Delicious Irish Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
When it comes to hearty comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of warm Irish chicken and dumplings. This classic dish is a staple in Irish households, and it’s not hard to see why. A savory stew made with tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and fluffy dumplings made from baking mix is the epitome of cozy and satisfying.
If you’re looking for a new recipe for your next family dinner or just want to switch up your meal rotation, this Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe is definitely worth trying. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious and filling.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to curl up with a bowl of this comforting Irish dish. Whether you’re staying in on a chilly evening or hosting guests for a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. And who knows? You might just find yourself adding it to your weekly menu rotation too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old chicken and dumpling recipe? Do you want to try something new and hearty? Look no further than this Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
What makes this recipe so unique is the use of traditional Irish ingredients such as potatoes and Irish chicken dumplings. These dumplings are made with a baking mix, milk, and poultry seasoning, giving them that distinct savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken soup base. And let’s not forget about the added vegetables – frozen green peas and carrots – which provide an extra layer of texture and nutrition to this exceptional dish.
Trust me, one bite of this comfort food will instantly transport you to a quaint Irish cottage by the countryside. The aroma of simmering stew will fill your home, tempting everyone to come together around the dinner table.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it is also perfect for feeding a crowd since it yields 8 servings! Plus, if you have leftovers, it freezes well for a quick reheatable meal during those busy weekdays.
So whether you are looking for a new twist on a classic family recipe or trying to impress friends at a dinner party, this Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe is sure to leave everyone satisfied and craving more.
Ingredient List
Before starting with the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on-hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Dumplings: You can use canned dumplings available at your nearby store or make them from scratch.
- Irish Chicken: 2 boneless chicken breast halves and 1 can of reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Vegetables: chopped celery (2 cups), 2 potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 onions (quartered), 3 sliced carrots, and a cup of frozen green peas.
- Seasonings: Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon), salt (1 teaspoon).
- Liquid: 3 cups of water and a cup of milk.
Make sure that your ingredients are fresh and of high-quality as it will impact the texture, taste, and aroma of our Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get started with the cooking! Here’s how to make a delicious pot of Irish chicken and dumplings:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into small pieces
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cans of condensed reduced-fat cream of chicken soup (10.75 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 1 cup of frozen green peas
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in a large heavy pot and cover them with water.
- Add one chopped celery stalk and one chopped onion to the pot.
- Add in salt, poultry seasoning and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for about an hour until the chicken breasts are cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool down for a moment.
- Cut boiled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Pour off any excess liquid from the pot leaving approximately three cups of chicken broth behind in the pot.
- Add into the pot condensed cream of chicken soup without diluting it with water and whisk until it is smooth.
- Add in potatoes, carrots, sliced celery, sliced onions, remaining salt and pepper into soup mixtures over medium-high heat.
- Add in peas and cut-up chicken breast pieces.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least two hours or until vegetables have become tender.
Prepare Chicken Dumplings
- In a separate bowl, mix one and half cups of baking mix with 1/2 cup of milk to create a smooth dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the chicken soup mixture.
- Cover the pot and let them cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allow the dumplings to fluff and swell up until soft and tender.
Your Irish chicken and dumplings soup is now ready! The dish can be served piping hot as is or garnished with parsley or celery leaves. Enjoy this classic Irish comfort food!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I encourage you to embrace variations and substitutions in your cooking. This is especially true of this Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe, as it allows for plenty of creativity in the kitchen.
For starters, feel free to swap out chicken breast for chicken thighs or even pre-cooked shredded chicken. This variation will alter the flavor and texture of the dish; your chicken will be more succulent, and your broth will have a deeper flavor profile.
If you don’t have any baking mix on hand, you can mix your own dumpling batter with all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and milk. Follow the same dumpling-making steps as we recommend in our recipe; they’ll turn out just as fluffy and flavorful.
For vegetarians, omitting the chicken from the recipe is a great option. Try substituting chickpeas or white beans for protein in this meal – they’ll add a nutty flavor and creaminess to the dish that combines well with the richness of the broth.
In addition, try adding chopped mushrooms or greens like kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
Lastly, if you’re watching your calorie intake, reduce the amount of potatoes in your soup or omit them altogether. Similarly, using low-fat dairy will significantly cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
As you can see, making substitutions and variations to this Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe is easy and encouraged! It’s all about creativity and finding new flavors that work for you.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing is all about enhancing the experience of enjoying Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe, as it complements and brings out the comfort and warmth of this dish. One great serving suggestion for this dish is to ladle the rich and creamy chicken stew into a large bowl or deep plate, adding in a heaping spoonful of fluffy dumplings on top. The taste and aroma of these dumplings are guaranteed to give you a sense of home and warmth.
You can serve this dish as the main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a green salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. This will also help balance out the richness of the dish while providing a pop of color to your meal.
A perfect pairing for Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe is white wine, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red wine, Merlot or Pinot Noir would be an excellent choice. For those who prefer beer, try pairing it with an Irish stout or ale to add a depth of flavor that complements the savory taste of Irish cuisine.
In conclusion, when serving and pairing Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe, remember to create a well-rounded meal by adding some vegetables on the side, choosing your favorite drink, be it beer or wine, and enjoy every bite with your loved ones.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Irish chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later use. To make ahead, simply let the stew cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient meal prep option for busy weekdays or when hosting guests.
When reheating, transfer the stew to a large heavy pot over low heat and add 1 cup of water. You can also add additional diced carrots, potatoes, or frozen peas if you’d like to bulk up the dish. Be sure to stir occasionally while reheating to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pot.
If you prefer to freeze the stew instead of refrigerating it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. The stew will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen Irish chicken and dumplings stew, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the same instructions for reheating as listed above.
Overall, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be easily stored and reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping and busy schedules.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making Irish Chicken and Dumplings can be a fulfilling culinary experience that you will not forget any time soon. But like any other recipe, it requires some attention to detail to ensure the perfect output. Here are some tips and tricks I have learned over the years that will guarantee an excellent batch of Irish Chicken and Dumplings every time.
Firstly, always use fresh ingredients when possible, especially the chicken breast halves. The quality of your produce impacts the flavor of your meal, so opt for quality boneless chicken breast halves from reputable suppliers.
Secondly, don’t skip the seasoning. Poultry seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper are crucial in bringing out the fullness of flavors in your Irish Chicken and Dumplings. Always ensure you have these key ingredients in your seasoning cabinet before you start cooking.
Thirdly, give yourself plenty of time. This recipe needs ample time for simmering on low heat to allow the chicken breast halves to cook through entirely, and the potatoes to get tender. Rushing through this process will affect the overall taste and texture of your dish negatively.
Fourthly, let your Irish dumplings boil without stirring them. The dumplings need space to cook properly without sticking together or falling apart, so leave them alone until they are fully cooked.
Fifthly, feel free to experiment with other variations for this dish by adding carrots or frozen green peas with potatoes to make it a wholesome one-pot meal.
Finally, as a final touch, serve with cornbread or soda bread to bring out the authentic Irish taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
Overall, this recipe is excellent for busy weeknights or comforting meals at home with family and friends. Following these tips and tricks will help you create a more delicious version of Irish Chicken and Dumplings that you’ll enjoy!
FAQ
Now that we have covered all the aspects of this delicious Irish Chicken and Dumplings recipe, I’m sure some questions might arise. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions about the dish, along with their answers, that will help you enjoy this meal with no worries or doubts.
What are Irish dumplings made of?
These delicious treats go by the name of Irish dumplings which are tiny balls of dough that get boiled either in water or broth. The recipe usually calls for basic ingredients such as flour, suet, salt, and baking soda. Irish dumplings are quite versatile as they can be served as an accompaniment or even as a standalone dish.
What is the difference between southern and northern chicken and dumplings?
There are two main types of dumplings used in British cuisine: Southern-style dumplings, which are cooked by simmering in broth and made with shortening; and Northern-style dumplings, which are cooked by steaming on top of the pot and made with butter. Despite their name, the distinction between them is not necessarily based on geographic location.
What nationality makes chicken and dumplings?
This dish has gained popularity as a go-to comfort food in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. Some also believe it has roots in French Canadian cuisine and was created during the Great Depression.
What is the best thickener for chicken and dumplings?
When it comes to making chicken and dumplings, you can use a simple trick to achieve a thicker and more satisfying consistency. By combining two tablespoons of cornstarch with a cup of cool water, and stirring it into the soup over heat, you can give the dish a welcomed boost. This technique requires that you bring the soup to a boil before adding the cornstarch mixture, which should then be stirred in until fully incorporated. By doing so, your chicken and dumplings will have an irresistible texture that’ll make you go back for seconds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is one of my favorites for a reason. It’s a simple and hearty dish that brings me back to my roots every time I make it. The tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, you can adapt it to your preferences and needs. Plus, the tips and substitutions outlined here will help you achieve perfect results every time.
So don’t hesitate to try this recipe out for yourself- gather up the ingredients and get cooking! You’ll love the taste of this classic Irish comfort food in no time.
Irish Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 onions, quartered
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves
- 5 carrots, sliced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 3 cups baking mix
- 1 1/3 cups milk
Instructions
- In large, heavy pot, combine soup, water, chicken, celery, onion, salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper.
- Cover and cook over low heat about 1 1/2 hours.
- Add potatoes and carrots; cover and cook another 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pot, shred it, and return to pot.
- Add peas and cook only 5 minutes longer.
- Add dumplings.
- To make dumplings: Mix baking mix and milk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto BOILING stew.
- Simmer covered for 10 minutes, then uncover and simmer an additional 10 minutes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.