Can you make chicken and dumplings in the oven? Absolutely! This classic comfort food dish is often associated with slow-cooked stovetop recipes, but with a few adjustments, you can achieve the same delicious results using your oven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making oven-baked chicken and dumplings, ensuring that your family and friends will be delighted with this mouthwatering meal.
First, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, chicken broth, flour, butter, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you can add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create a delightful chicken and dumpling dish in the oven.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer until it is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broth and set it aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your dumpling dough. Set the dough aside for a few minutes to rest.
While the chicken is cooling, prepare the dumplings. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough. Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Once the chicken has cooled, shred it with two forks and place it in a large bowl. Add the cooked dumplings to the bowl and toss them with the shredded chicken. Pour the chicken broth into a 9×13-inch baking dish, and spread the chicken and dumpling mixture evenly over the bottom.
Take the dumpling dough and drop small pieces on top of the chicken and dumpling mixture. You can also shape the dough into small balls if you prefer. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve the oven-baked chicken and dumplings with a side of your favorite vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
By making chicken and dumplings in the oven, you can enjoy this comforting dish with minimal effort and in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional stovetop recipes. So, the next time you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, give this oven-baked chicken and dumplings recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
