Chicken and dumplings brings instant comfort, with tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth scented with thyme and rosemary. Classic veggies, chicken stock, and a touch of garlic build cozy depth, while fluffy buttermilk dumplings cook up soft and pillowy, practically melting with each bite. Warm, simple, and deeply nostalgic, this easy recipe is perfect for chilly nights or sharing with friends when you want a bowl of pure homey goodness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Hearty and filling, it’s a meal that satisfies everyone.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for added flavor.
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add chicken pieces, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, prepare dumpling dough: in a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in milk until just combined.
- Remove chicken from broth, shred into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover pot and let dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, until they are firm and cooked through.
- Stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Chicken and Dumplings!
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts – your choice of meat for a flavorful base
- 8 cups chicken broth – adds richness and depth to the dish
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – essential for making the dumplings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – helps the dumplings rise
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds a hint of spice
- 1 cup milk – moistens the dumpling dough
- 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced – a savory base for the dish
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – adds crunch and flavor
- 2 carrots, sliced – sweetens and colors the dish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh finish
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
This delightful Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add chicken pieces, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While chicken cooks, prepare dumpling dough: in a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in milk until just combined.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from broth, shred into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover pot and let dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, until they are firm and cooked through.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Comfort Food |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot and hearty! |
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Dumplings
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling dough; a few lumps are okay.
- For a richer broth, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Let the chicken cool before shredding for easier handling.
- Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick.
How to Serve this Chicken and Dumplings
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Pair with a side of steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up the delicious broth.
- Top with a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little kick.
- For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your Chicken and Dumplings for later enjoyment:
Storing Chicken and Dumplings Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Chicken and Dumplings
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Chicken and Dumplings
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the secret to flavorful chicken dumplings?
The secret to flavorful chicken dumplings lies in the broth and seasoning. Use a rich homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought one, and don’t skimp on herbs and spices. Adding garlic, onion, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor significantly. Also, marinating the chicken beforehand can infuse it with extra taste, making your dish even more delicious!
2. What is needed for chicken and dumplings?
To make chicken and dumplings, you will need chicken (preferably bone-in for more flavor), vegetables like carrots and celery, chicken broth, and seasonings. For the dumplings, you’ll need flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. It’s a simple list of ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal!
3. What is the secret to perfect dumplings?
The secret to perfect dumplings is to not overmix the dough. Combine the ingredients just until they come together; this will keep your dumplings light and fluffy. Also, make sure your broth is simmering gently before adding the dumplings, as this helps them cook evenly without becoming dense. Timing is key, so keep an eye on them as they cook!
4. What are the common mistakes while making chicken and dumplings?
Common mistakes include using too much flour in the dumpling mixture, which can lead to heavy dumplings. Another mistake is not allowing the broth to simmer before adding the dumplings, which can result in undercooked or soggy dumplings. Lastly, forgetting to season the broth adequately can lead to a bland dish, so taste as you go!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumplings to bring back those cozy memories! This easy recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. So gather your loved ones, whip up this classic comfort food, and enjoy every delicious bite. You’ll be glad you did!