Making your own chicken and dumplings is the most cozy way to stay warm at night. Not only is it an incredibly flavorful and filling meal, but its also surprisingly easy to do at home! The juicy chicken and fluffy dumplings pair together perfectly, creating a creamy and savory dish thatll forever be a family favorite.
Creamy chicken and dumplings are just one of those meals that everyone loves. The delicate biscuit dumplings, tender vegetables, and succulent chicken pieces make for a yummy and wholesome dish. I use boneless skinless chicken thighs in this easy chicken and dumplings recipe; as a result, the meat is always juicy and cooked to perfection!.
Of course, the dumplings are the real star of the show! Homemade dumplings taste so much better than store-bought ones; you can tell the difference! When preparing the chicken and dumpling soup, I always make up with biscuit batter while the soup simmers. If you want even fluffier cookies, let the dough sit for a few minutes before cooking. Don’t forget to try this tip!
Chicken and dumplings is a delicious comfort food that many of us grew up eating. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. But like any leftovers, chicken and dumplings has a limited shelf life. So how long can you safely store chicken and dumplings before it goes bad?
I’ll walk through everything you need to know about how long chicken and dumplings lasts in the fridge or freezer. I’ll also provide tips to maximize freshness. Let’s dive in!
How Soon Should You Eat Chicken and Dumplings After Making It?
The best chicken and dumplings are made just before you eat them. For the best taste and texture, eat them right away.
Here are some guidelines for consuming fresh chicken and dumplings
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Eat within two hours: For the best taste, eat chicken and dumplings within two hours of cooking them. This ensures the dumplings maintain their perfect tender texture.
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Within 4 hours: Chicken and dumplings holds up well for 4 hours after cooking if kept at a safe temperature. The dumplings may start to get slightly firmer.
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Within 6 hours: You can still safely eat chicken and dumplings left at room temperature for up to 6 hours, although the texture declines after 4 hours.
The sooner you can enjoy chicken and dumplings after making it, the better. But you don’t have to stress if you don’t eat it immediately. Just be aware the dumplings become less soft over time.
How Long Does Chicken and Dumplings Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored in the fridge, chicken and dumplings keeps for 3-4 days.
Here are some tips for maximizing how long chicken and dumplings lasts refrigerated:
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Let it cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t put chicken and dumplings that are still very hot right into the fridge. This can raise the temperature and spoil other foods.
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Store in airtight containers. Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent drying out.
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Don’t overfill containers. This prevents adequate cooling.
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Use shallow containers. Shallow storage allows faster chilling in the fridge.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Get leftovers into the fridge within this window to maximize freshness.
Follow these tips and homemade chicken and dumplings keeps for a good 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The dumplings may soften slightly over time.
How Can You Tell if Refrigerated Chicken and Dumplings Has Gone Bad?
Although chicken and dumplings keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated, eventually it will show signs of spoilage. Here’s how to know if refrigerated chicken and dumplings has gone bad:
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Slimy texture. A slippery, slimy feel indicates bacterial growth.
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Strange odor. If it smells unpleasant or funky, don’t eat it. Fresh chicken and dumplings has a savory aroma.
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Mold growth. Dry fuzzy spots or color changes signal spoilage. Don’t rely on skimming it off. Discard moldy chicken and dumplings.
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Changes in color. Gravy may darken and dumplings look dry if chicken and dumplings is past its prime.
When inspecting the leftovers, if anything seems off from freshly made chicken and dumplings, it’s safest to toss it. Don’t risk eating spoiled chicken and dumplings.
How Long Does Chicken and Dumplings Last in the Freezer?
The freezer keeps chicken and dumplings safe almost indefinitely. However, the taste and texture deteriorates over time.
Here are some freezer guidelines for best quality:
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2-3 months: Excellent quality if frozen within 2 days of cooking.
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4 months: Still tastes good. Dumplings get slightly mushy.
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6 months: Noticeable decline in texture, although still edible.
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12 months: Chicken and dumplings will become dry, freezer burnt, and less appetizing. Flavor dulls.
For optimal freshness and taste, try to eat frozen chicken and dumplings within 4 months. Properly seal containers to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw chicken and dumplings in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add a bit of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore moisture if needed.
Safety Tips for Enjoying Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is highly perishable. Follow these safety guidelines:
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Discard chicken and dumplings left out over 6 hours. Don’t risk eating it if it’s been unrefrigerated for longer.
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When reheating, heat it thoroughly until piping hot, at least 165°F. This kills any bacteria.
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Don’t save chicken and dumplings again after reheating leftovers. Only reheat it once.
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Check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. If in doubt, throw it out!
Adhering to food safety recommendations helps prevent foodborne illness from chicken and dumplings. Take care storing and reheating any leftovers.
Chicken and dumplings can be enjoyed freshly cooked for up to 6 hours. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. For longer freezer storage, eat frozen chicken and dumplings within 4 months.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- One pot meal. With this simple chicken and dumplings recipe, you only have to wash one pot, which is great because it means less dishes to clean up!
- Minimal hands-on time. It takes a long time to cook, but you don’t have to do much to make creamy chicken and dumplings. It takes the most time to wait for the soup and dumplings to cook.
- Loaded with flavor. Making chicken and dumplings at home is also great because it tastes great and doesn’t take much work. The chicken stock and vegetables are used to make the broth. Sage, thyme, and garlic are added for a herb-y flavor.
Ingredients For Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Thyme
- Sage
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Flour
- White wine (if using)
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Cream
- Frozen peas
- Parsley
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Chicken N’ Dumplings My Great Granny Style Old School Chicken And Dumplings | Roll Out Dumplings
FAQ
How long will chicken and dumplings keep in the fridge?
How long will easy chicken and dumplings keep? Your leftovers will be good for four or five days after you put them into the refrigerator.
Can I eat chicken 5 days after cooking?
No, it is generally not safe to eat chicken that has been cooked and stored in the refrigerator for 5 days. The USDA recommends that cooked chicken be consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Can I eat 5 day old dumplings?
Knowing how long they can last is key to keeping them fresh and safe to eat. Typically, dumplings can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
How many days can you eat chicken and dumplings?
Let chicken and dumplings cool completely before packing away for storage. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to five days. Feb 7, 2025.