How to Create a Savory Chicken and Dumplings: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and fills the stomach. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for cold weather, family gatherings, or anytime you want a satisfying meal. The great news is that you don’t have to be an experienced chef to whip up this delicious treat — it’s simple to make and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients!
Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow recipe that will help you make savory chicken and dumplings that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken stew:
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
– 1 pound of chicken breast or thighs (boneless and skinless)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups (1 quart) of chicken broth
– 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
– 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
– 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup of milk
Optional garnish:
– Chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate to cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add your diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies become soft and fragrant. If the bottom of the pot is looking dry, you can add a small splash of chicken broth to help loosen any stuck bits.
Step 3: Make the Broth
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the softened veggies and stir until it coats them evenly. This will help thicken the broth later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Add the milk or cream, thyme, parsley, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, letting the flavors combine.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Lower the heat to simmer and let the stew cook gently while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 5: Make the Dumplings
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy.
Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Stew
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop balls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering stew. Space them out enough so they have room to expand as they cook. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes. Make sure not to lift the lid too early—this helps the dumplings stay light and fluffy!
Step 7: Check the Dumplings
After 15–20 minutes, use a toothpick to check if the dumplings are done. If the toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to go! Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. The broth will be creamy and comforting, the chicken tender, and the dumplings perfectly soft and flavorful. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the right chicken: Chicken thighs are a great option because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts will work just fine too.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for extra color and flavor.
- Dumpling texture: For denser dumplings, use less milk; for lighter dumplings, stick to the recipe proportions.
- Make it yours: Add a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of paprika, or some grated cheese for a unique twist.
The Bottom Line
Chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, you’ll love how the warm broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings come together to create a bowl of comfort. Give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to make this savory classic from scratch!
Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings — happy cooking!
