This homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. With a rich and creamy broth and big fluffy dumplings made from scratch in just minutes, this dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or any occasion where you want to impress. The combination of tender chicken and soft dumplings creates a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy broth is packed with flavor from fresh vegetables and herbs, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute or add vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults enjoys this classic dish, making it great for family meals.
- Comfort Food Classic: There’s something inherently comforting about Chicken and Dumplings that warms the heart and soul.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Chicken and Dumplings, having the right tools is essential. These kitchen essentials will help you create a delicious meal with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed pot: This distributes heat evenly, preventing burning while cooking the broth.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, enhancing your prep time.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
This homemade Chicken and Dumplings has a rich and creamy broth with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes!
For the Broth
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or half and half)
- 1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock (+1 extra cup of broth if using raw chicken)
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1.5 lbs raw, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- salt (to taste)
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
- 3/4 cup (6 oz) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Add flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly add evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent burning or lumps.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken:
1. Add an extra cup of chicken broth or water along with the raw chicken.
2. Simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken before returning it to the soup.
If using pre-cooked chicken:
1. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add in shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt.
3. Lower heat and let simmer uncovered while you prepare dumplings.
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, whole milk, and melted butter until just mixed.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover with a lid and let cook for about 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Dumplings!
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. It is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.
With Crackers or Bread
- Buttery Crackers: Serve with buttery crackers for a crunchy contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
With a Side Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance well with the dish.
With Pickles or Relish
- Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles cuts through the creamy texture.
- Relish Tray: Offer a variety of pickled vegetables for added crunch and flavor.
How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Perfecting Chicken and Dumplings involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Stock: A good chicken stock enhances the flavor significantly, making your broth richer.
- Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your dumplings fluffy and light.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding dumplings; let them cook in a gentle simmer for better texture.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for balanced flavors.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings
Complement your Chicken and Dumplings with these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal’s overall enjoyment.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic, these beans add a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside, tender inside; they bring earthiness to your plate.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover broth.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a satisfying companion to this hearty dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade Chicken and Dumplings can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong chicken: Opting for pre-cooked chicken can lead to a different flavor. Always choose raw skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best taste.
- Not stirring enough: When making the roux, it’s essential to stir constantly. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, creamy broth.
- Overcooking dumplings: If you boil dumplings for too long, they can become dense. Follow the cooking time closely for fluffy results.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning the broth can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Skipping the simmer step: Allowing the soup to simmer while preparing dumplings is crucial. It melds flavors and creates a rich broth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken and Dumplings
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken and Dumplings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to retain moisture; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm; stir occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring often until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Dumplings.
What is the best chicken to use for Chicken and Dumplings?
For optimal flavor, use raw skinless chicken breasts or thighs. This ensures tender meat that enhances the dish.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the broth ahead of time and add fresh dumplings when ready to serve.
How do I make my dumplings fluffier?
To achieve fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing when adding wet ingredients. Stir just until combined.
Can I customize my Chicken and Dumplings recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is comforting, creamy, and versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion where you crave warmth on your plate. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it truly your own!
Chicken and Dumplings
Experience the ultimate comfort of homemade Chicken and Dumplings, a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth combined with fluffy, made-from-scratch dumplings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this hearty meal is not only delicious but also adaptable to suit your tastes. With fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, every bite guarantees satisfaction. In under an hour, you can serve up this classic comfort food that everyone will love—making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- salt (to taste)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Add flour to the pot and stir constantly for one minute. Gradually pour in evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring until smooth.
- If using raw chicken, add it now along with an extra cup of broth and simmer for about 20 minutes; shred before returning it to the pot. For pre-cooked chicken, bring the mixture to a boil before adding the shredded chicken along with thyme and seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, thyme, whole milk, and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg