The Ultimate Comfort: Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Southern comfort shines through this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these pillowy clouds of deliciousness.

Tender chicken mingles with silky broth, creating a soul-warming dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Steam rising from a bubbling pot, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Soft, fluffy dumplings nestle alongside succulent meat, promising pure comfort in every spoonful.

Magical ingredients transform simple components into a meal that connects you with cherished culinary traditions.

You’ll want to savor each comforting bite and share this incredible recipe with everyone you love.

Best Foods To Serve With Chicken And Dumplings

• Elevate with Chardonnay Pairing: A crisp, buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy soup's richness, balancing the hearty chicken and soft dumplings with its smooth oak undertones.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette provides the perfect texture contrast, allowing diners to soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: A light, vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the soup's creaminess, offering a fresh and zesty side that brightens the entire meal and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, bright counterpoint to the warm, comforting chicken and dumplings, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Fun Flavor Swaps For Chicken And Dumplings

• Herb Garden Escape: Replace thyme and rosemary with fresh parsley, dill, and chives for a bright, green-flecked version that brings garden-fresh flavors to the classic chicken and dumplings.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to the dumpling dough for a kickin' southern-inspired variation that warms you from the inside out.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the vegetables and add a handful of dried porcini mushrooms to create an earthy, rich version that deepens the soup's complexity.
• Gluten-Free Wellness: Swap wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour in the dumplings, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this comforting meal.

FAQs On Best Chicken And Dumplings Answered Simply

• What makes this chicken and dumplings recipe special?

This recipe combines classic comfort food with simple, fresh ingredients that create a hearty and delicious meal. The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy dumplings makes it a perfect one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug.

• Can I use different herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While thyme and rosemary work wonderfully, you can experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley. Just stick to herbs that complement chicken and add a nice earthy flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Chicken and dumplings reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The dumplings might absorb some broth, but they’ll still taste delicious when warmed up gently on the stovetop.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing vegetables and dropping dumpling dough. If you can stir and measure ingredients, you can definitely make this comforting dish.

Why Best Chicken And Dumplings Feels Like Home Cooking

• Comfort Food Champion: This chicken and dumplings recipe wraps you in a warm, hearty hug with its rich, satisfying flavors and tender chicken nestled in a creamy broth.
• Quick and Easy Homestyle Cooking: Whip up this one-pot wonder in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, using different herbs, or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the soul-warming essence of this traditional dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the pillowy dumplings and savory chicken, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings that bring everyone together around the table.

What You’ll Need For Best Chicken And Dumplings

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat providing hearty protein and main flavor base.
• Chicken Broth: Rich, flavorful liquid forming the soup's foundation, best when homemade or low-sodium.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend creating deep, aromatic soup base.
• Garlic: Adds robust, warm flavor and subtle complexity to the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Creates soft, airy dumpling texture with gentle rise.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind dumpling ingredients.
• Butter: Provides richness and tender quality to dumpling dough.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs offering earthy, woodsy undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced, enhanced flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for luxurious, velvety soup texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish adding bright color and fresh herbal note.

Steps To Make Best Chicken And Dumplings Quickly

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the kitchen fill with mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Soup Base

• Shredded chicken
• Fresh thyme
• Rosemary sprigs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 3: Whip Up Fluffy Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light and tender.

Step 4: Create Dumpling Clouds

Use a spoon to drop soft dollops of dough onto the simmering soup. Leave small spaces between each dumpling to let them expand and breathe.

Step 5: Steam Dumplings to Perfection

Cover the pot with a snug lid. Let dumplings steam for 12-15 minutes. Resist peeking – the trapped steam works magic to create puffy, cloud-like dumplings.

Step 6: Enrich the Broth

Swirl heavy cream into the soup for extra luxurious richness. Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s content.

Step 7: Serve and Comfort

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tips For Light, Fluffy Chicken And Dumplings

• Veggie Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like peas, zucchini, or green beans during the sautéing stage for more color and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb Creativity: Experiment with fresh herbs like sage or tarragon instead of thyme and rosemary to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate, adding fresh dumplings just before serving to maintain their perfect texture.
• Protein Power: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and convenient protein option that adds extra depth to the dish.

How To Store Best Chicken And Dumplings Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Carefully place leftovers in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months, avoiding dairy-based dumplings for best texture.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain dumpling softness.
• Microwave Caution: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven heating. Add extra broth to keep soup moist and prevent dumplings from becoming rubbery.

Best Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this classic Chicken and Dumplings dish, blending hearty flavors with creamy textures. Homemade goodness wraps you in warmth, promising a delightful journey through traditional Southern cooking.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs, Spices, and Dairy:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in a spacious pot with heated olive oil until the vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Introduce chicken broth and shredded chicken into the vegetable mixture, complementing the base with fragrant thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, melding the ingredients’ flavors for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gently incorporate milk and melted butter, stirring until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly lumpy dough without excessive mixing.
4. Create delicate dumpling pillows by carefully spooning the prepared dough onto the simmering soup’s surface, ensuring adequate spacing to accommodate their anticipated expansion during cooking.
5. Seal the pot with a snug lid, allowing the dumplings to steam and transform into fluffy clouds, requiring roughly 12-15 minutes of undisturbed cooking time to achieve perfect texture and doneness.
6. Enhance the soup’s richness by stirring in heavy cream, which will create a luxurious, velvety consistency. Taste and calibrate seasonings to personal preference, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Present the comforting dish by ladling the hearty soup into serving bowls, distributing dumplings generously. Optional fresh parsley garnish adds a vibrant touch to this classic, soul-warming meal.

Notes

• Enhance vegetable flavor by lightly caramelizing them before adding broth, which deepens the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for more robust, rich flavor compared to pre-shredded chicken, allowing natural juices to infuse the soup.
• Use cold milk and butter when mixing dumpling dough to create lighter, fluffier texture that prevents dense, heavy dumplings.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with alternative like almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining similar consistency and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg