If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with comforting, homestyle goodness. Perfect for chilly nights or any time you want to feel nourished and happy, this classic dish brings together simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like a big family dinner made with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to cook this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, wholesome, and each plays a crucial role. From the veggies that add color and sweetness to the seasonings that deepen the flavor, you’ll see how every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps sauté the veggies to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Works with the butter to create a flavorful base without burning.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Gives a sweet and savory aroma foundational to the stew.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Provide a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Bring earthy freshness and crunch to the mix.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory zing.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that perfect velvety consistency.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the recipe that carries all the flavors together.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or poached for tender protein ready to soak in the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens the dish and adds subtle freshness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the flavors and enriches the broth with smoothness.
For the dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for fluffy, tender dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the dumplings rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the dough’s flavor perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth to the dumplings.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Moistens the dough for softness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dumplings.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Build Your Broth
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they become tender and fragrant—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma will instantly make your kitchen feel like home. Next, stir in the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release that lovely garlicky essence without burning it.
Step 2: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. This step is essential for thickening your broth while keeping it silky smooth. Slowly pour in the chicken broth bit by bit as you stir, making sure no lumps form. It’s like magic as the liquid starts turning into a luscious base for your stew.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Once your broth is lump-free and warming up nicely, add the shredded chicken along with salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will allow the flavors to meld together over 10 minutes while the chicken fully warms through.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
While the broth simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be a little lumpy to keep the dumplings from turning tough.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about one tablespoon each) onto the surface of the simmering soup. Then, cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to low to give the dumplings time to rise and cook, which takes about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—lifting the lid will let out the steam and can cause your dumplings to fall flat.
Step 6: Finish Your Dish
After the dumplings have puffed up lovely and fluffy, remove the lid and gently stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to cook uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend in that creamy richness before it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe even more, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a hint of brightness that complements the rich flavors perfectly. A light dusting of black pepper can also add a little extra kick right before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving a crisp green salad or steamed green beans on the side for freshness and crunch. A slice of crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe feel even more special, serve it in charming individual bowls or rustic bread bowls for a cozy, homemade touch. For a family-style dinner, present it in a large, inviting pot right on the table to encourage everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as comforting as the first.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze portions without the dumplings to maintain their fluffy texture. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and make fresh dumplings to add just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the dumplings. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if the stew gets too thick. If you froze the broth separately, heat it fully before adding fresh dumplings.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor because the shredded chicken soaks up the broth beautifully.
What if I don’t have fresh vegetables? Can I use frozen?
Yes, frozen veggies work fine in a pinch. Just be mindful that they might add a little extra moisture, so adjust your cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and be sure to use gluten-free baking powder. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Why do I need to keep the lid closed while cooking dumplings?
Keeping the lid closed traps steam and heat, which helps dumplings rise and cook fluffy. Lifting the lid releases heat and can cause the dumplings to sink or cook unevenly.
What can I add to make the recipe more vegetable-heavy?
Feel free to stir in peas, corn, or even chopped spinach towards the end of cooking. These boosts add color, nutrients, and extra layers of flavor that keep things interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a true soul-soothing classic that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with loved ones at any time. It’s the kind of meal that fills both your belly and heart, inviting you to slow down and savor simple happiness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—you’re going to love how this easy recipe becomes a staple in your cooking rotation!
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Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender shredded chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a flavorful vegetable-rich broth, finished with a touch of cream for extra richness. Perfect for family dinners, this easy stovetop recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a warm, satisfying dish that’s full of homestyle goodness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth and seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare the dumpling batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper for the dumplings. Add the whole milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.
- Add dumplings to soup: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook dumplings: Cook the dumplings covered for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, which helps them rise and become fluffy. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check that dumplings are fully cooked through.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream to enrich the broth, then simmer uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- For extra vegetables and color, consider adding peas or corn to the soup before adding dumplings.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking dumplings, as this may cause them to not rise properly and become dense.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
