Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. Growing up, this dish was a staple during cold winter evenings when the chill outside made the warmth of home all the more inviting. I can still remember the aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables wafting through the house, instantly bringing everyone to the dinner table. Each bite of tender chicken embraced by fluffy dumplings felt like a warm hug, making it a family favorite. Whether it was a casual weeknight meal or a comforting weekend feast, Chicken and Dumplings has always had a special place in my heart. It brings back memories of laughter, family bonding, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can create your own cherished moments around the dinner table.

Ingredients Overview for Chicken and Dumplings

Let’s talk about the fundamental ingredients that create the magic in Chicken and Dumplings. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. The heart of this dish lies in the tender chicken and a rich, savory broth, perfectly complemented by the light and fluffy dumplings. Each ingredient works harmoniously to bring warmth and deliciousness to your kitchen.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your base for sautéing the veggies and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 2 celery ribs, diced: These add a nice crunch and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• 2 large carrots, diced: They bring sweetness and color to the dish.
• 1 yellow onion, chopped: Onions provide a savory, aromatic foundation.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: This enriches the broth and adds creaminess.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth, giving it a hearty texture.
• 6 cups slow-sodium chicken broth: The base of the soup, essential for flavor and moisture.
• 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste: For an extra punch of flavor, I prefer a better-than-bouillon base.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage: Gives a warm, comforting flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the other herbs beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a touch of heat.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
• 12 ounces evaporated milk, canned: This adds creaminess to the broth.
• 1/2 cup frozen peas: A sweet, colorful addition for texture.
• fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and color.
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: A key ingredient in making dumplings.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for fluffiness in the dumplings.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: To season the dumplings.
• 3/4 cup milk: A moistening agent for the dumplings.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For flavor in the dumpling dough.

Instructions for Chicken and Dumplings

Making Chicken and Dumplings is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Remember to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen as you cook!

1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the butter and flour. Whisk well for 1 minute until it forms a roux, thickening the mixture.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and bouillon, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds great flavor! Then add thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Chicken: Introduce the chicken into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board to cool briefly.
4. Stir in Milk and Peas: While the chicken cools, stir in the evaporated milk and peas into the pot. This will add creaminess and texture to the soup.
5. Make Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add milk, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the dumplings tender.
6. Add Dumplings to Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Use a small spoon to drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dumpling dough over the surface of the simmering soup. The dumplings will double in size as they cook.
7. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings simmer on low heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by gently stirring to break them apart.
8. Finish and Serve: Once the dumplings are tender, chop the cooled chicken and add it back to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve the Chicken and Dumplings warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top.

Expert Tips about Chicken and Dumplings

Here are some expert tips to maximize your Chicken and Dumplings experience. Following these will ensure that you get the best flavors and textures every time you make this dish!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: Consider serving Chicken and Dumplings with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies based on your preference, such as green beans or corn. Just add them at the same time as the peas.
• Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour to the roux or let it simmer longer before adding the dumplings.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, try adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
• Serving Size: This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering. It often serves well as a comforting option for potlucks too.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Chicken and Dumplings, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to make the meal even more special:

• Pair with a Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty nature of Chicken and Dumplings, providing a nice balance.
• Enjoy with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings. It’s comforting and satisfying for everyone!
• Seasonal Serving: In winter, serve with roasted vegetables to warm up your dinner table further.
• Leftover Love: Any leftovers make for excellent lunch the next day. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Festive Occasions: Consider making Chicken and Dumplings during holidays or special occasions for a comforting, nostalgic meal.
• Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken and Dumplings is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Its rich flavors and cozy textures make it a family favorite that you’ll want to make time and time again. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Enjoy every bite and the wonderful memories you’ll create around the table!

Chicken and Dumplings

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Dumplings combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for cozy family meals. Don’t miss out on trying this delightful recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 ribs Celery, diced
• 2 large Carrots, diced
• 1 Yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
• 6 cups Slow-sodium chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons Chicken bouillon paste
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1.5 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 12 ounces Evaporated milk, canned
• 1/2 cup Frozen peas
• fresh chopped parsley Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• 1.67 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 3/4 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Veggies: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the butter and flour. Whisk well for 1 minute until it forms a roux, thickening the mixture.
• Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and bouillon, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds great flavor! Then add thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Add the Chicken: Introduce the chicken into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board to cool briefly.
• Stir in Milk and Peas: While the chicken cools, stir in the evaporated milk and peas into the pot. This will add creaminess and texture to the soup.
• Make Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add milk, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the dumplings tender.
• Add Dumplings to Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Use a small spoon to drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dumpling dough over the surface of the simmering soup. The dumplings will double in size as they cook.
• Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings simmer on low heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by gently stirring to break them apart.
• Finish and Serve: Once the dumplings are tender, chop the cooled chicken and add it back to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve the Chicken and Dumplings warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top.

Notes

• Tip: Choose a wide pot to cook the soup, over a narrow/tall pot, so there is more surface area to add the dumplings in a single layer.
• Chicken: To use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken, skip the step of cooking the chicken and stir in cooked chicken at the end.
• Bouillon: I use chicken better than bouillon base because the flavor is bolder.
• Make Ahead Instructions: This soup tastes great reheated!
• Freezing Instructions: Leftover soup may be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rewarming.
• Gluten-free Adaptations: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour, and chicken bouillon.

Keyword Chicken and Dumplings Comfort Food, Cozy Winter Soups, easy chicken dinner, Hearty Chicken Recipe

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.