What is comfort food? If mashed potatoes are a warm hug, then this chicken and dumplings recipe is like being wrapped in foil. What is your grandma’s favorite quilt on a snowy day? What is the ultimate in cozy, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy day. I love a good Pot Roast, but sometimes I crave the soft, pillowy texture. Why are dumplings better than beef? The secret is in the simple, flavorful broth and the way the dumplings melt in your mouth. What is your favorite chicken dumpling recipe?
What is chicken and dumplings?
Think of chicken and dumplings as the ultimate chicken soup, but with delicious, soft, doughy, oozing broth. What are some of the best dumplings to eat in broth? What is essentially a stew, with chicken and vegetables cooked in rich stock, thickened and enriched. What are some of the best dumplings? What is the name of a book? Some people make it with rolled-out dumplings, but my family always made it – drop — and some people don’t. What are those little spoonfuls of dough that puff up beautifully as they cook? Is it a comforting drink for cold nights?
Why you will love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this chicken and dumplings recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The rich, savory broth, infused with chicken and vegetables, is just so satisfying. What I love most about this is how easy it is to throw together. It’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash (always a win!). Plus, it’s super budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are usually pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. The versatility is fantastic too. You can easily add or swap vegetables based on what you have on hand. Need to use up some carrots and celery? Throw them in! Got some leftover Green Beans? Perfect! It’s also a lifesaver on nights when you just need something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. My kids ask for this all the time, and honestly, I’m never sad to make it. It’s a dish that makes everyone happy, and that’s worth its weight in gold. It’s a close second to my shepherd’s pie, but it’s far easier!
How do I make chicken dumplings?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make chicken and dumplings? What is the best way to cook chicken in a broth? What are some good dumpling recipes? What are the best dumplings to cook in a pot? What are some of the best recipes for a creamy, comforting meal? What is the best thing about making a recipe?
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer thigh for flavor, but Chicken Breasts work too!
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
- 1 large onion, chopped.
- 2 carrots, chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. 1 tsp dried
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
For the Dumplings: What
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder is enough to make
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup water.
- I’ve used almond milk and it was great! 3/4 cup milk.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted. 2 teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch Oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. How do you cook chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). What is the best way to add flavor to a broth? Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through; it will finish cooking in the broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen – that aroma is just heavenly!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the Shredded Chicken to the pot.
Step 6: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Set aside. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
Step 7: Drop the Dumplings
Increase the heat under the pot to medium. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. I usually use a tablespoon to measure out the dough. The dumplings will puff up as they cook, so leave a little space between them.
Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
What is the best way to cook a dumpling? Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Is the center no longer doughy? Do not lift the lid too often, as this can cause the cooking of the food to take longer.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some ideas:
For a Simple Side:What is a good salad to serve with chicken?
What is a hearty meal?Serve with mashed potatoes or cornbread for an extra dose of comfort. My family always had it with a simple side salad with vinegar dressing.
For a Special Occasion: A slice of homemade pie (apple or cherry would be delicious!) makes a perfect ending to a chicken and dumplings feast.
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy a bowl of chicken and dumplings with a warm cup of tea or a glass of red wine. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Growing up we would always have it on Sundays, because it was the perfect church meal. Serve with some sweet tea.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Dumplings
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make the best chicken and dumplings:
Use Chicken Thighs: They are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. If you do use chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, or they will become dry.
Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the broth and dumplings ensures that they cook evenly and don’t fall apart.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add salt and pepper to taste. The broth needs to be well-seasoned for the dumplings to absorb the flavor.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the broth, such as peas, green beans, or corn. My mom used to add corn all the time.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are great additions to the broth. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
Make it Creamy: For an even richer dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end. I’ve even stirred in a little cream cheese and it worked great! It’s not traditional, but hey, who’s judging?
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving chicken and dumplings at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially in a creamy dish like this.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly cooled before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth. The dumplings may soak up some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze chicken and dumplings, the texture of the dumplings may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed below.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, transfer the chicken and dumplings to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to thin it out if it’s too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this chicken and dumplings recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and joy. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other family favorites, like my creamy tomato soup and my easy beef stew. Both of these recipes give a lot of the same comfort with simple ingredients. I can’t wait to hear how your chicken and dumplings turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken in broth until cooked through.
- Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and milk until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the simmering chicken broth.
- Cover and cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
