Simple And Delicious – Chicken ‘N’ Dumplings

Fall is here! The leaves are changing colors, the temperature is starting to drop, and, if you’re like me, your belly is starting to change its cravings from refreshing summer foods, to filling comfort foods. Move over fruit salad, this lady is ready for some hearty meals! Let me tell you about one of my family’s favorite go-to simple, quick, and delicious dinners – Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings! 

My Meal Checklist

My husband and I have four children, all boys, and I am constantly amazed at how much food these kids can chow down. Since we have a bigger family I am always trying to make larger meals that can keep up with the requests for seconds, sometimes thirds, without breaking the bank. Also, kids (and adults) have likes and dislikes for certain foods, so trying to make a dish that accommodates them all can be challenging too. Lastly, I’m not a confident cook so my motto when it comes to cooking is “the easier, the better”. I focus on the number of ingredients (mainly) and the number of steps to make each meal. This meal checks all the boxes as the most cost efficient, number of servings (usually enough for leftovers!), accommodates everyone’s taste buds, only has a handful of ingredients and six easy steps! 

Winner, Winner, Chicken (‘N’ Dumplings) Dinner !!!

$20 Meal for a Family of Six with Leftovers After!

Below I’ve priced out what each ingredient would cost you if you went to shopping for these items at Meijer and the total (before tax) comes to just under $16 ! I know some of these ingredients can be found at Aldi to save you even more pennies or perhaps you already have some of these ingredients tucked away somewhere in your pantry or fridge! You could also make your own chicken broth made from the bones of the rotisserie chicken (as suggested to me by my knowledgeable and lovely friend, Jamma) – it looks easy. If I’m saying that then it can’t be too hard! This cost efficient meal makes eight servings, but for my large family, it satisfies us for seconds and then has enough for leftovers to enjoy the next day!

• Rotisserie Chicken – $5.99
• 14 oz. can country-style chicken gravy – $1.99
• 10 oz. can chicken gravy – $1.29
• 10 oz. bag of frozen veggies – $1.29
• 1 can of refrigerated biscuits – $1.19
• Chicken broth – $1.00
• Onion – $1.19
• Poultry seasoning or Thyme – $1.99

Easy Peasy – Eight Ingredients & Six Simple Steps

I remember, as a little girl, watching my grandmother open her pantry and fridge, taking in all the ingredients she had on hand and then whipping up a delicious meal. She didn’t use a recipe but her knowledge alone of what would taste good together. Lets just say I did not inherit that talent! Honestly, I get a bit overwhelmed if a recipe includes too many ingredients or steps but thankfully this recipe is simple. Just take it from the title of the book it’s from, A Man, A Can, A Plan!

Here are the eight ingredients needed:

• A small (about 1 ½ lb) rotisserie chicken
• 14 oz. can country – style cream gravy
• 10 oz. can chicken gravy
• Can of refrigerated biscuits
• 10 oz. box frozen peas and carrots (or any veggies you favor)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning or thyme

(Not all of the ingredients listed above make an appearance in my family’s Chicken ‘N’ Dumplings to accommodate the different likes and dislikes of certain foods)

Let’s get down business:

 Step 1: Use your fingers to shred the chicken

            Make sure to put the chicken bones and the skin off to the side to dispose of or make bone broth later. (I fed the chicken skin to some stray cats near my home.)

Step 2: Mix the chicken with all of the other ingredients – except the biscuits– in a large saucepan.

Step 3: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Cut the biscuits in half and roll between your palms to shape into balls. 

Step 5: Drop those soon-to-be delicious dumplings into the pot, sink them into the stew as much as possible because those babies are going to EXPAND!

Step 6: Cover and simmer for 15 more minutes.

There you have it, everything you need to make this tasty dish yourself! Now you have the perfect chilly fall/winter hearty meal to warm you from the inside out! I hope you decide to try this recipe. Whether you follow the instructions to a T or switch it up to add what you feel would enrich it, please I hope you share it with us!

Cheers to colder weather, warmer meals, and happy bellies!

Your friend,

Melissa

Fall leaves stock photo, check list photo, and approved stamp photo all from pixabay.com