If you’re craving that perfect blend of comforting warmth and hearty satisfaction, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken morsels bathed in a rich, savory broth mingle effortlessly with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings for a classic dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s a timeless recipe with simple ingredients that create something truly special—ideal for family dinners or any time you want to treat yourself to soul-soothing goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp carrots adding sweetness and color to the creamy broth that makes every bite luscious, these components come together in a harmony that’s both rustic and refined.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This brings a light, fruity base for sautéing chicken perfectly.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces): The hearty protein foundation, tender and flavorful.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Enhances richness for cooking vegetables and dumplings alike.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced): Adds a slight sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Builds depth and a savory backbone through caramelization.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle spicy note.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the broth for that classic creamy texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid heart of the dish, bringing everything together.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Smooths and enriches the broth for indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried): Earthy herbaceous notes that elevate the flavor profile.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtly aromatic depth during simmering.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 cup frozen green peas: Pops of sweet freshness and color.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Main ingredient for the fluffy dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the dumpling dough for lightness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the dumpling flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming hint in the dumplings.
- 1 cup milk: Moistens the dough for tender dumplings.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Adding bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper ensures each is perfectly browned and cooked through. This step locks in flavor while developing the base for your hearty stew.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, melt butter right in the same pot and toss in diced onions and sliced carrots. Sauté them together until tender, releasing their natural sweetness. Adding the minced garlic last for a quick stir brings that unmistakable aromatic layer without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle flour over your softened veggies. Cooking it for a couple of minutes helps remove any raw flour taste and sets the stage for thickening your broth later.
Step 4: Build the Stew Base
Return the chicken to the pot along with any juices, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add fragrant thyme and the bay leaf. Bring this base to a simmer while seasoning with salt and pepper, inviting the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Peas and Simmer
Stir in frozen peas, cover the pot, and let everything cook gently for 15 minutes. This brief simmer allows the chicken to become tender and infuses the broth with the essence of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Step 6: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the stew simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a separate container, combine milk with melted butter, then gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Remember, overmixing can make dumplings tough, so stir with care.
Step 7: Drop and Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop round balls of dough onto the simmering stew. Be sure they remain separate for even cooking. Cover the pot again and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing dumplings to puff up and cook through until tender.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Once dumplings are cooked, stir in freshly chopped parsley to brighten and refresh the flavor. Ladle your steaming chicken and dumplings into shallow bowls, garnishing with additional parsley if you like, for a meal that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley scattered on top adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that perfectly cuts through the creamy texture of the dish.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or lightly roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your chicken and dumplings in individual ramekins or deep soup bowls to create an inviting, rustic presentation. You can also sprinkle a little grated sharp cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika on top for extra flavor flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making second-day enjoyment even better.
Freezing
Freezing is best for the stew without the dumplings, as dumplings may become a bit dense after thawing. Freeze the stew in portioned containers, leaving room for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to prevent separating the creamy broth. If you’re reheating frozen soup, thaw it thoroughly beforehand and add fresh dumplings to simmer freshly cooked, keeping the dish light and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works well; just add it in later during simmering to warm through without risking overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend both in the stew roux and dumplings, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumplings are best made fresh to maintain their fluffy texture, but you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to a few hours before cooking.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well; thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, mushrooms, or corn to personalize your chicken and dumplings experience.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a real showstopper that brings warmth and joy to the table with every spoonful. Its inviting aroma, comforting textures, and straightforward ingredients make it one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful homemade classic—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings in a creamy, comforting broth. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish is simple to prepare yet full of rich flavors that warm the soul.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink on the outside. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in the same pot, then add the chopped onions and sliced carrots. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the roux: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the ¼ cup flour over the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to form a thick base. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the frozen peas, then cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare dumpling dough: While the soup simmers, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. In a separate container, mix the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until moistened, taking care not to overmix.
- Form and add dumplings: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into roughly 1-inch balls. Gently drop these dumplings into the simmering soup, spacing them apart so they don’t stick together.
- Cook the dumplings: Cover the pot once all dumplings are added and simmer for 15 minutes more, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Remove the lid and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure dumplings do not touch when added to avoid them sticking together.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for more vibrant flavor, but dried works well too.
- For a richer broth, add a little more cream or butter to taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain dumpling texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
