Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic chicken and dumplings recipe. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth come together in this hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Dumplings
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
1. Prepare the Stew Base:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk or cream, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Creamy Base: The combination of chicken broth and milk creates a luxurious, flavorful stew.
- Fluffy Dumplings: The homemade dumplings cook perfectly on top of the simmering stew, soaking up its delicious flavors.
- Easy and Versatile: Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in dense dumplings. Stir until just combined for the fluffiest results.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones for an extra burst of flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If the stew is too thin, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pot. Cook until thickened.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the stew thickens too much.
- Freeze: Freeze the stew without the dumplings for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding fresh dumplings.
