Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you have ever longed for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings floating in a rich, savory broth, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create something spectacularly satisfying. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor and texture that make it one of those classic recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Each component works harmoniously to build a rich, hearty stew with tender chicken and soft dumplings.

• 6 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps soften the vegetables.
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances the broth.
• 1 cup matchstick carrots: Adds a delicate crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 cup diced celery: Delivers a refreshing, mild flavor and texture contrast.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings the warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the broth to a luscious consistency.
• 12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness.
• 32 oz (1 quart) chicken stock: Forms the hearty, flavorful liquid base.
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that makes this dish so satisfying.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Infuses an earthy, herbaceous note.
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Base of the fluffy dumpling dough.
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, baking powder: Ensures light, airy dumplings.
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Brings subtle heat to dumplings.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances dumpling flavor perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Adds fragrant herbal notes to dumplings.
• ¾ cup (6 oz) whole milk: Helps create soft, tender dumpling dough.
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness to dumplings.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions, matchstick carrots, and diced celery, letting them cook gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir, unlocking the delicious aroma that signals it’s time for the next step.

Step 2: Create the Broth Base

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. This is key for thickening the broth and achieving that creamy consistency that makes Chicken and Dumplings Recipe so indulgent. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk followed by the chicken stock, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Season

Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with fresh thyme, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt. This simmering stage allows all those robust flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the dumplings that will crown this comforting dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings—flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Pour in the whole milk and melted butter, mixing just until a soft dough forms. The dumplings should be fluffy and tender once cooked, so avoid overmixing to keep them light.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup, aiming for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook gently for about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often; the steam trapped inside is crucial for puffing up the dumplings perfectly.

Step 6: Final Check and Serve

After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness—they should be hollow and tender when pierced with a fork. Give the stew a careful stir, taste for seasoning, and serve the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe hot for the most comforting experience.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves can brighten the dish both visually and in flavor. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a delightful finish that complements the stew’s warmth.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add more, try serving it with a crisp green salad or some buttered green beans for a fresh contrast. A crusty piece of bread also works wonders for soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual ramekins topped with an extra spoonful of dumpling dough baked until golden for a cozy, personal touch. Alternatively, stir in some sautéed mushrooms or a handful of peas for a pop of color and added depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken and dumplings make fantastic leftovers and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors even after a busy day.

Freezing

While the stew freezes well, the dumplings can become dense if frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately and make fresh dumplings when ready to serve. This way, your dumplings stay pillowy and light.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk if the stew thickens too much during storage, restoring that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer to start with raw chicken, poach it in the broth during the initial simmering stage until cooked through, then shred it before adding the dumplings.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk on hand?

You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half. Just keep in mind the broth might be slightly less creamy but still delicious.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works for thickening and dumpling dough. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to keep everything safe and tasty.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Certainly! Feel free to include peas, corn, or diced potatoes to add more texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all veggies are tender.

How do I know when dumplings are fully cooked?

Dumplings are done when they float to the surface and feel light and tender when gently pierced with a fork. The cooking time of about 15 minutes usually ensures perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is one of those rare dishes that creates lasting memories and warms you from the inside out. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an attainable comfort food classic that feels lovingly homemade. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every bite.

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.3 from 36 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with fresh vegetables and fluffy homemade dumplings.

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Ingredients

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Savory Base

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk
• 32 oz (1 quart) chicken stock
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• ¾ cup (6 oz) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
2. Create the Base: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, forming a smooth broth mixture.
3. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and add shredded cooked chicken, fresh or dried thyme, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Let it simmer gently while preparing the dumplings.
4. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Add the whole milk and melted butter, mixing everything together until a soft dough forms.
5. Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook over simmering heat for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing them to steam and puff up.
6. Finish and Serve: Check the dumplings for doneness—they should be cooked through and fluffy. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Shredded cooked chicken can be from rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
• For a richer flavor, fresh thyme is recommended, but dried thyme works well too.
• Don’t lift the lid during dumpling cooking to ensure proper steaming.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more chicken stock if it is too thick after adding dumplings.
• Use whole milk for the best texture in dumplings; you can substitute with 2% milk if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American