Camp Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Camp Chicken and Dumplings is a great recipe for Scouts to learn. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for camping. This meal warms everyone up and gives them energy for outdoor adventures. It’s easy to prepare and fun to cook as a group.

Cooking chicken and dumplings together teaches teamwork. Scouts can take turns measuring, chopping, and stirring. It shows them how to follow directions and work toward a shared goal. Everyone has a role, and the reward is a delicious meal.

This recipe also helps Scouts build confidence. They learn basic cooking skills like making dumplings and simmering broth. These are skills they can use later in life. Making a homemade meal at camp gives a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, chicken and dumplings is a comfort food that brings people together. Sitting around the fire with a warm bowl creates great memories. It’s a meal that reminds Scouts of home while they enjoy the outdoors.

Camp Chicken and Dumplings fits perfectly with Scouting. It encourages youth to practice outdoor cooking. Scouts learn how to use equipment like Dutch ovens and cook pots safely. They also practice cooking over a fire or camp stove. These are important skills for camping and outdoor adventures.

This recipe also ties into Scouting’s goal of developing leadership and teamwork. Preparing the meal is a group effort. Some Scouts might chop vegetables while others measure ingredients or stir the pot. Working together helps them learn how to communicate and support one another.

Cooking chicken and dumplings at camp also teaches problem-solving. Scouts may need to adjust the fire or adapt the recipe if something doesn’t go as planned. These challenges help them grow and build resilience.

Finally, sharing a meal like this strengthens the Scout community. Sitting together after a day of activities helps Scouts bond. Chicken and dumplings bring comfort and a sense of home to the campsite.

Camp Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Equipment and Materials

• Ziploc bags (2)
• Stove or charcoal fire
• Cook pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Spoon for stirring
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for mixing

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cans chicken broth (about 6 cups)
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 carrots, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken (thigh meat works well)
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

Before Camp Setup

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a Ziploc bag.
2. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Put them in another Ziploc bag.
3. Pack the dry ingredients, chopped vegetables, and other ingredients to bring to camp.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your fire or stove for cooking.
2. Pour the chicken broth into the cook pot.
3. Add the chopped vegetables, chicken, parsley, and pepper to the broth.
4. Place the pot on the fire or stove. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to cook the vegetables and let the flavors mix.
6. While the broth is simmering, pour the dry ingredients from the Ziploc bag into a mixing bowl.
7. Add the milk and oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a stiff dough forms.
8. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering broth. Do not stir after adding the dough.
9. Cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
10. Serve hot. Add extra salt and pepper if needed.

Notes and Variations

• Safety Tip: Keep an eye on the fire or stove at all times. Always supervise younger Scouts while cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Add More Flavor: Try adding garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary to the broth.
• Cooking Tip: If the fire gets too hot, the dumplings may burn. Adjust the heat as needed.

Click here for a printable copy of the Camp Chicken and Dumplings recipe

Chicken and Stuffing for Cozy Camp Meals

Camp Chicken and Stuffing is another hearty, one-pot dish perfect for chilly camping nights. This easy recipe combines diced cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, celery, and stuffing mix, all cooked in a Dutch oven.

Start by sautéing celery in butter, then add chicken, soup, and water. Prepare stuffing mix with broth, spread it over the chicken mixture, and cook with charcoal briquettes. The Dutch oven does the work, creating a bubbly, flavorful meal in just 20 minutes. Stir everything together before serving for a comforting, satisfying dinner that’s simple to make and perfect for outdoor adventures.

Explore Tasty Ideas for Camping Recipes

Looking for easy and delicious meals to make on your next campout? Check out my Camping Recipes page. It’s full of ideas for campfire cooking, Dutch oven dishes, and simple one-pot meals. These recipes are great for Scouts and anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. From hearty dinners to tasty desserts, there’s something for every appetite.

The recipes are easy to follow and perfect for building confidence in outdoor skills. Visit the page to find new ideas and make your camping meals even more fun and memorable.

Master Dutch Oven Cooking on Your Next Campout

Dutch ovens are perfect for making hearty meals at camp. Visit my Dutch Oven Cooking page to find recipes and tips for outdoor cooking. Learn how to make main dishes, sides, and desserts all in one pot. This resource helps Scouts build cooking skills and enjoy delicious food on their adventures.

Whether you’re preparing a savory stew or a sweet cobbler, Dutch ovens are versatile and easy to use. Explore the page for simple, flavorful recipes that will make your next camping trip even better.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make Camp Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?

You can prepare parts of it ahead of time. Mix the dry ingredients for the dumplings and store them in a Ziploc bag. Chop the vegetables and keep them in another bag. At camp, you just need to combine everything and cook.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Cooked, chopped chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy and flavorful. You can also use chicken breast or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Can I use a campfire instead of a stove?

Yes, you can cook Camp Chicken and Dumplings over a campfire. Use a Dutch oven and keep the fire at a steady, low heat to prevent burning.

How do I keep the dumplings from sticking to the pot?

Drop the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth gently. Do not stir after adding the dough. Keep the lid on to let them cook evenly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are ready when they are fluffy and cooked through. This usually takes about 20 minutes of simmering with the lid on.

What can I do if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can use any large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Just make sure it’s safe to use over your heat source.

Is Camp Chicken and Dumplings a good recipe for beginners?

Yes, it’s perfect for beginners. The steps are simple, and it’s hard to mess up. It also teaches basic cooking skills like measuring, chopping, and simmering.

Camp Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty meal that is perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s a warm and filling recipe that Scouts will enjoy on a cool evening. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare, even at camp. It’s a great way to teach Scouts basic cooking skills and teamwork.

This recipe uses fluffy biscuit-style dumplings that are cooked right in the broth. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and flavorful herbs makes it comforting and delicious. Scouts will learn to chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and simmer food. These are useful skills they can carry with them for future camping trips and everyday life.

Preparing this recipe encourages problem-solving and leadership. Scouts must work together to set up the cooking station, manage the fire or stove, and follow the recipe. It’s a team effort that ends with a meal everyone can be proud of.

Chicken and dumplings bring everyone together. Sharing a homemade meal around the fire creates lasting memories. This simple, wholesome dish shows Scouts that cooking at camp can be fun and rewarding.