Tex-Mex Chicken And Dumplings

Tex-Mex Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful fusion of comforting Southern cuisine and vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. This dish transforms the classic chicken and dumplings into a culinary adventure, combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful broth infused with a hint of spice.

The addition of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños adds a zesty twist, while the creamy base ensures a satisfying and indulgent experience. The cornmeal dumplings are a nod to traditional Southern cooking, providing a unique texture and heartiness to the dish.

Perfect for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends, Tex-Mex Chicken and Dumplings is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Tex-Mex Chicken and Dumplings offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish by infusing it with bold and vibrant flavors. Here’s why this recipe is likely to become a favorite:

Fusion of Flavors: This dish marries the comforting, homey appeal of chicken and dumplings with the lively, spicy notes of Tex-Mex cuisine. The combination of cumin, cayenne, jalapeños, and cilantro adds a zesty and aromatic dimension that elevates the traditional recipe.

Rich and Creamy Broth: The broth is enriched with heavy cream, creating a luscious and velvety texture that complements the tender chicken. The addition of lime juice and Ro-Tel tomatoes adds a refreshing tang and slight heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Unique Cornmeal Dumplings: The dumplings, made with cornmeal, offer a Southern-inspired twist that provides a delightful texture contrast. They are light and fluffy, absorbing the flavors of the broth while adding heartiness to the dish.

Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings makes for a deeply satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or when you’re craving something hearty.

Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the level of spice and add your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients. Whether you like it mild or with an extra kick, you can tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences.

Key Ingredients:

Whole Chicken: Provides a rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy meat that forms the foundation of this comforting dish. Cooking the chicken whole ensures a deeply flavorful broth.

Ro-Tel Tomatoes and Green Chiles: These add a vibrant, tangy flavor with a touch of heat, giving the dish its signature Tex-Mex flair. The tomatoes enhance the broth’s richness while the green chiles provide a subtle kick.

Jalapeños: Seeded and chopped, they contribute additional spice and freshness, balancing the creamy and savory elements of the dish.

Cilantro and Lime Juice: These ingredients introduce a burst of fresh, zesty flavor, brightening the dish and complementing the rich broth and tender chicken.

Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the broth, creating a velvety base that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Cornmeal Dumplings: Made with yellow cornmeal, these dumplings offer a Southern-inspired texture, absorbing the flavorful broth while adding heartiness and a subtle sweetness.

Tex-Mex Chicken And Dumplings

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken

1 medium yellow onion

9 cloves garlic, divided

2 carrots, peeled and cut into quarters

4 celery ribs, cut into quarters

2 bay leaves

1 leafy stem of cilantro

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles such as Ro-Tel

2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

For the cornmeal dumplings:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnishing

Instructions

Rinse and clean the chicken, then place it in a large stockpot. Cover it with water and add the onion, 8 garlic cloves, carrots, celery, bay leaves, cilantro stem, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an hour and a half, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

Remove the chicken from the pot and turn off the heat. Once cooled, separate the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and fat, and shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Strain the cooled broth, discarding the cooked vegetables. Remove the fat from the broth using your preferred method. If you don’t have a gravy separator, try the plastic bag technique: pour some broth into a quart-sized plastic bag, let the fat rise to the top, then snip a corner of the bag to drain the broth, stopping before reaching the fat. Repeat as needed.

Return the broth to the pot and add the shredded chicken and lime juice. In a blender, combine the Ro-Tel tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and remaining garlic clove, then blend until smooth. Pour the puree into the pot, followed by the cream, cumin, and cayenne. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Bring the soup to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare the cornmeal dumplings.

In a bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat the eggs with the buttermilk, then add to the dry ingredients. Stir in the melted butter, diced jalapeños, and cilantro.

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the pot. Do not stir. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 20 minutes.

Serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes:

Choosing the Chicken: Opt for a fresh, high-quality whole chicken for the best flavor. Removing excess fat and skin before cooking can help reduce greasiness in the broth.

Broth Clarity: To ensure a clear broth, regularly skim off any foam that rises to the surface while simmering the chicken. This helps remove impurities and results in a cleaner-tasting broth.

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of jalapeños or omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you enjoy more heat, consider leaving the seeds in the jalapeños or adding a pinch of chili powder.

Cornmeal Dumpling Consistency: When preparing the dumpling batter, ensure it is thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the soup. If it seems too thin, add a bit more cornmeal; if too thick, a splash of buttermilk can help.

Fat Removal Technique: If a gravy separator is unavailable, the plastic bag method is a handy alternative for removing excess fat from the broth. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced and not overly greasy soup.

Garnishing: Fresh cilantro makes an excellent garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can also enhance the Tex-Mex theme.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty bread, which can be used to scoop up the flavorful broth and dumplings.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 400

Protein: 25 grams

Fat: 20 grams

Carbohydrates: 30 50 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the broth after preparing it with vegetables and spices.

You may need to adjust seasoning since rotisserie chicken can be more flavorful or salty.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a hearty meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth.

You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the texture and flavor.

What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

Keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency if it has thickened.

Can I freeze this dish for later use?

Yes, you can freeze Tex-Mex Chicken and Dumplings.

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

It can be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

How do I ensure my dumplings are light and fluffy?

To achieve light and fluffy dumplings, it’s important not to overmix the batter.

Stir the ingredients just until combined, and avoid stirring once the dumplings are dropped into the soup.

Let them steam covered for the full 20 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they cook through properly.

What if I don’t have cornmeal for the dumplings?

If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with additional all-purpose flour, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

To maintain a similar texture, consider adding a tablespoon of corn flour or masa harina if available.

How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

To adjust the spice level, modify the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper.

For a milder dish, use fewer jalapeños and omit the cayenne.

For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe in advance.

Cook and shred the chicken, and make the broth a day ahead, storing them in the refrigerator.

You can also mix the dry ingredients for the dumplings ahead of time, then combine with wet ingredients just before cooking.

What should I do if my broth is too salty?

If your broth is too salty, you can dilute it by adding more water or unsalted chicken broth.

Add it gradually, tasting as you go, until the desired saltiness is achieved.

Adding a peeled potato and simmering for a while can also help absorb some excess salt, though this may slightly alter the flavor.