Homemade Chicken And Dumplings Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Southern kitchens have long cherished this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that warms souls on chilly evenings.

Generations of cooks perfected the art of creating tender, pillowy dumplings nestled in rich, creamy broth.

Comfort seeps through every spoonful, connecting you to traditions passed down through careful hands.

Soft, cloud-like dough absorbs the savory chicken essence, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite promises pure, nostalgic satisfaction that transports you to grandmother’s kitchen.

Memories and flavors blend seamlessly in this classic Southern comfort meal.

You won’t be able to resist trying this soulful, crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Chicken and Dumplings: Homestyle Favorite

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a hearty chicken and dumplings dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfies hungry family members with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cooking by preparing everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like herbs, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasoning to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Create a classic comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious, filling meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic richness to the chicken stew.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and savory liquid foundation for the entire dish.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile with their subtle, earthy notes.

• Flour: Creates the structure and texture of the fluffy dumplings.
• Baking Powder, Salt: Essential ingredients that help the dumplings rise and season the dough.

• Milk, Butter: Contribute moisture and richness to the dumpling dough.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, green note and visual appeal to the dumplings.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide a base for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and dumplings.

How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Base

• Chicken
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot.

Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 4: Mix Dumpling Dough

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Milk
• Melted butter
• Parsley

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Cook Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering soup.

Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings become light, fluffy, and fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve the chicken and dumplings piping hot.

Pro Tips for Tender Dumplings and Juicy Chicken

• Choose plump, organic chicken and crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Use two forks to pull chicken apart, ensuring tender, even-sized pieces that absorb broth beautifully.
• Drop dough gently into simmering liquid and avoid stirring to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
• Taste broth before adding dumplings and season gradually to prevent over-salting the dish.
• Keep pot covered while cooking dumplings and resist lifting lid to maintain steam and proper cooking environment.

Variations for Chicken and Dumplings

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, maintain same cooking method and spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Substitute wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour for dumplings, ensuring same texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Use cauliflower florets instead of traditional dumplings, swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, keep identical seasoning approach.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, maintain original recipe's core cooking technique.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Dumplings

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty chicken and dumplings with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture.
• Rustic Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the delicious broth and enhance the meal's comfort factor.
• Winter Warmth Combo: Complement the dish with a light, citrusy white wine or a mug of herbal tea to create a cozy, soul-satisfying dining experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the pot directly at the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own generous portions and enjoy the communal, homestyle atmosphere.

Best Storage for Chicken and Dumplings

• Place cooled chicken and dumplings in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Cover with plastic wrap before sealing the lid to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until thoroughly warmed through.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Look for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, use 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley. If you don’t have parsley, you can skip it without significantly affecting the dish’s flavor.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts are leaner.

Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and dumplings showcase Southern comfort cuisine with tender meat and pillowy flour dumplings. Grandma’s classic dish promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families seeking genuine home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or 2 boneless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a large pot over medium heat with butter or olive oil, gently sautéing onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they become tender and fragrant.
2. Introduce chicken, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Allow the mixture to reach a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. Extract the chicken from the liquid, carefully remove skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return to the simmering broth.
4. Prepare dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate milk, melted butter, and chopped parsley to create a cohesive dough.
5. Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing dumplings to become fluffy and fully cooked.
6. Discard the bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and visual appeal, then serve the hot, comforting dish immediately.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken for richer, more flavorful broth that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley to elevate the dumpling’s aroma and provide a bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Allow dumplings to rest briefly after cooking to ensure they maintain their fluffy texture and absorb the savory broth.
• Swap whole milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that remains creamy and delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg