Chicken and Dumplings

Savor the Cozy Comfort of Chicken and Dumplings

Embark on a flavor voyage with this Chicken and Dumplings recipe, merging pillowy dumplings, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy broth into the ultimate homemade comfort meal.

Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, Chicken and Dumplings transports a classic, down-home taste right to your dining table.

Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous event, this recipe encapsulates the essence of a beloved farmhouse supper. Ready to elevate your mealtime with soothing flavors and satisfying textures? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

Craving a buttery side too? Try this simple, cozy loaf: Easy Dutch Oven No-Knead Bread.

Flavorful and Cozy: Your New Go-To Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This Chicken and Dumplings method not only delivers tender chicken and soft dumplings, but also layers comforting flavors with onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and a velvety broth. Not just a meal, Chicken and Dumplings is a warm kitchen ritual that any home cook can master with confidence.

Here’s how you can achieve that signature creamy stew and cloud-soft dumplings, complete with professional tips to ensure every bowl turns out wonderfully. For more comforting inspiration later, you might also enjoy a stick-to-your-ribs classic like Boilermaker Tailgate Chili.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

1. Consistent Simmer: Keep the stew at a gentle simmer to tenderize chicken and prevent the broth from boiling off too quickly.
2. Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Stir just until a shaggy dough forms; this keeps dumplings delicate, tender, and pleasantly fluffy.
3. Use Cold Cream: Cold heavy cream plus melted butter creates soft richness without toughness in the dumplings.
4. Drop Even Scoops: Use a ¼-cup measure so the dumplings cook at the same rate and rise to uniform, pillowy domes.
5. Steam, Don’t Peek: After dropping the dumplings, cover the pot and resist lifting the lid so steam cooks them through.

(If your table loves hearty chicken dinners, bookmark this crowd-pleaser too: Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy.)

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid, mixing bowls, measuring cups, wire rack or plate for prep

With Chicken and Dumplings simmering away, your kitchen becomes a haven of cozy aromas, echoing the tastes of a classic country supper. For another family-style chicken favorite to try next week, see Oven Baked Chicken and Rice.

Ingredients:

For the chicken stew

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium)
• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more for serving
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 medium stalks celery, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 (32-ounce) box low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (from about 8 sprigs), plus more for garnish

For the dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

(Serving this with a quick skillet bread is lovely; try these tender Butter Swim Biscuits.)

Directions:

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season all over with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of the black pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden-brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. The chicken will not be cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly, then cut into ¾-inch pieces.
2. Build the Aromatic Base: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in the same pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons dried thyme, plus the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt and remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1 (32-ounce) box low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low for a steady simmer.
4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Stir in the remaining 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth to achieve a generous stew consistency. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the chicken is just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
5. Make the Dumpling Dough: Meanwhile, place 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl; whisk to combine. Stir in 1 cup cold heavy cream and 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
6. Finish the Stew Base: Stir ½ cup frozen peas and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley into the simmering stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Drop and Steam the Dumplings: Using a ¼-cup measure, drop even portions of dough onto the surface of the stew, spacing them slightly. Cover and cook for 17 minutes without lifting the lid.
8. Check Doneness and Serve: Uncover and test a dumpling; it should be about quadrupled in size and no longer raw or doughy in the center. If needed, cover and cook 2 minutes more. Ladle Chicken and Dumplings into warm bowls. Garnish with more chopped parsley and a few grinds of black pepper.

Ready to Relish!

This dish offers a fabulous taste experience and brings the joy of a classic Chicken and Dumplings supper into the comfort of your home. Serve it with a crisp salad or a warm slice of Homemade Bakery French Bread for a complete, cozy plate.

Because Chicken and Dumplings shines all year, you’ll love rotating it with other family favorites. For a similar creamy, cozy vibe on busy nights, keep this one handy: Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. And when you want a creamy chicken pasta that still hugs the soul, try White Cheddar Chicken Pasta next.

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