Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth that warms you from the inside out. This dish is a Southern classic, perfect for cozy family dinners, Sunday meals, or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying dish. Whether you’ve grown up enjoying this meal or you’re trying it for the first time, this chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Read on to discover how to make the perfect chicken and dumplings, complete with ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to ensure success every time.

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What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings is a traditional dish featuring stewed chicken in a rich, savory broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. The dumplings are usually made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, milk, and butter, which are dropped into the simmering broth to cook. The result is a thick, comforting soup or stew where the dumplings soak up the rich flavors of the broth. This dish can be made in a variety of ways—some prefer a thicker stew-like consistency, while others enjoy it as a lighter soup. Whichever way you make it, chicken and dumplings is always warm, filling, and delicious.

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Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make chicken and dumplings from scratch:

For the Chicken Stew:

1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Boneless, Skinless) – 1 ½ pounds
   (You can also use bone-in chicken for more flavor.)
2. Chicken Broth – 6 cups
   (A rich, flavorful broth forms the base of this dish.)
3. Carrots (Sliced) – 2 large
   (Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.)
4. Celery (Sliced) – 2 ribs
   (Provides a nice crunch and complements the carrots.)
5. Onion (Diced) – 1 medium
   (For a savory base flavor.)
6. Garlic (Minced) – 3 cloves
   (Adds depth to the flavor.)
7. Butter – 2 tablespoons
   (For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the stew.)
8. Flour – ¼ cup
   (To thicken the broth slightly.)
9. Milk or Heavy Cream – ½ cup
   (Optional, for a creamy touch to the stew.)
10. Bay Leaf – 1
    (Adds subtle herbal notes to the broth.)
11. Thyme (Dried or Fresh) – 1 teaspoon
    (A classic herb that pairs well with chicken.)
12. Salt and Pepper – to taste
    (Seasoning for both the chicken and broth.)
13. Fresh Parsley (Chopped) – for garnish
    (Optional, for a pop of color and freshness.)

For the Dumplings:

1. All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
   (The base of the dumpling dough.)
2. Baking Powder – 1 tablespoon
   (This makes the dumplings fluffy and light.)
3. Salt – ½ teaspoon
   (Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.)
4. Milk – ¾ cup
   (To form the dough and keep it tender.)
5. Butter (Melted) – 4 tablespoons
   (Adds richness and moisture to the dumplings.)

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Substitutions and Variations

Chicken and dumplings can easily be adapted to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few options:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings and thicken the broth with cornstarch instead of flour.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and peas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add Vegetables: You can bulk up the dish by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the chicken stew.
• Bone-In Chicken: For added flavor, cook the stew with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and remove the bones and skin before serving.
• Creamier Version: For a richer stew, add heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth for a creamier consistency.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine, allowing the flour to cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and thyme, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the stew cook for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings
While the broth is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough dumplings. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so make sure to leave some space between them. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as the steam is crucial for making them light and fluffy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked through (they should be fluffy and no longer doughy in the center), remove the bay leaf. If you like, stir in the milk or heavy cream for a creamier broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

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How to Cook Chicken and Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making chicken and dumplings may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple when you break it down into steps. First, you cook the chicken to infuse the broth with flavor, then sauté the vegetables to build depth. Thickening the broth with a roux ensures the stew has the perfect consistency. The dumplings, the star of the dish, are made with a simple dough that gets dropped into the simmering broth to cook. This step-by-step process results in a comforting, homemade dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough dumplings. Mix the dough until just combined for the best, fluffiest results.
• Lifting the Lid Too Soon: The dumplings need steam to cook properly. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this will release the steam and could result in undercooked dumplings.
• Skipping the Flour in the Broth: The flour helps thicken the broth, giving it that satisfying, stew-like consistency. Without it, the broth may be too thin.
• Not Seasoning Throughout: Taste as you go and season the broth, chicken, and dumplings with salt and pepper to ensure a well-seasoned dish.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, even for a cozy dish like chicken and dumplings! Here are some ways to serve it beautifully:

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How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

• Family Style: Serve chicken and dumplings directly from the pot at the dinner table, allowing guests to help themselves.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle portions into deep bowls, making sure to include plenty of both chicken and dumplings in each serving.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.

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Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumplings

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds color and a fresh touch to the finished dish.
• Serve with a Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of chicken and dumplings.
• Add a Drizzle of Cream: For a more luxurious presentation, drizzle a little cream or extra broth over the dumplings before serving.

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Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Tips

• Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor of your dish. Simply simmer chicken bones, carrots, celery, and onions in water for a few hours to make your own rich, flavorful broth.
• Test a Dumpling: If you're unsure whether your dumplings are fully cooked, carefully remove one and cut it in half. The inside should be fluffy and no longer doughy.
• Make it Ahead: Chicken and dumplings can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more broth or cream if necessary to thin the stew.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this dish in a slow cooker, cook the chicken, vegetables, and broth on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Prepare the dumpling dough and add it during the last hour of cooking, covering the slow cooker with the lid until the dumplings are fully cooked.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings do not freeze well because the dumplings can become soggy upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken stew (without the dumplings) and add fresh dumplings when reheating.

What can I use instead of homemade dumplings?
If you're short on time, you can use refrigerated biscuit dough or frozen dumplings as a shortcut. Simply drop the dough into the simmering broth and cook until fluffy.

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Conclusion

Chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and light, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering. With step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, you’ll be able to make this classic dish with confidence. Whether you prefer it creamy or brothy, simple or loaded with veggies, chicken and dumplings is sure to become one of your go-to comfort meals. Enjoy this hearty dish today and savor the rich flavors and textures of this all-time favorite!

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