Delicious Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish consisting of tender chicken pieces and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth. This hearty meal combines vegetables, herbs, and chicken into a soothing and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking Chicken and Dumplings from scratch allows control over ingredients, ensuring both freshness and flavor. In my experience, the combination of sautéed vegetables and tender chicken breast results in a deeply flavorful broth, especially when enhanced by herbs like thyme and sage.

By making dumplings from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, and milk, the result is light and fluffy bites that perfectly complement the texture of the chicken and vegetables. This recipe’s step-by-step approach simplifies creating a home-cooked meal that always impresses.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Vegetables

• Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.

• Add diced celery, carrots, and chopped onion. Sauté for 3 minutes.

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

• Add butter and flour; whisk well for 1 minute.

Add Broth and Chicken

• Gradually stir in chicken broth and bouillon paste, scraping the pot bottom.

• Incorporate thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

• Add chicken pieces and bring the mixture to a boil.

• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken cooks through.

• Remove chicken, then stir in evaporated milk and peas.

Prepare Dumplings

• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.

• Create a well in the center; pour in milk, sour cream, and melted butter.

• Stir until mixed without overworking the dough.

Cook Dumplings

• Bring soup to a simmer and drop teaspoon-sized dough onto the surface.

• Cover and simmer on low for 12-15 minutes until dumplings double in size.

• Gently stir to separate dumplings and check for doneness.

• If needed, cook a bit longer. Taste and adjust seasonings.

• Chop chicken and return it to the soup, stirring to combine.

• Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Chef Tips for Perfect Results

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to maintain even heat distribution and prevent burning.

• For extra flavor, consider searing the chicken before adding broth.

• Do not over-mix dumpling dough to ensure they remain fluffy and soft.

• Let dumplings cook without peeking to help them rise properly.

• Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch for texture.

• Be careful not to over-boil the soup after adding dumplings; this can make them tough.

• Skipping herb additions will result in a less flavorful broth.

• Failing to adjust seasonings before serving; taste as you go for balanced flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve Chicken and Dumplings with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to add color and crunch. For occasions like a family gathering, serve with warm crusty bread and butter.

Storage and Reheating

Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute chicken for another protein?

Yes, you can use turkey or a vegetarian option like chickpeas. Ensure they’re cooked before adding to the broth to maintain texture.

How do I know when dumplings are done?

Dumplings should be light and springy when pressed. Cut one open to check—there should be no raw dough in the center.

What should I do if my broth is too thin?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1:1 water and cornstarch) to thicken the broth. Stir it in and let the soup simmer until thickened.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and add the dumplings just before serving for the best texture. The broth alone can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

How should I serve Chicken and Dumplings?

Serve it in wide bowls to accommodate the broth and dumplings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Chicken and Dumplings bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. This traditional dish’s delicious combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for comforting family meals that everyone will relish.

Frank Thorson

Delicious Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Comfort Food

A hearty, home-cooked American classic with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory herb-seasoned broth. Perfect for cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Chicken Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Fresh chopped parsley, to taste (garnish)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (for dumplings)
• 3/4 cup milk (for dumplings)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for dumplings)
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter (for dumplings)

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, onion, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add butter, simmer until melted. Stir in 1/3 cup flour to create a roux; cook 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
3. Gradually mix in chicken broth, bouillon paste, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add chicken breasts or thighs. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir in evaporated milk and frozen peas. Simmer 5 minutes.
6. For dumplings: In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, sour cream, melted butter, and 3/4 cup milk. Mix until dough forms loose clumps.
7. Drop dough by tablespoons into the chicken broth. Simmer 10 minutes until dumplings float and are cooked through.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 2500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

Substitute vegetable oil for olive oil if preferred.
For a dairy-free option, replace butter with ghee or coconut oil, and use non-dairy sour cream alternative.
Dumplings can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 24 hours before simmering.

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