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Home » How to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

How to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

Is there anything more comforting than a cup of creamy chicken and dumplings during soup season? We don’t think so.

Whether you’re making a recipe that’s been passed down for generations or finding ways to whip up a health-driven comfort dish during a time crunch, you will want to know what soup dumplings are and find the perfect way to make them. 

The success of chicken and dumplings often boils down to how you thicken the recipe. Once perfected, you’ll want to make extra because you can freeze chicken and dumplings and enjoy leftovers for another meal!

Dumplings on top of soup in a Dutch oven.

Understanding Your Recipe

The great thing about chicken and dumplings is that it’s a delightful recipe that is perfect for groups. Filled with vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery and paired with herbs and chicken, the recipe is easy to master.

We understand the struggle between wanting to have a nutritious, home-cooked meal and convenience. Our recipes strike the perfect balance and offer a way to create a healthy meal in a short amount of time!

Thickening Options

The key to making the best chicken and dumplings is mastering the art of thickening the soup, and there are several different ways you can choose to do this.

The first and most common option is using flour. Begin by combining two to three tablespoons of flour into a mixing bowl, slowly adding cold water until a smooth paste forms. Then, introduce this mixture into your soup to achieve a subtle, yet effective thickening. For a gluten-free option, rice flour works well, too.

Alternatively, you can use two tablespoons of cornstarch mixed in a cup of cold water to get the same outcome. If you don’t have cornstarch or flour, xanthan gum, potato starch, or arrowroot powder will do the trick.

How to Know if Dumplings Are Done

In most cases, dumplings will rise to the top of the soup once they are done. To ensure perfection, use a spoon to split one dumpling open, and check the inside to make sure. 

If you notice air bubbles and a soft biscuit-like consistency, you’re in good shape. If the center seems sticky or gummy, let it cook for a few more minutes.

The Secret to Great Dumplings

A great chicken and dumpling dish is about more than just the ingredients. It’s about learning how to maximize your time to create a classic meal.

We address the modern challenges home cooks face–creating wholesome, delicious meals with limited time. Our recipes combine tradition with innovation and efficiency so that the end result is a quick and effortless meal that doesn’t compromise home-cooked qualities.

Chicken and dumplings also make excellent leftovers. Fill a bag or freezer-proof container with whatever wasn’t eaten. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat. Chicken and dumplings can be kept for three to four months in the freezer!

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