Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food
- Rich, creamy, and satisfying
- Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings
- Perfect for cold weather meals
- Great for family dinners
- One-pot convenience
- Easy to customize with vegetables and herbs
- Makes excellent leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Stew
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Directions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew.
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check that the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Southern Chicken and Dumplings: Use rolled flat dumplings instead of drop dumplings.
- Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings: Add peas, corn, or green beans.
- Herb Dumplings: Mix fresh parsley, thyme, or chives into the dumpling dough.
- Rotisserie Chicken Version: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Lighter Version: Replace the heavy cream with milk.
- Turkey and Dumplings: Substitute leftover turkey for the chicken.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for both the stew and dumplings.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
The stew freezes well, but dumplings may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the stew separately and prepare fresh dumplings when serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
FAQs
What are dumplings made of?
Traditional dumplings are made from flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and seasonings.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.
Why shouldn’t I lift the lid while the dumplings cook?
Keeping the lid closed traps steam, which helps the dumplings cook properly and become fluffy.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They should be puffed up and fully cooked in the center when tested with a toothpick.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, though the dumplings are best when freshly cooked.
Why is my stew too thick?
Add extra chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, corn, mushrooms, and green beans are excellent additions.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream substitutes.
What herbs work best?
Thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage all complement the dish beautifully.
Is Chicken and Dumplings a soup or a stew?
It falls somewhere between the two, with a thick, hearty broth and substantial dumplings.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort food that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings into one satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, cold-weather evenings, or whenever you crave homemade comfort, this classic recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and always comforting, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.
PrintChicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty comfort food classic featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy broth. This one-pot meal is warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew.
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check that the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while the dumplings cook, as trapped steam helps them become light and fluffy.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for a quick and convenient version.
- Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the stew separately and prepare fresh dumplings when serving for best texture.
- Add extra broth when reheating if the stew becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
