Get ready to spice up your dinner table with Beau's Spicy Chicken and Dumplings, a Southern classic that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds! This hearty dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all enveloped in a rich, savory broth with just the right kick of cayenne pepper. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience you won't want to miss. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this mouthwatering comfort food that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, chopping carrots, celery, and onion into uniform small pieces.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the cayenne pepper.
- Brown chicken cubes in the pot until golden on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- For dumpling batter, combine flour, remaining cayenne pepper, baking powder, salt, and milk in a mixing bowl. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Using a spoon, drop dumpling batter directly into the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in large bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, and several dumplings.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing the chicken and vegetables from burning while simmering.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on allows steam to build up, ensuring your dumplings cook perfectly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as a garnish before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
