Thicken Up Your Chicken and Dumplings Like a Pro - Go Cook Yummy (2024)

If you’re a fan of chicken and dumplings, you know that the perfect bowl is thick and hearty, with dumplings that are tender and flavorful. However, getting that perfect consistency can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re new to making this classic comfort food. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can use to thicken chicken and dumplings to just the right consistency.

One of the most effective ways to thicken chicken and dumplings is to use a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and soups. Another option is to add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the broth, which will help thicken it up without adding any additional flavor.

And if you want to add some extra richness to your dish, you can also stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.

Why Chicken and Dumplings May Need Thickening

Hey y’all! So you’ve got your chicken and dumplings simmering away on the stove, but something just isn’t right. Maybe the broth is too thin, or the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need to thicken up your chicken and dumplings to get that perfect, hearty consistency.

One reason your chicken and dumplings may need thickening is that the dumplings themselves can absorb a lot of liquid as they cook. This can leave your broth thin and watery, and your dumplings bloated and soggy.

Thickening the broth can help balance out the texture of the dish and give it that comforting, stick-to-your-ribs feel. Another reason your chicken and dumplings may need thickening is that you’ve added too much liquid, to begin with.

This can happen if you’re using a recipe that doesn’t specify exact measurements, or if you’ve accidentally added too much water or broth. Thickening the liquid can help bring the dish back to the right consistency and prevent it from tasting diluted.

Finally, some people just prefer a thicker, heartier chicken and dumplings. If you’re one of those people, don’t be afraid to thicken up your broth to your liking. After all, cooking is all about making the dish your own and tailoring it to your personal tastes.

So there you have it! Whether your dumplings are bloated, your broth is thin, or you just like a heartier dish, thickening up your chicken and dumplings is a simple and effective way to elevate this classic comfort food.

Common Thickening Agents for Chicken and Dumplings

Are you tired of watery chicken and dumplings? Fear not, my friend! There are several common thickening agents that can help you achieve that perfect, hearty consistency.

First up, we have flour. This classic thickener is easy to find and use. Simply mix a few tablespoons of flour with some cold water until it forms a smooth paste, then whisk it into your chicken and dumplings. Be sure to cook for a few minutes to allow the flour to fully thicken.

Cornstarch is another popular thickener. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then add it to your chicken and dumplings. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely. Be careful not to use too much cornstarch, as it can make your dish gloopy and unpleasant.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder is a great choice. Mix a tablespoon of arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of cold water, then add it to your chicken and dumplings. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Finally, we have the magical power of heavy cream. Adding a splash of heavy cream to your chicken and dumplings can give it a rich, velvety texture. Be sure to add it at the end of cooking, as it can curdle if it’s heated for too long.

Experiment with these common thickening agents to find the perfect consistency for your chicken and dumplings. Your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you!

How to Thicken with Flour

So, you’ve made a delicious pot of chicken and dumplings, but it’s a bit too watery for your liking. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Thickening chicken and dumplings is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

The easiest way to thicken chicken and dumplings is with flour. Here’s how:

1. Take about 1/4 cup of flour and mix it with 1/2 cup of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.
2. Slowly pour the flour mixture into the pot of chicken and dumplings, stirring constantly.
3. Let the chicken and dumplings simmer for a few minutes to allow the flour to thicken the broth.
4. If the mixture is still too thin, repeat the process with another 1/4 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of cold water.

It’s important to note that the flour mixture should always be added slowly and stirred constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do end up with lumps, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove them.

Thickening chicken and dumplings with flour is a simple and effective way to achieve the perfect consistency. Give it a try and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!

How to Thicken with Cornstarch

Are you tired of chicken and dumplings that are too thin and soupy? Fear not, my friend! I have the perfect solution for you: cornstarch! Thickening chicken and dumplings with cornstarch is easy, quick, and foolproof.

Here’s how to do it:

First, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps.

Next, remove the chicken and dumplings from the pot and set them aside. Pour the remaining liquid into a separate bowl or measuring cup. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir well. Return the liquid to the pot and stir again.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.

Finally, add the chicken and dumplings back to the pot and stir gently to combine. Serve hot and enjoy your thick and delicious chicken and dumplings!

See, it’s that easy! No more watery chicken and dumplings for you. Give this cornstarch trick a try and you’ll never look back.

How to Thicken with Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder – a gluten-free and paleo-friendly alternative to traditional thickening agents like flour and cornstarch. It is made from the root of the arrowroot plant, and it’s been used in cooking for centuries. Not only is it a great thickener, but it also has a neutral flavor and doesn’t break down when exposed to high temperatures.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Start by removing your cooked chicken and dumplings from the pot, and set them aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with an equal amount of cold water.
3. Slowly pour the arrowroot mixture into the pot of chicken and dumplings, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
4. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Add your chicken and dumplings back to the pot, and stir to combine.

And that’s it – a quick and easy way to thicken your chicken and dumplings with arrowroot powder. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

How to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings With Heavy Cream

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to thicken your chicken and dumplings with heavy cream:

1. Start by removing your cooked chicken and dumplings from the pot, and set them aside.
2. Pour 1-2 cups of heavy cream into the pot, depending on how thick you want your broth to be.
3. Stir the heavy cream into the broth, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
4. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Add your chicken and dumplings back to the pot, and stir to combine.

And that’s it – a quick and easy way to thicken your chicken and dumplings with heavy cream. Keep in mind that heavy cream can add a rich flavor to your broth, so adjust the amount to your liking.

Also, be careful not to let the heavy cream boil for too long, as it can curdle and separate.

Bottom Line

Well, there you have it – four easy and delicious ways to thicken up your chicken and dumplings like a pro. Whether you prefer a gluten-free option like arrowroot powder, a rich and creamy addition like heavy cream, or if you want to go with the classic variant and use starch or flour, these methods will help you achieve the perfect broth every time.

Remember to start with a small amount of thickener and add more as needed, and be patient as you let the broth simmer to thicken. And don’t forget to taste as you go to make sure you’re happy with the flavor.