If you are craving a soul-warming, hearty meal that brings back memories of cozy family dinners, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Perfectly tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmer together in a creamy broth that hugs you from the inside out. Every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors and smooth textures, making it a classic dish that satisfies both the belly and the heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the vegetables.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Provides creaminess and depth to the base of the dish.
- Medium onion, diced (1): Offers a sweet, aromatic backbone to the stew.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Bring a punch of savory flavor that awakens the senses.
- Medium carrots, sliced (3): Brighten the pot with natural sweetness and color.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Add a crisp texture and an earthy balance.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces gentle warmth and spice.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a fresh, herbaceous undertone.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle, grassy brightness.
- Turmeric (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Lends a golden color to the dish without overpowering taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that unites every ingredient.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and rich taste.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Bring bursts of sweetness and vivid green color.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds velvety smoothness to the broth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the fluffy dumplings.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps dumplings rise into light pillows of tenderness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasoning the dumplings balances the flavors perfectly.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (3 tablespoons): Ensures tender, flaky dumplings.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and richness to the dumpling dough.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step forms the flavorful base that makes this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, parsley, and turmeric if you want that beautiful golden hue. Stir everything well so the spices coat the vegetables evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole pot to a gentle boil—this is when the flavors start to truly meld together.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Peas, and Cream
Once boiling, stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Pour the heavy cream in last, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow this comforting mixture to bubble gently as you prepare the dumplings—this slow cooking will deepen the flavors magnificently.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the milk until just combined to form a sticky dough—be careful not to overmix, or the dumplings may turn dense instead of fluffy.
Step 5: Drop and Steam Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop 1 to 2 tablespoon-sized dollops of the dough onto the simmering chicken stew. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without peeking or lifting the lid. This creates the perfect fluffy texture inside while absorbing the delicious broth flavors. After cooking, remove the lid and check that the dumplings are fully cooked through before serving warm.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top. This adds not only a pop of fresh green color but also a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the creamy broth and dumplings.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp side salad or some buttery roasted vegetables can lighten the experience. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe family-style straight from the pot to keep everyone cozy and connected around the table. Alternatively, dish it up in rustic bowls and garnish with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar to add a fun twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the stew and dumplings separately. Freeze the chicken stew in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Dumplings can be frozen uncooked on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the stew seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken breasts or thighs can be cooked, shredded, and added to this recipe. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the stew to maintain the right texture and safety.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The dumplings will still be tender and delicious.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to make dumplings fresh and cook them right in the stew to maintain their fluffy texture. However, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before dropping it into the hot broth.
What can I add for extra flavor?
A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add depth and a subtle kick to the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary freshen the stew beautifully too.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
After steaming for 15 minutes, the dumplings should be fluffy and feel dry to the touch inside when cut open. If they seem wet or doughy, cover and cook for a few more minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is truly one of those comforting classics everyone should have in their cooking arsenal. It’s easy, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every cozy bite as much as I do—happy cooking!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with fluffy homemade dumplings, making a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. The stew is enhanced with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a touch of cream, providing rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably from a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried parsley, and turmeric if using.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in whole milk just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 1–2 tablespoons each) onto the surface of the simmering chicken stew. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This ensures they cook evenly and remain fluffy.
- Check and Serve: After 15 minutes, uncover and check that the dumplings are cooked through; they should be fluffy on top and cooked inside without any raw dough. Serve the chicken and dumplings warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use pre-made biscuit dough instead of making dumplings from scratch.
- You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and just add dumplings when ready to serve.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day and develop deeper flavors.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the stew for extra flavor depth and a bit of heat if desired.
