There’s something incredibly comforting about a hot bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings back memories of cozy family dinners. And who better to share a delicious recipe for this classic comfort food than the iconic Dairy Queen?
Yes, you read that right – the king of soft-serve ice cream and blizzards also has a mouth-watering chicken and dumplings recipe up its sleeve.
As I sat down to pen this blog post, the aroma of simmering chicken and dumplings filled my kitchen, transporting me back to my grandmother’s house. It’s a scent that instantly evokes feelings of warmth, love, and nostalgia.
And that’s precisely what this Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings recipe promises to deliver – a heartwarming dish that will have you reminiscing about cherished moments with loved ones.
Ingredients Needed
For Chicken:
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly Ground Pepper
- 1 Chicken, cut up
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, chopped
- 2 Celery Ribs, chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups Chicken Stock
- ½ cup Apple Cider
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 5 whole Peppercorns
For Dumplings:
- 1-1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- 2/3 cup Milk
- 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
For Soup:
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 teaspoon Parsley
- 2 teaspoon Thyme
- Additional Salt and Pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping vegetables)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Toothpick (for testing dumplings)
- Skimmer or spoon (for removing excess fat)
How To Make Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Let’s learn step by step;
Step 1. In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until coated.
Step 2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, then set aside.
Step 3. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Sprinkle remaining seasoned flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for a minute.
Step 4. Pour in chicken stock, apple cider, sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a simmer. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Simmer for about 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Step 5. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk and melted butter. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the same pot. Next, drop spoonful’s of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 7. Skim off any excess fat from the surface. Stir in heavy cream, parsley, and thyme. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Check another delicious recipe by Dairy Queen, Called Dairy Queen Gravy Recipe.
Special Notes:
- Take care not to overwork the dumpling dough, as this will lead to tough, dense dumplings. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Feel free to use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces according to your preference. Bone-in chicken will lend extra richness to the broth.
- For a thicker broth, you can make a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and water, then stirring it into the simmering broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken stock with flavorful vegetable broth.
- Turkey or Beef: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or beef for a different twist on this classic dish.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the heavy cream and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the dumplings.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and roux.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, to change the flavor profile.
What to Serve with Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are the perfect accompaniment for sopping up every last drop of the rich broth.
- Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad provides a light and vibrant contrast to the heartiness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus, make a nutritious and flavorful side.
- Cornbread: Warm, crumbly cornbread complements the savory flavors of the chicken and dumplings beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes offer a comforting pairing and help soak up the delectable broth.
Leftover Storage Tips
Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings make for excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop and meld together over time. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings in an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags. Frozen leftovers will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency, if needed. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common FAQs that you may need to know, when you try this dish:
1. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While you can prepare the dumpling dough in advance, it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh. The cooked dumplings may become dense and heavy when reheated.
2. How can I prevent the dumplings from falling apart?
Be gentle when stirring and avoid overcooking. Additionally, letting the dumplings rest for a few minutes after cooking will help them firm up.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
5. Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought chicken broth or stock is a convenient time-saving option.
6. How can I make the broth thicker or thinner?
To thicken the broth, make a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and water, then stir it into the simmering broth. To thin it out, add more chicken stock or water.
7. What’s the best way to shred the cooked chicken?
Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart into shredded pieces. Alternatively, you can use your hands or a hand mixer with beater attachments.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for slow cookers or pressure cookers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and methods.
9. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like peas, corn, or spinach towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
10. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk for the dumplings?
Absolutely! Buttermilk will add a lovely tangy flavor and slightly denser texture to the dumplings.
Conclusion
The Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a true testament to the power of comfort food. This beloved dish has a way of transcending generations, bringing together families and friends around the table to share in the warmth and joy of a delicious, homemade meal. With its tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and rich, velvety broth, every bite is a celebration of timeless flavors and cherished memories.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a newcomer to the culinary world, this recipe is sure to become a treasured addition to your repertoire, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aromas and heartwarming satisfaction that only a truly exceptional dish can deliver.
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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