Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Chicken and Dumplings. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Hearty and Filling : Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft dumplings, this dish is a complete meal in a bowl.
- Comfort Food at Its Best : The creamy broth and fluffy dumplings create a soothing, soul-warming experience.
- Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or extra veggies to tailor it to your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder : Minimal cleanup makes this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or guests, everyone will love this comforting classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up this comforting, one-pot wonder? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Thicken the Broth (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the flour into the milk or cream before adding it to the pot. Stir in the milk mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broth has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Make the Dumplings
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Drop the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of Chicken and Dumplings lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The tender chicken and creamy broth provide a hearty base, while the fluffy dumplings add a light, pillowy contrast. Together, these elements create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
