Introduction
Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and hearty. Tender shredded chicken, soft fluffy dumplings, and a rich savory broth come together to create a cozy, homestyle dish perfect for family dinners or cold days.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup milk
Instructions:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a light roux.
Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
Add milk, shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
In a separate bowl, mix dumpling ingredients until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering stew.
Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Make:
Start by building flavor with sautéed vegetables and butter.
Create thickness using flour and broth for a creamy base.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Mix dumpling dough gently—do not overmix to keep them fluffy.
Steam dumplings covered to ensure they cook through evenly.
Serve hot while the dumplings are soft and tender.
Variations:
Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
Use biscuit dough for quicker dumplings.
Add a splash of heavy cream for richer flavor.
Season with rosemary or sage for a deeper herbal note.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Tips:
Keep the pot covered while dumplings cook—steam is essential.
Do not overcrowd dumplings; they will expand.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling—it should come out clean.
If the stew becomes too thick, add a little warm broth.
For thicker stew, simmer a few extra minutes before adding dumplings.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 400–500 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 35–45g
Fat: 18–25g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sodium: Depends on broth used
Healthy Benefits
Provides high-quality protein from chicken for muscle support.
Vegetables add vitamins A and C, plus fiber.
Homemade preparation allows control of salt and fat.
Warm broth supports hydration and comfort during cold seasons.
Balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates offers sustained energy.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken and Dumplings is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings, this comforting dish brings warmth and homemade flavor to every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a simple cozy meal at home.