Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth. This Southern-style recipe is made from scratch and is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pot Meal – Easy to make with simple ingredients.
✅ Rich and Creamy – A thick, flavorful broth with tender dumplings.
✅ Perfect for Cold Weather – A warm, satisfying dish for fall and winter.
✅ Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamy texture)
For the Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Stew
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Thicken the Broth:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Slowly add chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Add Cream for a Richer Flavor:
- Stir in heavy cream and let the soup simmer while making dumplings.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam-cook for 15 minutes.
- Once the dumplings are puffy and cooked through, remove from heat.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve
🍽️ Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
🍞 Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
How to Store
❄️ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
❌ Do not freeze – the dumplings can become mushy.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
✔ Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
✔ Don’t overmix the dumpling dough – it should be soft but not sticky.
✔ Keep the lid on while dumplings cook – steaming makes them fluffy.
✔ For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the broth.
Variations & Add-Ins
✨ Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrition.
✨ Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne.
✨ Cheesy Dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar into the dumpling dough.
✨ Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped parsley or chives for flavor.
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Would you like a gluten-free version or nutrition facts for this recipe? 😊
