Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Filling: A complete one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and soft dumplings.
Creamy Comfort: A rich, velvety broth that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all cooks.
Customizable: Personalize with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh parsley)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stew Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Thicken the Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Chicken

Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined (the dough will be sticky).

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1–2 tablespoons each) onto the surface of the simmering stew, spacing them evenly.
Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will puff up and cook through as they steam.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Why This Recipe Works

Thick, Creamy Broth: The flour and cream create a luscious base that clings to the chicken and veggies.
Fluffy Dumplings: The simple dumpling dough steams to perfection, absorbing the stew’s rich flavors.
One-Pot Simplicity: Everything comes together in a single pot for easy cooking and cleanup.

Variations to Try

Herbaceous Twist: Add sage, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra depth.
Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for both the stew and dumplings.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix the Dumplings: Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to peek while the dumplings are cooking—steam is key to their texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Romantic Touch: Serve in individual cast-iron skillets with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for elegance.
Brunch Staple: Pair with crusty bread or biscuits for a hearty brunch.
Party Platter: Serve alongside green salads, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for variety.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, flavorful stew topped with fluffy, buttery dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. Whether for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a cozy night in, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to the table.

Your turn! Have you ever made chicken and dumplings before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below! 🍗