Chicken and Dumplings
There’s something about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings that just feels like a hug in food form. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the rich, savory broth. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking for a classic dish to bring the family together, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Dumplings
Versatile This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a dish to impress guests with homemade goodness.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive.
Quick and Easy While it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make.
Customizable You can add extra veggies, use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even swap out the dumplings for biscuits.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Chicken and Dumplings
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Broth The heart of the dish! A good-quality chicken broth gives the base its rich, comforting flavor.
Vegetables Classic options like carrots, celery, and onions add sweetness, texture, and a pop of color.
Flour & Butter This combo creates a simple roux that thickens the broth and makes it extra creamy.
Milk or Cream Adds richness and depth to the soup, making it ultra-comforting.
Dumplings Soft, pillowy bites that soak up all the delicious broth. They’re made with flour, baking powder, butter, and milk—simple but oh-so-good.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, cook the chicken in broth until tender and easily shredded. If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and simply shred it.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter until softened. This step builds layers of flavor that make the dish extra rich.
Thicken the Broth
Stir in flour to create a light roux, then slowly add broth while whisking to create a smooth, creamy base. Let it simmer to bring out all the flavors.
Make the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, butter, and milk to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the simmering soup.
Cook Until Fluffy
Cover and let the dumplings steam in the broth until they are light and fluffy. No need to stir—just let the magic happen!
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400 (approx.)
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is already a meal on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair it with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of heavy cream for richness.
- Dumpling texture If you like fluffier dumplings, avoid over-mixing the dough.
- Shortcut version Use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings for an easy alternative.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and add it to the broth after sautéing the vegetables.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the dumplings, as they can become soggy. Just add fresh dumplings when reheating.
4. What can I use instead of dumplings?
Biscuits, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes make great alternatives.
5. Why are my dumplings dense?
Over-mixing the dough or not letting them steam properly can make dumplings heavy. Stir gently and let them cook covered.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook everything except the dumplings on low for 6 hours, then add dumplings and cook for another 30 minutes.
7. What herbs go well with chicken and dumplings?
Thyme, parsley, and rosemary all add great flavor.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
9. How do I thicken my broth if it’s too thin?
A cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) can help thicken it quickly.
10. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumpling dough is best fresh, but you can mix dry ingredients in advance for faster prep.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of cozy goodness. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something warm and hearty, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your pot, stir up some love, and enjoy every spoonful of this classic favorite!
PrintChicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth. This classic Southern meal is perfect for chilly days and brings warmth to any table. With simple ingredients and a homey feel, it’s a must-try for lovers of traditional comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
**For the Chicken Stew:**
– 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cut into pieces
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier broth)
**For the Dumplings:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup whole milk
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken Stew:**
– In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
– If using, stir in the heavy cream for a richer broth.
2. **Make the Dumplings:**
– In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
3. **Cook the Dumplings:**
– Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
– Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the pot, making sure they don’t overlap.
– Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, without stirring, until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
4. **Serve:**
– Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
– Enjoy hot!
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Notes
– For extra flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
– If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with water and stir it in before adding the dumplings.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
– You can add peas or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
