Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to warm you up on a chilly evening or wanting to impress guests with a unique dish, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its rich flavors and delightful texture, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, creamy pumpkin soup, and fluffy dumplings will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This dish brings the warmth of fall into your home, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal without any fuss.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with chicken and pumpkin, this recipe is both filling and nutritious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will impress everyone.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or vegetables to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without burning, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping up those flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pot while stirring.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping ingredients organized when preparing the dumpling dough.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter
• 2 large carrots, peeled as desired & diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 32 ounces Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• heaping 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise & excess paper removed
• 1 1/2 pounds Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts
• one 10-ounce bag frozen Simply Nature Organic Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes
• 1/2 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk
• pumpkin dumplings (below)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

For the Dumplings

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter, grated
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 1/3 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1/4 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

How to Make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Add the butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted:
– Add the carrots, celery, and onion.
– Season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired.
– Cook until softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Build Flavor in the Soup

Dust the flour over the softened veggies:
– Stir to coat everything well.
– Cook for another minute until browned.
– Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping up brown bits from the pot’s bottom.
– Stir in garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice.
– Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Add chicken breasts to the simmering soup:
– Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
– Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Once cooked:
– Remove chicken from pot and shred using forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
– Return shredded chicken back into the pot along with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and whole milk. Stir well.

Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl:
– Combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper; whisk together.
– Add grated butter; mix quickly by hand until coated in flour mixture.
In another bowl:
– Whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk.
Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients gently until thick dough forms (do not overmix).

Step 6: Cook Dumplings

Using two small spoons:
– Drop tablespoon-sized dumplings into the simmering soup one by one.
Cover pot again:
– Simmer for about 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy and cooked through.

Step 7: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot:
– Taste soup; adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately! Enjoy your hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Chives – Finely chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

Accompanying Salads

• Mixed Green Salad – Light and crisp, a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dumplings.
• Roasted Beet Salad – Earthy roasted beets with feta cheese elevate the flavor profile of your meal.

Perfect Beverage Pairings

• Herbal Tea – A warm cup of herbal tea offers soothing notes that pair well with the dish’s savory flavors.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon – Refreshing and light, this beverage cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To achieve the best results when making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, consider these tips for perfect texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the overall taste of your dish.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Gently fold the dumpling mixture to keep them light and airy; overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
• Monitor Cooking Time – Keep an eye on cooking times; undercooked dumplings may be doughy, while overcooked ones can become mushy.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste; adding a pinch of nutmeg or more cumin can elevate flavors significantly.
• Serve Immediately – For the best texture, serve your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings right after cooking; they are most delightful when fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread – Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while complementing the creamy soup.
3. Spiced Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots seasoned with herbs provide a wonderful contrast in flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a nice texture alongside the dumplings.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Soft cornbread muffins bring a sweet element that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
6. Crispy Kale Chips – Lightly seasoned kale chips add crunch and a healthy twist to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: This can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning your soup adequately will result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or milk can affect the texture of the dumplings. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Not Scraping the Pot: Ignoring the browned bits at the bottom can waste flavor. Always scrape them up when adding liquid to maximize taste.
• Cooking Dumplings Too Long: Overcooking can make dumplings heavy and dense. Stick to the recommended cooking time for perfect texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool down before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Use a microwave-safe bowl with a cover.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings that may help you.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for different flavors.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You can replace it with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash for similar texture and flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for both the soup and dumplings.

Can I customize the spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth in flavor.

How do I store leftover dumplings?

Leftover dumplings should be stored in broth or sauce to keep them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings offer a cozy meal that’s perfect for fall evenings. This recipe is not only heartwarming but also versatile; you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to taste. Enjoy making this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!