Name: Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy, Hearty Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended); 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer taste); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup milk; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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When the weather turns chilly or you’re in need of a comforting meal, Chicken and Dumplings is the dish that will warm your soul. This classic comfort food brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings all in one bowl. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, offering both warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, Chicken and Dumplings is sure to hit the spot.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is the combination of a flavorful, savory broth with succulent chicken and light, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and ideal for busy nights or weekend gatherings. Not only is it comforting, but it’s also an incredibly versatile dish—you can add vegetables or tweak the seasonings to make it just the way you like. Once you taste this Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This dish combines rich, savory flavors with tender chicken and soft dumplings, making it the perfect comfort food.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.

3. One-Pot Meal

Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, making it a convenient option for busy days.

4. Customizable

You can easily add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to make the dish your own. Add carrots, peas, or celery for extra flavor and texture.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken broth
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Bay leaves
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Flour
Milk or cream
Butter
Baking powder
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrients.
Herb Variations: You can use rosemary or sage for a different herby flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Creamier Version: Stir in some heavy cream for an extra creamy, indulgent broth.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings and thickening the broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaves, thyme, and any other spices you prefer. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup is simmering, make the dumplings. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Then add the milk (or cream), butter, and stir until a thick dough forms.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Dumplings

Once the broth has simmered and the vegetables are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the soup, covering the surface. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.

Step 6: Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade Chicken and Dumplings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dumplings: When making the dumpling dough, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough dumplings.
Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you want a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. You can remove the bones after cooking.
Keep the Lid Closed: To make sure the dumplings cook properly, avoid lifting the lid during cooking time.
Make it Creamier: Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier broth.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning to your liking with more salt, pepper, or herbs.

How to Serve

Serve the Chicken and Dumplings in bowls, with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of color and flavor. You can also top the dumplings with extra cheese if you want a cheesy twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken and Dumplings stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the dumplings might lose some of their fluffiness after freezing and reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of extra broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup after the broth has simmered.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can make the soup and dumplings in advance, and store them in the fridge for a few days. The flavor will deepen overnight.

3. Can I make the dumplings without baking powder?

Baking powder is essential for the fluffiness of the dumplings. Without it, the dumplings will be dense and heavy.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables in place of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables if you prefer or if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.

5. How can I make the broth richer?

For a richer broth, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker and then add the dumplings near the end of the cooking time, but be sure to check the dumplings after 15-20 minutes.

7. What if I don’t have thyme?

If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary or a mix of dried herbs like sage and oregano for a different flavor.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the dumplings. Be sure to check your broth for gluten as well if you need a completely gluten-free dish.

9. How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and are no longer doughy in the middle. You can cut one open to check.

10. Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?

Yes, it can be frozen, but keep in mind that the dumplings might become denser when reheated. It’s best to freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort food that offers both heartiness and warmth in a single dish. With tender chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that will feed a crowd, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one. Best of all, it’s easy to customize, making it perfect for your family’s preferences. So next time you’re craving a comforting meal, whip up a pot of Chicken and Dumplings and enjoy the cozy goodness!