onions, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 teaspoons salt
1 egg
¼ cup milk
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup water
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot place chicken pieces and add the chicken stock, onion, celery and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Put heat on medium low and simmer, partially covered, 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is tender.
  • To Prepare Dumplings: In a large mixing bowl beat together the egg and milk. Add 1 cup flour, remaining salt and baking powder and mix all together. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture is crumbly. Add 1 tablespoon of the parsley and mix. In 6 large spoonfuls, drop dumpling mixture onto the top of the simmering chicken. Cover the pot and let all simmer for 10 minutes more.
  • To Make Gravy: Remove chicken and dumplings to a large serving bowl. Cover and set aside, keeping warm. Strain the stock left in the pot, pressing out any 'veggie liquid'. Return stock to pot. Combine water with remaining flour, then stir into the strained stock. Bring all to a boil, stirring constantly, to thicken. Return chicken and dumplings to pot, combing all gently. Serve with remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399.9 calories, Carbohydrate 8.9 g, Cholesterol 132.8 mg, Fat 25.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 31.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 699.5 mg, Sugar 1 g

SLOW-COOKER MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN



Slow-Cooker Make-Ahead Chicken image

Juicy, cooked chicken is the start to so many favorite meals, from cold chicken salad to warming bowls of chicken noodle soup. That's why we adore this recipe. Its seasoning is neutral enough to go with most any dish and, parceled out in bags in the freezer, it's a dinnertime game changer. With two easy methods, it's easy to make this recipe just about any time. Start it while you're prepping dinner on a Tuesday night, and it'll be done cooking and cool enough to put away by the time dinner's over. Or, go the slow-cooker method, and you can run out the door to do errands, pick up kids or dare we say it-just relax-while your chicken is cooking away! With bags of already cooked chicken parceled out in your fridge, there's no cold that can't be soothed or sandwich that can't be filled.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 3h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

Steps:

  • Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Add chicken; turn to coat.
  • Add chicken to slow cooker; pour 1/4 cup water over chicken. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  • Transfer chicken to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred chicken, then toss with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Discard remaining liquid.
  • To Freeze: Divide chicken into 2 portions (about 2 cups each). Place each portion in freezer container or resealable freezer plastic bag. Label with date. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour. Transfer to freezer; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. Use in recipes calling for cooked chicken.
  • To Make in Oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Place rack in large rimmed sheet pan. Spray rack and pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Add chicken; turn to coat. Place in single layer on rack in pan. Roast 33 to 38 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of largest thigh reads 180°F and meat is tender enough to shred. Remove from oven; let rest until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Shred chicken with 2 forks. Toss shredded chicken in pan liquid to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Carbohydrate 0 g, Cholesterol 135 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize About 1/2 Cup, Sodium 550 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

SUPER EASY CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS



Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings image

This could not be easier and it tastes great too!

Provided by ALLIE101

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Chicken Soup Recipes     Chicken and Dumpling Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
3 cups shredded cooked chicken meat
2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough

Steps:

  • Stir the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and shredded chicken meat together in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Cut each biscuit into quarters, and gently stir into the simmering soup. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the biscuits are no longer doughy in the center, 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Cholesterol 49.7 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 1923.9 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE



Chicken & Dumpling Casserole image

This savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy poured over them. The basil adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish cooks. -Sue Mackey, Galesburg, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 package (10 ounces) frozen green peas
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
DUMPLINGS:
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2 teaspoons dried basil
2/3 cup 2% milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, basil and pepper until blended. Gradually add broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir 1 minute or until thickened; reduce heat. Add peas and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine baking mix and basil. Stir in milk with a fork until moistened. Drop by tablespoonfuls into mounds over chicken mixture., Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Cover and bake 10 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 1313mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

Tips:

  • Use a large stockpot or Dutch oven to make the soup. This will give you plenty of room to cook the chicken and dumplings without overcrowding the pot.
  • Use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for the soup. This will give you a more flavorful broth.
  • Add vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, and onion. This will make the soup more nutritious and flavorful.
  • Season the soup with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Make the dumplings while the soup is simmering. This will allow them to cook evenly.
  • Drop the dumplings into the boiling soup and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Conclusion:

Make-ahead chicken and dumplings is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen, so you can have a hot meal ready to eat in no time. The dumplings are light and fluffy, and they add a touch of heartiness to the soup. This soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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