Chicken and Dumplings – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
Few dishes scream comfort like Chicken and Dumplings. Creamy, hearty, and full of tender chicken pieces paired with fluffy homemade dumplings, this dish is perfect for chilly nights, cozy family dinners, or anytime you want that homemade warmth in a bowl.
The rich chicken broth, vegetables, and soft dumplings make every bite a delight. With just one pot, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Cook chicken: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sear until lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté 5 minutes until softened.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and shred.
- Make dumplings: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
- Add dumplings to pot: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto simmering broth, leaving space between each dumpling. Cover and simmer 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Finish: Check that dumplings are cooked through (lightly firm and fluffy). Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Do not lift lid while dumplings cook: This keeps them light and fluffy.
- Shred chicken finely: Ensures even distribution throughout the stew.
- Vegetable variations: Add peas or corn for extra sweetness.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread or biscuits for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Perfect for meal prep – reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic 5 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return chicken. Simmer 20 minutes, then shred chicken.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, stir in milk until combined to form dumpling dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto simmering stew. Cover and cook 15 minutes without lifting lid.
- Ensure dumplings are cooked through. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
- Dumplings may become slightly denser when refrigerated; reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth.
- Can be frozen without dumplings for up to 2 months; add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Variations
- Herb dumplings: Add fresh chives or parsley to dumpling dough.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the stew for warmth.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu and vegetable broth; dumplings remain the same.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes — cook slightly less time to prevent drying.
Can I make dumplings ahead of time?
Dumplings are best added fresh, but you can prep the dough in advance and store in the fridge for a few hours.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, then add dumplings in the last 30 minutes.
