One Pot Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings

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When the weather turns chilly, I crave a warm, comforting meal that brings a sense of home.

One Pot Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings is the perfect dish to warm you up on those cold nights.

It combines tender chicken, flavourful apple cider, and fluffy dumplings in a single pot, making it not just delicious but also easy to prepare.

I love how this dish is all about convenience and heartiness. With everything cooked in one pot, clean-up is a breeze, allowing me more time to enjoy the meal and the company. This recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food, filling my kitchen with delightful aromas and my belly with satisfaction.

Whether I’m sharing this meal with family or enjoying a quiet night in, One Pot Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings never fails to bring joy. It’s a dish that warms both the body and soul, reminding me of cozy gatherings and the simple pleasures in life.

Creating the Base for Your Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings

When making my one pot apple cider chicken ‘n’ dumplings, I focus on creating a rich, flavourful base. The right choice of chicken and careful sautéing of vegetables makes a huge difference. I also love adding apple cider to enhance the taste.

Selecting Your Chicken

For my base, I usually choose chicken thighs because they’re juicy and tender. Whole chicken is great too, as it provides a mix of flavours. If I prefer something leaner, chicken breasts work, but they can dry out if cooked too long. I often use a combination of thighs and breasts for the best result. Whichever I choose, I make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This step is essential to bring out the savoury flavours later on.

Sauteing Vegetables and Seasonings

Now, I turn to the vegetables. I always include carrots, celery, and red onion for a nice balance.

First, I heat some oil in my pot, then I add the chopped vegetables. Sautéing them softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness.

Next, I add minced garlic to the mix. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. I also love sprinkling in some dried thyme. This herb complements the chicken and pairs well with apple cider.

I cook everything together until the vegetables are tender. This step is crucial for developing the base flavour of the dish.

Building Flavour with Apple Cider and Broth

To create a really tasty base, I pour in apple cider and chicken broth. The cider adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the savoury elements from the chicken and veggies.

I typically use equal parts of cider and broth to achieve the right consistency.

Once I add the liquids, I let everything simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. After that, I can add the chicken back into the pot, ready for the dumplings. This base not only enhances the dish but makes my kitchen smell amazing too!

Crafting Perfect Dumplings

Creating the right dumplings is key for this dish. I focus on two important steps: mixing the dough and shaping the dumplings. Both need attention for tender and tasty results.

Mixing Dumpling Dough

To start, I gather my ingredients. I use all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.

I typically mix 2 cups of flour with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Next, I cut in butter until it resembles crumbs. This step is crucial for flavour.

After that, I pour in about 1 cup of milk to bring everything together. I stir gently until the mixture forms a sticky dough.

It’s important not to overmix to keep the dumplings fluffy.

I often add fresh parsley for a pop of colour and taste. The dough should be thick but easy to scoop. If it’s too dry, I add a bit more milk. With everything combined, I’m ready for the next step!

Shaping and Cooking Dumplings

Once I have the dough, I begin shaping my dumplings. I use a spoon to scoop out the dough, roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons each.

I love making drop dumplings, which don’t require rolling. I drop them directly onto the simmering chicken and broth.

As they cook, I keep the lid on. This traps the steam, making the dumplings tender. They usually take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook through.

I check for doneness by piercing one with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

I like to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavour. These simple steps lead to perfect dumplings that complement my apple cider chicken beautifully!

Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) apple cider (not vinegar)
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 small apple, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or whole milk
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, diced apple, and browned chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Make the Dumplings

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined; do not overmix.

3. Assemble and Cook

1. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the stew. Stir in the flour-water mixture to thicken the broth slightly.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, leaving space between each one (they’ll expand as they cook).
3. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving has a dumpling (or two!). Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish if desired.

Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb 450g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 ½ cups 360ml apple cider (not vinegar)
• 4 cups 950ml chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 small apple peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cold butter cubed
• ½ cup 120ml buttermilk or whole milk
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, then remove them and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about five minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. Pour in the apple cider, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer for two minutes.
• Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, diced apple, and the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. While the stew simmers, prepare the dumpling dough by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the buttermilk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the stew, then stir in the flour-water mixture to thicken the broth slightly. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked through and fluffy.
• To serve, ladle the stew into bowls, making sure each portion includes at least one dumpling. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this comforting dish while it’s warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

I often find that people have questions about making One Pot Apple Cider Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings. Here, I’ll provide some specific information to help you with common queries and concerns.

What are the essential ingredients for a classic chicken and dumplings recipe?

For a classic chicken and dumplings recipe, the key ingredients include chicken, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Additionally, broth and some vegetables like carrots and celery are great to enhance the flavour. Using apple cider can add a unique twist to the dish.

How can biscuit dough be incorporated into homemade chicken and dumplings?

You can easily incorporate biscuit dough into homemade chicken and dumplings by making a simple biscuit mix. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then cut in some butter. Finally, add in milk until just mixed and drop spoonfuls onto the simmering broth. They’ll cook to a fluffy finish!

Can you make chicken and dumplings using an Instant Pot, and if so, how?

Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings in an Instant Pot! Start by sautéing your chicken and vegetables, then add broth and seasonings. After building pressure, cook for a set time. For the dumplings, drop the dough on top before sealing the pot and cooking for a few more minutes.

What are some tips for achieving the perfect dumpling texture in a one pot chicken dish?

To achieve the perfect dumpling texture, handle the dough gently and don’t overmix. Use a light hand when adding the wet ingredients. Make sure to drop the dumplings onto hot broth so they steam properly. Covering the pot for the last few minutes can also help them rise beautifully.

Is there a quick and easy recipe for chicken pot pie with dumplings?

Yes, a quick and easy recipe for chicken pot pie with dumplings exists! Start by cooking chicken and vegetables, then prepare a simple biscuit dough. Pour the chicken mixture into a pie dish and place the dumpling dough on top. Bake until the dumplings are golden and fluffy.

What are the variations of chicken and dumplings traditional to Germany?

In Germany, variations of chicken and dumplings often include using spaetzle instead of traditional dumplings. They may also incorporate different herbs and spices to add unique flavours.

Some recipes feature a creamy sauce, giving the dish a rich and comforting taste.