Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If there’s one dish that tastes like home and warms you from the inside out, it’s this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken paired with pillowy dumplings, all nestled in a creamy, savory broth bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and herbs. This is supreme comfort food—a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug with every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a brisk evening or gathering around the table with loved ones, this recipe truly delivers the satisfying, soul-nourishing experience we all crave.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how it brings together simple, everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. Each component, from the hearty vegetables to the fresh herbs and fluffy dumplings, plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in every spoonful.

• Olive oil: The perfect start, lending a gentle richness as the base for sautéing your veggies.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth—don’t skimp!
• Carrots (2, sliced): Add a lovely color pop and subtle earthy sweetness.
• Celery stalks (2, sliced): Boosts flavor with a classic aromatic base.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a warm, inviting aroma—fresh garlic makes all the difference.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The heart of the soup, choose a high-quality broth for best results.
• Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a busy-night lifesaver, but any cooked chicken works beautifully.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a savory, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with poultry.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and seasoning throughout.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to highlight all the flavors—adjust to suit your taste.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): Swirl in for an extra touch of richness and silkiness.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Finishes the dish with a splash of freshness and color.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is the backbone for light, tender dumplings.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The secret to fluffy, pillowy dumplings—don’t leave it out.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, for dumplings): Just enough to bring out flavor in your dumpling dough.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, cold and cubed): Creates irresistibly tender dumplings with rich flavor.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Gathers everything together for a soft, supple dough.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook together for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and smell absolutely dreamy. This process lays the essential flavor foundation for your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Broth

Once your veggies are just tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Now pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any little bits from the bottom. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and salt. Increase the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Let it bubble away while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or fork, work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and gently stir—aim just to combine. It’s key not to overmix because that’s how you get light, fluffy dumplings!

Step 4: Drop and Cook the Dumplings

With your stew gently simmering, drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling dough right on top of the broth. These will puff up beautifully as they cook! Cover the pot tightly and resist the urge to peek for the next 15–20 minutes. The steam inside will cook the dumplings through, transforming them into pillowy goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked through (test one for doneness in the center), stir in the heavy cream if you’d like a richer, silkier broth. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and herbal freshness. That’s it—you’re ready for a seriously satisfying bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings color and a touch of herbal brightness right before serving. Cracked black pepper or even a handful of chives adds a subtle bite that cuts through the creamy stew. If you love a bit more richness, an extra swirl of cream on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

This comforting dish can easily stand alone, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider simple sides. Freshly baked biscuits, a green salad with crisp apples, or even roasted green beans complement the hearty flavors without overpowering. A bright, zingy salad can especially cut through the lusciousness of the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, making every bite feel balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, ladle the stew into individual ramekins or rustic mugs for a charming bistro effect. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme. To really wow a crowd, consider a family-style presentation in an oversized Dutch oven placed right at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in and help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken and Dumplings Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers are even more delightful the next day, though the dumplings will soak up some extra broth.

Freezing

While the stew itself freezes beautifully, dumplings tend to change texture once frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze just the stew base and make a fresh batch of dumplings when you’re ready to enjoy. Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s a bit thick—dumplings tend to soak up liquid as they sit. If you’re reheating just the base, bring it to a simmer and drop in fresh dumpling dough to cook through as instructed above.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. It’s flavorful, moist, and saves you valuable prep time on busy evenings. Just shred and add right into the stew.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can swap in diced potatoes, corn, or even frozen peas for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for firmer vegetables so everything is perfectly tender.

Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the dumplings. Just note that the texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still end up with deliciously comforting results.

Why do I need to cover the pot when cooking dumplings?

Keeping the lid tightly on creates steam, which is crucial for helping dumplings cook evenly and become fluffy. Lifting the lid lets out heat and moisture, so resist the temptation to peek until time is up!

Is there a non-dairy option for the cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute full-fat coconut milk or your preferred plant-based creamer for the heavy cream, or just leave it out entirely for a lighter, still-creamy stew.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a warm, nostalgic classic that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is everything you need. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how something so simple can bring so much comfort and joy to your table. Enjoy every spoonful!

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