Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings vs. Homemade: A Comfort Food Comparison
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, known for its hearty, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings. Stouffer's offers a convenient frozen version, but how does it compare to a homemade variant? In this blog post, we'll explore the taste, texture, nutritional value, and cost of each option. Plus, I'll provide a delicious homemade recipe for you to try.
Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings: The Ready-Made Choice
Taste and Texture: Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings features tender chicken pieces in a creamy sauce with carrots, celery, and fluffy dumplings. The flavor is savory and satisfying, with the chicken being tender and the vegetables adding a nice texture contrast. However, some might find the sauce a bit too salty and the dumplings slightly dense.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 260
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 12g
Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings is relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, which can be a concern for those watching their salt and fat intake. The calorie count is moderate, and the protein content is decent for a meal of this type.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings: The Fresh Alternative
Homemade Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken Stew:
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pot and add chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pot and cook until the stew thickens, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Dumplings:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Add buttermilk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cook the Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve:
Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 22g
The homemade version provides a more balanced nutritional profile with lower sodium and higher protein. The use of fresh ingredients ensures a healthier overall meal.
The Verdict
Taste and Texture: Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings offers a convenient and tasty option, but the homemade version excels with its fresh ingredients and customizable flavors. The homemade stew provides a richer, more satisfying texture and flavor profile.
Nutritional Value: While the homemade version is slightly higher in calories and fat, it offers a more balanced nutritional profile with lower sodium and higher protein. The use of fresh ingredients also ensures a healthier overall meal.
Cost: Stouffer's offers convenience at a reasonable price, but making a homemade version can be more economical, especially when cooking for multiple people. Plus, you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used.
Convenience: Stouffer's wins for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave or oven. The homemade version takes more time and effort but rewards with superior taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.
In conclusion, if you're in a rush, Stouffer's Chicken and Dumplings is a decent choice. However, if you have some extra time to spare, the homemade variant offers a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Try the recipe above and experience the difference for yourself!
