Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
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Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a Jamaican flare through our Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings recipe! Think tender, succulent chicken breasts infused with warming jerk seasoning, mingling with onion, carrots, and bell peppers, all topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. This meal brings all the homey, cozy aromas that fill the house--- promising a flavor explosion in JUST one pot! Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes and hello to comfort food bliss! Gluten-free + Less spicy option.
What Makes This One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings So Special?
Years ago, if you'd told me I'd be whipping up one-pot meals, I would have called you a liar. It's not that I had anything against them; they just weren't my cup of tea. Yet, tastes evolve throughout time, just as everything else does. So I made a couple of one-pot dinners like my One-Pot Creamy Lobster Orzo and One-Pot Chickpea White Beans + One Pot Creamy Vegan Tuscan Kale Pasta and got really hooked on the idea because less dishes make for a happier household, right? Haha
Chicken + dumplings are a classic Southern dish. It usually consists of juicy, delicious pulled chicken in a thick gravy topped with tender drop dumplings. It's truly comfort food in a bowl. I decided to turn this classic and crowd-pleasing recipe up a notch with a spicy homemade jerk seasoning twist---- because why not?
My version of Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings has a bit of a kick from scotch bonnet peppers and jerk seasoning. Plus, I added tons of flavor to the buttery biscuits with dried herbs and a pinch of smoked paprika. The result is a totally unique dish that you and your family will love. As a bonus: it's a one-pot meal! Read--- very little clean-up. This recipe is truly a win-win that you are going to love adding to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Jump to:
- What Makes This One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings So Special?
- Why You Will LOVE This Jerk Chicken Recipe
- How to Make One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
- Jerk Chicken Stew Ingredients
- What is Jerk Seasoning?
- Storing Homemade Jerk Seasoning
- What Else is Jerk Seasoning Used For?
- Jerk Seasoning Health Benefits
- Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings Q + A's
- More Comforting Chicken Dinner Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
Why You Will LOVE This Jerk Chicken Recipe
- It's a flavor explosion-- Smoky, herby, spicy, and downright addictive!
- Tender melt-in-your-mouth chicken
- A great addition to weeknight meals + laidback weekend dinners.
- Perfect for meal prepping!
- Super customizable + protein-packed!
- Did I mention, it’s just delicious? Both kids + adults approve!
How to Make One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
If this is your first time making One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings at home, you're in for a treat! This comforting dish is easier to make than you might think. Here's what you need to know to pull it off:
Jerk Chicken Stew Ingredients
For the chicken stew, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts. Choose boneless-skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook up and stay totally moist in the flavorful cooking liquid. (To make the chicken, follow my Shredded Chicken Recipe using jerk seasoning instead)
- Red pepper flakes. These add just a bit of spice and a pop of color to the stew.
- Jerk seasoning. You can use store-bought jerk seasoning or see my homemade version below.
- Extra-virgin olive oil. I recommend the organic oil from Primal Kitchen.
- Garlic. Three cloves of garlic really enhance the flavor of the chicken stew.
- Red onion. You can substitute red onion with another variety of onions if that's what you have on hand.
- Carrots. Peel them first to remove any bitter flavor from the skin.
- Red bell pepper. Red is the sweetest bell pepper variety, but you can use orange or yellow if you prefer.
- Scotch bonnet peppers. Use less or omit the pepper altogether if you're sensitive to spice. This pepper is spicier than jalapeño but not as hot as Thai chili peppers.
- Chicken stock. Use low sodium to control the saltiness of your stew.
- Coconut milk or cream. If you use coconut milk, use full-fat for the most flavor and body.
Herb Dumpling Ingredients
To make the easy herbed dumplings to top your jerk chicken stew, you'll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour. I recommend organic flour from Bob's Red Mill.
- Baking powder. Check that yours is still fresh so your dumpings rise nicely.
- Dried thyme, parsley + oregano. These enhance the dumplings with a delicious herby flavor and speckled appearance.
- Smoked paprika. Just a pinch adds smokiness to the dumplings that nicely complement the jerk flavor in the chicken stew.
- Almond milk + lemon juice. This is how you make tangy dairy-free buttermilk. You can use regular buttermilk if you're not dairy-free.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS ONE-POT WONDER!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite recipes, especially with this Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings recipe! Everything from my fave pot, wooden spoons, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What is Jerk Seasoning?
Jerk seasoning is a flavorful spice blend from Jamaica. It has a uniquely complex flavor profile that's a bit nutty, a bit spicy + full of rich umami flavors, which makes it especially tasty in this chicken and dumpling recipe.
Jerk seasoning is traditionally used as a dry rub on chicken (definitely try my Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings if you haven't already) but I love spicing up all sorts of dishes with jerk flavor---- If you love it as much as I do, be sure to try my Jerk Salmon Tacos + Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce and Crispy Baked Jerk Potato Wedges next.
You can buy store-bought jerk seasoning for your chicken and dumplings, or you can make your own.
Homemade Jerk Seasoning
To blend up your own jerk seasoning for this stew, simply combine:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tsps cayenne pepper
- 2 tsps salt + black pepper
- 2 tsps dried thyme
- 2 tsps brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground clove
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
TO MAKE THE SEASONING BLEND:
- In a bowl, mix together everything until combined.
- Store the seasoning blend in a tightly sealed mason jar or seasoning jar at room temperature.
For a more in-depth recipe for jerk seasoning along with more tips and ways to use it check out my homemade jerk seasoning rub recipe!
Storing Homemade Jerk Seasoning
Made a big batch for next time? Store the jerk seasoning in mason jars (or another airtight container) in a cool, dark place in the pantry to keep it fresh. This protects the spices from the sun, which would otherwise heat the jar and dilute the contents. Seasoning like this can be stored for up to three months without losing its flavor.
You can tell whether your spices are going bad by looking at their color. A loss of color intensity in your blend is a telltale sign that it's gone bad, and if that fails, give it the tried and tested 'sniff test'.
What Else is Jerk Seasoning Used For?
Jerk Seasoning is traditionally used to amp up the flavors of meats like chicken, pork, and seafood, it's also an incredible flavor booster for just about anything you can think of! Here are some creative and fun ways I've used it:
- Meats: Of course, it's perfect for marinating and seasoning meats like chicken-- hello Jerk Whole Roast Chicken, pork, and seafood like this Jerk Salmon Avocado Toast for that authentic jerk flavor.
- Pasta dishes – I love jerk-infused pastas like Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta or even my personal fav Jerk Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Burgers. Enjoy burger nights by incorporating jerk seasoning for an exciting twist, try my Jerk Turkey Burgers, and add in some candied bacon for extra flavor!
- Vegetables: I love sprinkling it on roasted or grilled veggies for that spicy, aromatic zing.
- Tofu or Tempeh: It's a game-changer as a marinade for tofu or tempeh, giving plant-based dishes a Caribbean twist.
- Rice + Grains: Elevate your grains, from rice to quinoa, by seasoning them with jerk seasoning. It adds a burst of Caribbean-inspired deliciousness.
- Pizza + Tacos: Get creative with your pizza and taco nights by incorporating jerk seasoning for an exciting twist. The bold flavors are perfect for both! Try these Jerk Salmon Tacos
Jerk Seasoning Health Benefits
Jerk seasoning brings more than just flavor—it might offer some health perks too:
Antioxidants galore---- Ingredients like thyme, allspice, and peppers in jerk seasoning pack antioxidants, fighting off harmful compounds in your body.
Boosts your metabolism---- Cayenne pepper and allspice in jerk seasoning give your metabolism a little boost!
Soothes inflammation---- Some components like thyme, garlic, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation.
Vitamin + mineral boost---- Herbs and spices in jerk seasoning are high in vitamins that keep skin, nails, and hair healthy and strong!
Aids digestion----Garlic and ginger might aid digestion and keep your gut in check
Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings Q + A's
Store leftover jerk chicken and dumplings in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
You can make gluten-free dumplings for your jerk chicken stew by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
You sure can! That's the beauty of homemade—it's all about customization. If you're a heat seeker, crank up the cayenne. If you prefer milder, go easy on it. It's your jerk, your rules!
It is not necessary to refrigerate the seasoning as long as it is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
You sure can! To freeze, keep the stew in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before reheating on the stovetop to serve.
The key is to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
More Comforting Chicken Dinner Recipes
Finally, if you love this One-pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings recipe, try these other hearty dishes next:
- Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup
- Skillet Maple Rosemary Chicken + Potatoes
- Best Homemade Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza
- BBQ Loaded Chicken Taco Fries
- Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken
- Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
- Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Spicy One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
SOUP:
- 2 cups shredded jerk chicken (To make this, follow my Shredded Chicken Recipe using jerk seasoning instead)
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled + chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (You can use any color)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or whole (You can also use habanero pepper)
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 4 cups organic chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
DUMPLINGS:
- 1 ½ cups organic all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk (For a dairy-free option: use Almond milk + 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SOUP:
- In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium high-heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet pepper, stirring and sautéing until slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and jerk seasoning, stirring until combined.
- Add in the chicken stock, stirring frequently to avoid lumping until thickened. Add in the heavy cream, thyme sprigs, and shredded chicken (made with jerk seasoning), stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer.
MAKE THE DUMPLINGS:
- In a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder, mixing everything together. Add the buttermilk slowly, stirring until dough is moistened enough to "stick together".
- Scoop about 1-2 Tbsps of dumpling dough using a large ice cream scoop (or regular spoon), dropping each one into soup. Repeat until all dumplings are made and added.
- Continue to simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally) or until dumplings have swollen and cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Remove from heat, discard thyme leaves, and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s), top with a side of bread or salad, if desired.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
- SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this soup GF-friendly, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free version and ensure that other ingredients are GF-friendly and you use GF bread on the side, if using.
Nutrition
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LET US KNOW!
When do you add the shredded chicken into the dish?
Hi carrie! So sorry that I missed this! You add is in with the broth and coconut milk! 🙂
When do you add the chicken back in with the soup? With the veggies? Sounds yummy.
Hi Lindsay! So sorry that I missed this! You add is in with the broth and coconut milk! 🙂
Yum! I just love how homey and comforting this recipe is. The dumplings are so full of herbs that you won't ever have a boring bite!
I am drooling over this. It looks just incredible and is totally the kind of dish I could see eating all the time. Love the jerk flavors!
Dumplings and jerk seasoning.... this is proper comfort food, right up my street! Delicious.
My family loves spicy food so I'm sure they'll love this! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I am coming to your place and am going to bring my spoon! This looks fantastic. Those chicken dumplings sound amazing and I am hungry reading this. Yum, great work.