Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Nights

Name: Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¾ cup milk; 4 tablespoons melted butter

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

August 18, 2025

Updated:

August 18, 2025

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The aroma of Chicken and Dumplings wafts through the air, inviting you into a warm embrace of comfort food. Picture tender chicken simmering in a rich broth, surrounded by fluffy dumplings that seem to float like clouds in a creamy sea of flavor.

Every bite is a delightful burst of nostalgia that takes you back to family gatherings where laughter echoed and everyone eagerly awaited a hearty bowl. This dish warms not just your belly but your heart, making it perfect for cold evenings or any occasion that calls for a little extra love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe balances ease of preparation with an explosion of comforting flavors
It’s visually appealing, making every bowl look like a warm hug
Plus, it’s versatile enough to include your favorite veggies or spices!
You can whip this up on a busy weeknight or serve it at gatherings to impress your guests

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best here; adjust as needed based on the crowd you’re feeding!
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; they pack more flavor and will elevate your dish beautifully.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely so it melds perfectly into the broth.
Carrots: Use two medium carrots, diced; they add color and sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Celery: Two stalks of celery chopped finely will contribute crunch and flavor; don’t skip this one!

For the Broth:

Chicken Broth: Four cups of good-quality chicken broth is essential—homemade if you have it but store-bought works too!
Heavy Cream: Adding one cup gives this dish a luxurious creaminess that’s simply irresistible.

For the Dumplings:

All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need two cups; it forms the base of our fluffy dumplings.
Baking Powder: One tablespoon makes them rise perfectly—fluffy is the goal here.
Milk: Use about three-quarters of a cup to achieve that just-right dough consistency.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness; use four tablespoons for optimal flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken and Dumplings

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Start by preparing the chicken. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in your chicken breasts. Cook them for about five minutes per side until golden brown. They should smell divine!

Next, add your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir these together until the onions become translucent and fragrant—about three minutes should do it.

Now it’s time for the broth! Pour in four cups of chicken broth along with heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally; enjoy that creamy aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about twenty minutes. This allows those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your chicken tender.

While that’s bubbling away, prepare your dumpling batter. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, melted butter, and milk until just mixed—don’t overwork it! Lumpy is good here; we want fluffy dumplings after all.

After twenty minutes have passed on your soup, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks—it should fall apart easily! Stir well to incorporate everything evenly.

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the bubbling broth; they will expand as they cook! Cover the pot tightly and let them steam for fifteen minutes without lifting the lid—this keeps all that steam inside for maximum fluffiness.

Finally, when those fifteen minutes are up, lift the lid carefully (watch out for steam!) and admire those beautiful dumplings floating atop your creamy chicken stew. Serve hot with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for an added touch!

Enjoy this delightful Chicken and Dumplings dish as you savor each bite filled with nostalgic warmth—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!

You Must Know

This delicious Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comfort food classic that warms the heart
It’s easily customized based on your pantry staples, making it perfect for any night
The rich broth and fluffy dumplings create a cozy meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then sauté your veggies while the chicken simmers in broth. Finally, whip up the dumpling batter while everything cooks, ensuring that each component comes together seamlessly for a delicious Chicken and Dumplings experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Chicken and Dumplings! Swap out chicken thighs for breasts, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or toss in vegetables such as peas or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Personalize it to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect Chicken and Dumplings, remember to sear your chicken well for flavor
Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to keep them light and fluffy
Don’t skip the herbs; they elevate the dish beautifully!

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured platefuls of Chicken and Dumplings together.

FAQs:

What are the key ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings?

The essential ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings include chicken (either whole or parts), broth, and dumplings. You’ll also need vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to enhance flavor. Herbs such as thyme and bay leaves add depth to the dish. For the dumplings, basic ingredients include flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. This combination creates a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken and Dumplings?

Preparing Chicken and Dumplings typically takes around 30 minutes for prep time and about 30-40 minutes for cooking. The total time can vary based on whether you are using pre-cooked chicken or making your stock from scratch. If you opt for homemade broth, allow extra time for simmering. Overall, it’s a fairly quick meal that delivers rich flavors in less than an hour.

Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables beforehand, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the mixture gently on the stove. Prepare fresh dumplings right before serving for the best texture. However, be cautious about storing cooked dumplings as they may become soggy if left too long.

What variations can I try with Chicken and Dumplings?

You can customize your Chicken and Dumplings in various ways. Consider adding different vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You might also try using biscuits instead of traditional dumplings for a unique twist. For those who enjoy spice, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce can create a delightful kick. Each variation offers a new taste experience while maintaining comfort food vibes.

Conclusion for Chicken and Dumplings:

In summary, Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth filled with vegetables. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. By following simple steps and adjusting ingredients to your liking, you can create a meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether made from scratch or with shortcuts, this dish remains a beloved classic that never disappoints.

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