Can biscuits transform your chicken and dumplings into a culinary delight

Chicken and dumplings, a classic comfort food staple, evokes memories of warm family gatherings and cozy winter nights. While traditional recipes often call for homemade dumplings, the convenience of canned biscuits offers a time-saving alternative without sacrificing flavor. This blog post delves into the art of using can biscuits for chicken and dumplings, providing tips, tricks, and a step-by-step guide to create the perfect dish.

Choosing the Right Can Biscuits

The key to successful chicken and dumplings with can biscuits lies in choosing the right biscuit dough. Look for refrigerated biscuits that are flaky and buttery, as these will produce light and fluffy dumplings. Avoid using dough that is too dense or crumbly, as this can result in heavy and unappetizing dumplings.

Preparing the Chicken and Dumplings

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, brown boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in some oil. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides.
2. Create the Broth: Add water or chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for 30-45 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Prepare the Dumplings: Open a can of refrigerated biscuits and separate each biscuit into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and set aside.

Assembling the Chicken and Dumplings

1. Add Vegetables: If desired, add chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the broth and simmer until tender.
2. Drop the Dumplings: Once the broth is simmering, gently drop the biscuit balls into the pot. Do not overcrowd the pot.
3. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have doubled in size.

Seasoning and Finishing Touches

1. Taste and Season: Taste the broth and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the broth.
3. Thicken the Broth (Optional): If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk together cornstarch and water and gradually add it to the simmering broth, stirring constantly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into individual bowls.
2. Top with Greens: Serve with a side of steamed or sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens.
3. Add a Crusty Bread: Accompany the meal with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping into the broth.

Variations and Tips

1. Use Different Biscuit Doughs: Experiment with different flavors of biscuit dough, such as buttermilk, cheddar cheese, or herb-infused varieties.
2. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the dumplings for extra richness.
3. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and drop in the dumplings.
4. Use a Slow Cooker: For a hands-free approach, cook the chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

The Perfect Comfort Food: Conclusion

Chicken and dumplings with can biscuits offer an easy and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Experiment with different flavors and variations to create your own signature version of this beloved dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen biscuits?
A: Yes, you can use frozen biscuits, but thaw them completely before separating and rolling them into balls.

Q: How do I make sure the dumplings don‘t sink?
A: Use fresh refrigerated biscuits and avoid overcrowding the pot when dropping them in. Also, make sure the broth is simmering, not boiling.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the dumplings?
A: Yes, you can add shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, or herbs to the biscuit dough before rolling it into balls.

Q: Can I make the chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and drop in the dumplings.

Q: What if I don’t have a large pot?
A: You can use a Dutch oven or a large skillet with high sides. Just make sure there is enough room for the dumplings to double in size without overcrowding.