Homemade Chicken And Dumplings

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich and creamy broth. This warm and satisfying meal is perfect for chilly days and family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food that’s hearty and satisfying
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep
• Can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings
• A homemade meal that tastes better than store-bought

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Stew:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Carrots (chopped)
• Celery (chopped)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or milk
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Butter (melted)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
   • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
   • Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
   • Add chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until chicken is tender.
   • Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
   • Stir in heavy cream or milk and peas (if using).
2. Make the Dumplings:
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
3. Cook the Dumplings:
   • Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering stew.
   • Cover the pot and let dumplings cook for about 15 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through.
4. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Herb Dumplings: Add chopped parsley or chives to the dumpling dough.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the stew.
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, potatoes, or corn.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: 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 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze without the dumplings for up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shred a rotisserie chicken and add it to the broth for a quicker version.

How do I keep the dumplings from being dense?

Avoid overmixing the dough and let them steam in the covered pot.

Can I use biscuit dough instead of homemade dumplings?

Yes, canned biscuit dough can be cut into pieces and added to the stew.

How do I make the stew thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add dumplings in the last hour.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the most flavorful, but chicken breasts work as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the stew in advance and make the dumplings fresh when reheating.

What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?

A simple side salad or crusty bread complements this dish well.

Do the dumplings cook in the stew?

Yes, they steam and cook directly in the simmering broth, absorbing all the flavors.

Can I add cheese to the dumplings?

Yes! Mixing shredded cheese into the dumpling dough adds extra flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich and creamy chicken stew with tender dumplings. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Try different variations and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!

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