Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy dumplings and a rich, savory broth. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on a cold day, and is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings make for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. The creamy broth is packed with herbs and spices, while the tender chicken and vegetables add a depth of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. The dumplings are soft and fluffy, making each bite a delight. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or simply craving a warm, comforting meal, this recipe delivers everything you love about a classic dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Soup:

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the chicken and garlic: Stir in the diced chicken and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside.
3. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the cream: If you want a creamier soup, add the heavy cream at this point and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before adding the dumplings.

For the Dumplings:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and chopped parsley (if using).
2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Add the dumplings to the soup: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering soup. The dumplings should be spaced a bit apart so they have room to expand while cooking.
4. Simmer the dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this can prevent the dumplings from rising properly.

To Serve:

1. Serve the chicken and dumplings: Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get a nice amount of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings in each serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of chicken and dumplings!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Make it gluten-free: To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free.
• Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of the diced chicken breasts or thighs. Simply add it to the soup after it’s simmered and heat through.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or peas to make it heartier.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may lose some of their texture as they sit, but the soup will still be delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to thin it out. You can also microwave individual servings, but the dumplings will soften more with each reheating.

FAQs

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove. The dumplings may soften slightly after freezing, but they will still taste great.

Can I use frozen vegetables in the soup?

Yes, frozen vegetables work just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just add them along with the chicken and let them cook through during the simmering stage.

How do I make sure the dumplings cook properly?

Make sure to cover the pot while the dumplings are simmering, as the steam helps cook them through. Don’t lift the lid during cooking to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dumplings fresh, as they are meant to be cooked in the broth. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Add the dumplings to the soup just before serving.

Can I add more herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley, or add a pinch of turmeric or curry powder for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This recipe combines tender chicken, a flavorful broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings in one hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing a warm meal with friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that make this dish so special!

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