Can you freeze chicken and dumplings? If you've ever made a large batch of this delicious comforting dinner, you'll probably have wondered whether freezing it was an option.
Today, we'll answer the question for you, as well as taking a look at some tips and advice on how to the best methods when it comes to extending the shelf life of any chicken and dumplings recipe.
So, can you freeze chicken and dumplings?
You'll be glad to know that yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings. The process of freezing homemade chicken and dumplings is fairly simple.
However, there are a few points that you will need to keep in mind when you freeze chicken stew with dumplings. We will go through these throughout this article and will give a point by point run down on freezing chicken and dumplings effectively.
Can you freeze biscuit dumplings?
Absolutely. You can freeze all different types of dumplings, from wanton dumplings to biscuit dumplings.
Can you freeze chicken and dumplings before cooking it?
Yes. In fact, freezing the dish before you cook the chicken and dumpling recipe is a very good way to preserve the taste and texture of the ingredients, as the freezing process has an effect on the quality of the dish, particularly if it has been cooked.
Freezing chicken and dumplings before cooking it involves placing sautéd vegetables, uncooked chicken breasts or chicken thighs, chicken broth, seasoning and any other ingredients in a freezer bag.
If you wish to freeze chicken and dumplings before it is cooked, follow the step by step instructions at the bottom of this article.
Can you freeze it once it's fully cooked?
Yes, you can freeze a chicken dumplings meal once it has been fully cooked. The taste and texture quality won't be the same as if you cooked it from fresh, and there are a few key points you'll need to keep in mind to ensure the best quality (see below).
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How do you store leftover chicken and dumplings?
If you're planning on eating your chicken and dumplings leftovers within a few days, the best way to store them is in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for around three days.
However, if you wish to extend the shelf life of this delicious chicken dish, I recommend freezing it.
Do chicken and dumplings freeze well?
In general, yes. However, much depends on the actual ingredients in your specific chicken dumplings recipe.
For example, creamy chicken stew doesn't freeze as well as a stew without cream or any other dairy product.
How long can you freeze chicken and dumplings?
Normally, you can freeze chicken and dumplings for up to three months. Any longer than that and you'll start to notice a big drop-off in quality, both in terms of taste and texture.
Can you freeze homemade dumplings with chicken?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken dumplings are the best, and can be easily frozen by following the methods below.
How do you defrost chicken and dumplings?
The best way to defrost chicken and dumplings is to transfer the containers from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow everything to defrost slowly overnight.
Never leave frozen goods to thaw at room temperature, as this can cause bacterial growth which could lead to food poisoning when consumed.
How do you reheat chicken stew?
The best way to reheat chicken stew is to use a saucepan on the stove or cooker top. Simply empty the contents of the thawed chicken stew into a saucepan and gently reheat on a medium heat (stirring regularly) until piping hot.
Can dumplings be reheated in stew?
It's best to reheat dumplings separately, to avoid them turning soggy. The best way to reheat dumplings is to use the same method by which they were cooked.
You can steam them in a saucepan, using just a little water to generate heat.
Remember, you only want to reheat the dumplings, not to cook them. Therefore, they should only need to be steamed for a few minutes.
You can also refry them in a saucepan, using just a touch of oil. Again, you'll only need a minute or two.
How do you know when chicken and dumplings have gone bad?
There are a few key signals to look for when deciding whether or not your chicken dumplings recipe has gone off:
Smell
You'll notice a sour, rancid smell when your chicken stew and dumplings has gone off.
Appearance
Gone off chicken stew will take on a slimy, oily looking appearance.
Taste
If it comes down to the taste test, you'll certainly notice whether or not chicken dumplings have gone off. It will take on a sour, unpleasant taste. If you notice this, it is time to throw it away.
Tips on freezing chicken and dumplings
Here's a recap of some of the most important points to keep in mind when freezing chicken and dumplings:
- Freeze the chicken dumpling leftovers as quickly as possible. The longer it has been stored in the fridge, the more the taste and texture will be affected once it has been thawed.
- Squeeze any excess air out of the freezer bags when freezing your chicken and dumplings. This will ensure
- For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat your chicken stew separately from your dumplings. This will prevent your dumplings from going soft and soggy.
- If you want to make a freezer meal kit, you can freeze your chicken and dumplings uncooked. This way, when you're ready to cook everything, it will be a lot quicker and easier. You can freeze the chicken stew and dumpling dough separately, then put everything together when you're ready to cook.
How to use up leftover chicken and dumplings
There are many different ways you can use your leftover chicken and dumplings. Here are just a few ideas:
- Chicken and pea risotto – turn the chicken stew into a delicious risotto! This Italian classic never fails to hit the spot
- Easy chicken curry – chicken curry is such a great way to revive leftovers! With a few select spices, your chicken and dumplings will be totally transformed into a brand new dish
- Spicy one pot chicken and rice – an incredibly easy recipe that can be easily adapted to be made with leftover chicken
📖 Recipe
How to freeze chicken and dumplings
Can you freeze chicken and dumplings? Did you make a batch of this delicious dinner and want to know the best way to freeze leftovers, read on to find out!
Materials
- Plastic wrap
- Freezer bag
- Airtight freezer containers
Instructions
How to freeze chicken AND dumplings before it's cooked
- Sauté the vegetables and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
- Place your sautéd vegetables in a large freezer bag, together with the chicken broth, chicken pieces and seasoning. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly.
- Label the container with the date of freezing and the contents.
- Place the ingredients for the dumpling dough, such as flour, butter and baking powder, in a separate freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly.
- Now you have a freezer meal, with a chicken and dumplings recipe ready to go!
How to freeze COOKED chicken AND dumplings
- Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely to room temperature.
- Next, separate the fresh dumplings from the chicken soup. Place them in a freezer bag, making sure to push out as much air from the bag as possible.
- If your chicken soup has large chicken pieces, remove them from the soup and place them into a separate freezer bag. As before, push out as much air from the bag as possible.
- Transfer the soup or stew into an airtight container and place the lid on. Ensure the container is properly sealed, to avoid spillage and prolong the life span of your chicken and dumplings.
- Label the container with the date of freezing and the contents.
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