Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—perfectly satisfying, hearty, and full of flavor. This classic dish combines tender chicken with rich, flavorful broth, complemented by soft, fluffy dumplings. It’s a meal that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table, whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a family gathering. With its savory ingredients and simple preparation, this chicken and dumplings recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, shredded or cubed cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a creamier soup, add the heavy cream at this point and stir until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Add the milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense.
Step 3: Add Dumplings to the Soup
Once the soup base is simmering, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the pot. These will expand as they cook, so don’t worry if they seem small at first. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam in the simmering soup for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and have puffed up.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Garnish the soup with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness in every bite.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or cube the chicken, and you’ll save time while still achieving great flavor.
- Adjust the Broth: For a richer, more flavorful soup, you can use homemade chicken broth or add a little bit of chicken bouillon for extra depth.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or potatoes, to the soup to make it even heartier. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique twist.
- Fluffy Dumplings: Make sure not to overmix the dumpling batter, as this can make the dumplings heavy. Stir until just combined for the fluffiest dumplings.
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate feel-good meal that combines comforting, flavorful soup with tender, soft dumplings. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights at home, or whenever you need something hearty and delicious. The rich chicken broth, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings create a meal that’s both filling and incredibly satisfying.
This easy-to-make chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful.