There’s something incredibly special about a big pot of Chicken and Dumplings simmering on the stove. I can still remember the first time I made this recipe; the aroma filled my kitchen and brought my family running to the table! Trust me when I say I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s been a game-changer for cozy family dinners. The way the tender chicken melds with the fluffy, pillowy dumplings in that rich, herb-infused broth is pure magic. You simply can’t go wrong with this hearty meal!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings
- Comforting and Hearty: This dish wraps you in warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the veggies and herbs based on what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the chicken, dumplings, and herbs create a feast for the eyes.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
The secret to achieving a truly exceptional Chicken and Dumplings lies in the broth. A rich, herb-infused broth is the foundation of this dish, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Start with quality chicken and fresh herbs; you can’t underestimate how a handful of fresh thyme or parsley elevates the flavor. Simmering the chicken slowly allows it to become incredibly tender and infuses the broth with a savory depth. Trust me, once you nail this technique, you’ll be whipping up this dish like a pro!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is my new go-to! It’s so comforting and delicious! I can’t get enough.” – Sarah M.
“I made this for my family, and they were all begging for seconds! The broth is incredible!” – Tom R.
“I’ve tried many Chicken and Dumplings recipes, but this one takes the cake! It’s the best I’ve ever tasted.” – Lisa K.
Creative Variations to Try
- Herb-Butter Dumplings: Add a bit of softened butter and chopped fresh herbs to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for a kick!
- Vegetable-Loaded: Toss in some peas, green beans, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Bonus: For a gluten-free option, try substituting the dumplings with a gluten-free mix! It works surprisingly well and still tastes amazing!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings? Yes, but for best results, freeze the broth and dumplings separately and combine when ready to eat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the cream adds a wonderful richness.
What if my dumplings don’t rise? Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix the dough; it should be light and fluffy!
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- This dish is best served warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
- Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Perfect Occasions for Chicken and Dumplings
- Cozy family dinners during the winter months.
- Gatherings with friends when you want to impress without too much fuss.
- Potlucks where everyone can enjoy a warm, filling dish.
- Comfort food on a rainy day.
- Sunday night dinners to kick off the week on a high note.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey! Now, let’s get cooking.
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dumplings:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers. Remove it before serving.
Extend ingredients section: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas or corn, and if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some diced potatoes for a heartier dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces with chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix. The batter should be thick yet spoonable.
Step 4: Add Cream and Herbs
Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and parsley into the chicken pot. This adds a luscious richness that makes the dish irresistible. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time; it’s crucial for the dumplings to steam properly!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked, ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve warm. You’ll love the way this dish warms your soul. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information: This hearty serving is packed with protein and essential vitamins from the veggies, making it a balanced meal.
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Savory Chicken and Dumplings
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Total Time:
80 mins -
Yield:
6 servings
Warm up with a comforting bowl of savory chicken and dumplings, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cut into pieces
- • 8 cups of chicken broth
- • 2 cups of carrots, diced
- • 1 onion, chopped
- • 2 celery stalks, diced
- • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- • 1 cup of heavy cream
- • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- • 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- • 1 teaspoon of salt
- • 1 cup of milk
- • 1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces with chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and parsley into the chicken pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked, ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Oven
