Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing quite warms the soul like a bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. Imagine coming home after a long day, the chill of winter still lingering outside, and being greeted by the inviting aroma of a hearty, bubbling pot. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family gatherings where we would all huddle around the table, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls of comfort. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory wrapped in warmth, love, and the kind of flavors that make you feel right at home. Every spoonful takes me back to those cozy evenings, where the simple act of sharing food brought us closer together. With tender pieces of chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, making it the perfect dish for winter nights.

What to Buy for Chicken and Dumplings

When preparing for Chicken and Dumplings, it’s crucial to select fresh, high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, but the supporting cast of vegetables, broth, and seasonings are equally important. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that rich, comforting flavor that we all crave on cold days.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A foundation for sautéing, bringing out the flavors of the vegetables.
• 1 ½ pounds chicken cut into bite-sized pieces: The protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the broth.
• 2 medium carrots sliced: Sweetness and color to brighten the dish.
• 1 medium onion chopped: Essential for depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: For that aromatic touch.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the broth.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of the dish, providing that luscious base.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: To make the broth rich and indulgent.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried: A hint of earthiness.
• 1 bay leaf: For added flavor depth.
• Kosher salt to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• Black pepper to taste: For a little kick.
• 1 cup frozen green peas: Pops of color and sweetness.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish: Freshness and garnish.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: For the dumplings that make this dish so special.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: To help the dumplings rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance the dumpling flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little seasoning for the dumplings.
• 1 cup milk: To moisten the dumplings.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted: Adds flavor and moisture to the dumplings.

Recipe Directions for Chicken and Dumplings

Making Chicken and Dumplings is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a hearty dish ready to enjoy with family and friends.

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until they are no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, then remove them to a plate and set aside.
2. Melt butter in the same pot, adding the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with any juices from the plate. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the frozen peas and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
6. While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate measuring cup, whisk together milk and melted butter until well combined.
7. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. The batter should be slightly lumpy but not dry.
8. Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dumpling dough into 1-inch round balls. Carefully drop the dough balls into the simmering soup, making sure they don’t touch each other.
9. Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. The steam will help them rise.
10. Remove the lid, stir in the chopped parsley, and serve the hot soup and dumplings in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Chicken and Dumplings is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some tips to tailor the recipe to your taste:

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months. Just be aware that dumplings may become softer once thawed.
• Pairing: Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add in spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the broth while it simmers.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken and Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Dumplings can be as important as making it. Here’s how to present this comforting dish to maximize enjoyment:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dumplings.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Seasonal Veggies: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome meal.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, where everyone can enjoy a warm bowl together.
• Comforting Evenings: Ideal for chilly evenings, serve it with a glass of non-alcoholic beverage or warm spiced cider for a cozy night in.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, remember to store them in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something hearty. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth is an unbeatable trio that will leave you feeling satisfied. I highly encourage you to try making this dish; it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience that can bring loved ones together around the table.

Chicken and Dumplings

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Dumplings combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth for an easy weeknight dinner. It's a warming dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. You’ll want to make this hearty meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds Chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup Unsalted butter
• 2 medium Carrots sliced
• 1 medium Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• ¼ cup All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• ¼ cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried
• 1 Bay leaf
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup Frozen green peas
• ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter melted

Instructions

 

• In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until they are no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, then remove them to a plate and set aside.
• Melt butter in the same pot, adding the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly.
• Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with any juices from the plate. Stir to combine.
• Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the frozen peas and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
• While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate measuring cup, whisk together milk and melted butter until well combined.
• Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. The batter should be slightly lumpy but not dry.
• Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dumpling dough into 1-inch round balls. Carefully drop the dough balls into the simmering soup, making sure they don’t touch each other.
• Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. The steam will help them rise.
• Remove the lid, stir in the chopped parsley, and serve the hot soup and dumplings in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can easily add additional veggies to this recipe like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Tip 2: Keep the lid on the pot when you add the dumpling dough, as the steam will help them to rise and cook through.
• Tip 3: If making ahead of time, let cool fully before storing.

Keyword Chicken and Dumplings, comfort food recipes, Easy Dumpling Recipe, Hearty Chicken Dinner

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!