Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Dumplings is the answer. This classic dish boasts tender morsels of slow-simmered chicken, pillowy dumplings, and hearty vegetables all brought together in a flavorful, aromatic broth. It’s one of those recipes that instantly makes any kitchen feel warm and inviting, and there’s a certain magic in watching those fluffy dumplings puff up as they steam. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to treat yourself on a cozy night in, Chicken and Dumplings never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken and Dumplings is in its simplicity—just a handful of staple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each component has a special role, contributing to the rich flavor, satisfying texture, and delicious aroma of the final dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Offer juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender after simmering (boneless, skinless for easy shredding).
- Chicken Broth: The foundation for the soup, rich and savory—homemade or good-quality store-bought will do.
- Carrots: Bring a hint of sweetness and lovely color to the pot; chop evenly for perfect bites.
- Celery: Adds welcome crunch and depth of flavor—don’t skip it!
- Onion: Essential for a flavor base; diced to release sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Minced for mellow, aromatic undertones that elevate the broth.
- Unsalted Butter: Used both for sautéing and in the dumplings for richness and flavor.
- Dried Thyme: A classic herb that infuses each spoonful with comforting earthiness.
- Dried Parsley: Brings brightness and a pop of color.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in both broth and dumplings.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the fluffy dumplings—measure accurately for perfect texture.
- Baking Powder: Gives the dumplings their signature light, airy lift.
- Milk: Moisten and tenderize the dumpling dough; whole milk is best but any works.
- Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moistness to the dumplings.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery and let them cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté just until it releases its aroma—you’ll know when it’s ready!
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs to the pot along with the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This slow cook infuses the broth with layers of flavor and makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are nice and tender, remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken by hand ensures the perfect texture for every spoonful.
Step 4: Mix Up the Dumpling Dough
While the soup simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough; a few lumps are fine and will yield fluffier dumplings.
Step 5: Put It All Together
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a good stir. Then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the bubbling broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam gently for 15 minutes—no peeking! You want them light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Enjoy!
When the dumplings are set and the broth is rich and aromatic, give the pot a gentle stir and ladle Chicken and Dumplings into big bowls. Every serving is brimming with comfort, flavor, and nostalgia.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Garnishes
Top your Chicken and Dumplings with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a little lemon zest for brightness. If you have extra thyme or a drizzle of good olive oil on hand, both add a touch of elegance and an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple—this dish is plenty hearty on its own! If you want something more, try a crisp green salad, buttered peas, or roasted vegetables to provide contrast. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins give Chicken and Dumplings a cute, rustic feel for dinner parties. For a homey touch, serve it family-style straight from the Dutch oven at the center of the table. You can even ladle it over mashed potatoes or rice if you’re feeding a crowd that loves extra comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors often deepen after a night or two, making the leftovers absolutely irresistible!
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, let the dish cool to room temperature first. Store in a freezer-safe container—either as a full batch or in individual portions. It will keep well for up to 2 months, though keep in mind that dumplings become a little softer upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat Chicken and Dumplings on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed. Stir occasionally and heat through until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well, though thighs tend to yield a juicier and more flavorful result. Whichever you choose, keep an eye on simmering time so your chicken doesn’t dry out.
How can I make the broth thicker?
For a thicker, creamier broth, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup before adding the dumplings, and watch the broth turn luxuriously velvety.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and baking powder. The result will be every bit as comforting, with dumplings that are still fluffy and tender.
What can I do if my dumplings sink?
Dumplings sinking slightly is normal, but if they seem too dense or don’t float at all, try not to overmix the dough and make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, avoid peeking during cooking so steam stays in to help them rise.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add peas, corn, green beans, or even chopped potatoes for extra heartiness. Just adjust the simmering time so everything cooks through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There truly is nothing like a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings to bring a little comfort to your table. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a staple in your own kitchen—it’s simple, soul-satisfying, and guaranteed to warm your heart, one dumpling at a time!
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Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic recipe for Chicken and Dumplings that features tender shredded chicken in a flavorful broth with fluffy dumplings. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken thighs, broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, then shred the chicken.
- Make Dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the pot and cook for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Stir gently and serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- For a thicker broth, add a cornstarch slurry before adding dumplings.
- Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¾ cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
