Chicken and dumplings are an easy, cozy meal to have alone or for a gathering. Having leftovers is a bittersweet moment; you have more to enjoy later but it may not be the same as they originally were.
Especially with something like dumplings, the texture can be delicate and you want to make sure they aren’t overcooked. Well, there are a few tips on reheating chicken and dumplings to ensure that they can be almost, if not as fresh as they originally were.
When you have dumplings in the fridge, eating them directly after taking them out isn’t too appetizing. They can be far too chewy straight out of the fridge. Dumplings can be cooked in a variety of ways; whether it be deep-fried, boiled, or steamed.
When you are reheating dumplings, it can be challenging because you don’t want to overheat the outside but you still want the inside to be thoroughly heated. When reheating them, it’s best to use the same method that was used to cook them in the first place.
One more factor to consider is the thickness of the dumpling’s wrapper. The more thin the wrapper is, the more delicate it is. Meaning you will have to be careful with reheating so that your dumpling doesn’t fall apart or become soggy.
Cooked chicken can become hazardous if it has sat out for too long. After two hours of chicken sitting out, it should be thrown away. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing to eat cold chicken and dumplings, unless they’re cold because they have been sitting on the counter all day.
As a rule of thumb for any perishable food, including chicken and dumplings, two hours is the absolute longest that they should sit out.
Can You Reheat Chicken and Dumplings?
The good news is that chicken and dumplings can safely be reheated. As mentioned, it’s best to reheat them using the same appliance you used to make them originally. One exception to this is if you boiled them. If you boiled your dumplings originally, pan frying or deep-frying should be how you reheat them.
Grill
Using a grill to reheat chicken and dumplings is not the most optimal choice, but it can be done. To do so, first make sure you have a non-stick container. Then, heat for about two minutes. This should be enough time to thoroughly cook the dumplings without overcooking them.
Air Fryer
Air fryers were made for solid foods, and are high-end appliances. Because of this, reheating chicken and dumplings in an air fryer can cause it to short circuit. It’s best to choose another method of reheating your dumplings as a safety precaution.
Oven
Using an oven is an easy and fast way to reheat your chicken and dumplings. It’s perfect for if you want your dumplings to be crispy but not too oily. First, you will need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dumplings onto the sheet.
Preheat the oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the dumplings for five minutes. This should be just long enough to get them crispy and heated without overheating them.
Toaster Oven
When reheating chicken and dumplings in a toaster oven, you’ll first need to cook them for about two to three minutes. Then, add your mixture of chicken and dumplings to a deep container and heat that for another five minutes or so.
This will give it just enough warmth to be enjoyed. A tip for using a toaster oven to reheat dumplings is changing the broiler setting. This can give you even better outcomes.
Stovetop
Reheating dumplings on the stove is another viable method. To start, first you’ll want a splash of water; just enough to get the pan to start steaming. This will get the dumplings warm, and once they start getting heated, then you’ll add some oil.
One thing to note is that it’s not ideal to pan-fry dumplings that have very thin wrappers. When the wrappers are delicate, they are more likely to fall apart in the reheating process. So, make sure your dumplings were made with a somewhat thick wrapper before you try to pan-fry them to reheat them.
Microwave
Using a microwave to reheat chicken and dumplings is by far the most accessible way. Microwaves are convenient and easy, and can be used to reheat almost anything. Chicken and dumplings are no exception to this.
When using a microwave, first you will need a deep container. Place the chicken and dumplings into said container and heat for around two to three minutes. Repeat if necessary, but be sure not to overheat them as they can become soggy.
How Do You Reheat Leftover Chicken and Dumplings?
There are many ways to reheat leftover chicken and dumplings. The best way to do so is by using the same method that was used to cook them originally. For example, if you made them in a pan on the stove, that’s how they should be reheated.
But, if you don’t know how they were cooked originally, or don’t have access to the same tools; a microwave is a pretty universal way to reheat chicken and dumplings. Put them in a deep container and cook for about three minutes, and you should be good to go.
Chicken and dumplings are a versatile dish that can be eaten formally or informally. They can even be eaten on their own, if you choose. If you’re looking for ideas on appetizers to eat with your chicken and dumplings, there are many options.
For veggie sides for chicken and dumplings, you could try green beans, brussels sprouts, salad, steamed veggies, or fried okra. They can also be delicious with a nice fruit salad or cornbread. For dessert, try chocolate mousse, corn pudding, or banana pudding.
Related Questions
Can you add vegetables to chicken & dumplings?
Vegetables can indeed be added to chicken and dumplings. For either filling the dumplings or eating as a side dish, green veggies are your best bet to complement the flavor of the chicken and dumplings. This could include broccoli, green beans, brussels sprouts, and more.
How long are chicken and dumplings good for in the fridge?
In the fridge, chicken and dumplings will last for up to five days. It’s important that you store them in an airtight container, if you don’t do so they won’t last for nearly that long. When stored properly, their shelf life in the fridge is around five days.
How do you know when dumplings are done in chicken and dumplings?
When dumplings are cooked, they will become plump and will float on the surface of water if they are boiled. To check if they were thoroughly cooked, put a toothpick or skewer through a dumpling. If the skewer comes out without any residue, you’ll know the dumplings are done.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and dumplings are a delicious and easy meal. Sometimes we make more than we can eat at once, though. The good news is that they can be easily reheated, and any method of reheating them doesn’t take more than a few minutes.
