Get ready to fall head-over-heels for the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe that has become my go-to comfort food whenever I crave a big bowl of cozy. Imagine a flavorful creamy chicken stew bubbling with tender veggies, topped with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. This is the ultimate dish for chilly evenings or whenever you need a satisfying home-cooked hug, bursting with classic, nostalgic flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of making this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how approachable the ingredient list is, yet each item plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make each component shine.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for sautéing the veggies and lends a subtle fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter: Combines with the olive oil for depth and the classic comforting flavor in the stew.
- Yellow onion (diced): Sweetens and deeply flavors the broth as it cooks down.
- Carrots (sliced): Bring natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Adds that unmistakable savory aroma you expect from a comforting stew.
- Garlic (minced): One ingredient, so much aroma—just a quick sauté transforms the base.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth, giving you a creamy, luscious stew.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of flavor—use a good quality one for the best results.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for tender, flavorful bites.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Just a pinch brings perfect warmth.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb for poultry, infusing every bite with woodsy depth.
- Poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs elevating the nostalgic flavor profile.
- Frozen peas (optional): Add bright color and sweet pops of green right at the end.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in at the finish for the creamiest, coziest texture imaginable.
- For the dumplings – All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, fluffy bite you crave up top.
- Baking powder: The secret behind those beautiful dumpling pillows—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a pinch to keep the dumplings savory, not bland.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a hint of warmth in the dumplings themselves.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the dumpling dough and makes it irresistibly soft.
- Whole milk: Keeps the dough moist and creates that classic dumpling fluffiness.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven and warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts and sizzles, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and let them cook for about 5–6 minutes until they’re gloriously softened and fragrant—this is where the flavor magic really begins. Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Build the Broth
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your softened veggies, stirring constantly so every piece gets coated. Let it cook for about a minute; this step ensures your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe has a rich, creamy consistency instead of an overly thin liquid. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring—this prevents lumps and ensures a silky base for your stew.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Bring the pot up to a simmer, then mix in the shredded cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning. (If you have a bay leaf or some fresh herbs on hand, toss them in now for even more flavor depth.) Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low so all those wonderful flavors can meld while you work on your dumplings.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and optionally a bit of garlic powder for savory warmth. Stir in the melted butter and whole milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t fuss over it—overmixing makes dumplings tough, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Turn your soup back up to a gentle boil—this heat is crucial for the dumplings to cook. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot (no peeking!) and let them steam over low heat for 15 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with soft, cloud-like dumplings perched atop your savory stew.
Step 6: Add Peas and Finish with Cream
Gently stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream, then let the mixture bubble for another 2–3 minutes. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The beautiful finished Chicken and Dumplings Recipe should be creamy, deeply savory, and irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding a much-needed hit of freshness and color. If you want a little extra punch, crack some fresh black pepper or toss on a few fresh thyme leaves. Bonus points for a light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving—the finishing touch for your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe!
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish is so hearty it can stand alone, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans for a welcome crunch. If you’re a bread person, a slice of warm homemade bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style moment, serve straight from the bubbling pot at the center of the table! Or, scoop portions into big, colorful bowls for an ultra-cozy vibe. For a dinner party upgrade, serve individual ramekins or mini cocottes—everyone gets their own perfect bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Dumplings Recipe actually gets even better as the flavors continue to meld! Simply cool the dish to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days—don’t be surprised if you look forward to lunch!
Freezing
While you can freeze portions without the dumplings, the dumplings themselves can become a bit mushy after thawing. If freezing, scoop out any dumplings, freeze the stew base in freezer-safe containers, then make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew (and dumplings if included) over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen things up if the mixture looks too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave for individual servings, heating in 1-minute increments.
FAQs
How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming heavy or dense?
The key is to mix the dough just until combined! Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, heavy dumplings. Use a gentle hand and don’t worry about a perfectly smooth dough for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a fantastic way to use up shredded turkey from the holidays or a Sunday roast. The flavors are wonderfully adaptable.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free cream or unsweetened coconut cream. The dish will still be rich and deeply satisfying.
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
No problem—just mix a little dried sage, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to mimic the classic poultry seasoning flavor for your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.
Can I make the dumplings smaller or larger?
Definitely! Use a teaspoon for bite-sized dumplings or a heaping tablespoon for oversized puffy dumplings. Just adjust the simmering time as needed so they’re cooked all the way through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly heartwarming about sharing a big pot of homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to bring comfort to their table. Give this recipe a try, savor every creamy bite, and enjoy the cozy memories you’ll make!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe that features a creamy chicken stew with tender vegetables and fluffy homemade dumplings. This classic one-pot dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or to warm up on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Stew: In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic, flour, chicken broth, chicken, seasonings, then simmer.
- Make the Dumplings: Combine dry ingredients, mix in butter and milk to form dough.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the stew, simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in peas, cream, adjust seasoning, then serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with bay leaf or fresh herbs.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Leftovers thicken and taste even better the next day.
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