Make Ahead Chicken And Dumplings With Rotisserie Chicken For Meal Prep
Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food that warms not just the body but the soul. This recipe for Make Ahead Chicken And Dumplings With Rotisserie Chicken For Meal Prep simplifies your weeknight dinners by utilizing a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Not only does this save you time, but it also infuses your dish with rich, savory flavors right from the start. Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to streamline their cooking process.
In this recipe, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions, a list of ingredients, and tips for meal prep to ensure your chicken and dumplings are flavorful and satisfying. So let’s dive in and get cooking!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- While the chicken mixture simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the frozen peas to the chicken mixture, stirring to combine. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the chicken mixture.
- Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- Once cooked, gently stir the chicken and dumplings together to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
How to Meal Prep Chicken And Dumplings
Meal prepping chicken and dumplings is a simple process that allows you to enjoy this comforting dish throughout the week. Here are some tips to effectively meal prep this recipe:
- Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store individual portions. This makes it easy to grab a meal on the go.
- Cooling: Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely before transferring them to storage containers to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the chicken and dumplings. Just be sure to leave out the dumplings if you plan to freeze the soup. They are best made fresh.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the mixture.
Tips for the Best Chicken And Dumplings
To create a truly delicious chicken and dumplings dish, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Quality Chicken: A good rotisserie chicken adds depth of flavor. Choose one that’s freshly made for the best taste.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste, and feel free to add other herbs like parsley or sage.
- Fluffy Dumplings: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling batter; this can lead to tough dumplings. Stir until just combined.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrients and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken from frozen, but it will require additional cooking time to ensure it is fully heated through.
How long can I store chicken and dumplings in the fridge?
Chicken and dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure they are kept in an airtight container.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Now that you have a delicious and easy recipe for Make Ahead Chicken And Dumplings With Rotisserie Chicken For Meal Prep, you can enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week. It’s not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy your meal prep, and happy cooking!
