Cozy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Homestyle Comfort in a Bowl

Southern comfort shines through in this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down techniques that make it truly special.

Tender chicken simmers gently in a rich, creamy broth that beckons you to the table.

Soft, pillowy dumplings float delicately across the surface, soaking up layers of savory flavor.

Each spoonful carries the nostalgia of home-cooked meals and Sunday suppers.

Comforting and soul-satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a ladle and let the culinary magic begin.

Dumplings and Chicken – Classic Southern Hug in a Bowl

• Comfort Food Champion: This classic dish wraps you in warmth with its hearty chicken and pillowy dumplings, delivering pure culinary comfort straight to your table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requiring just a few simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks to create a delicious meal without stress.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing everything in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor while saving precious kitchen time and energy.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gathering loved ones around a satisfying, nourishing meal.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: A tender, shredded protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the rich foundation for the chicken and dumplings.
• Mixed Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables that add depth and nutrition to the recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the dumplings become light and fluffy.
• Milk: A liquid that binds the dumpling ingredients and adds moisture.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that enhances the flavor and texture of the dumplings.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Poach Chicken in Liquid Gold

Submerge whole chicken pieces into a rich, flavorful broth.

Gently simmer until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Once cooked, remove chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Transform Vegetables into Flavor Bombs

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots

Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a delicious foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Reunite Chicken with Vegetable Companions

Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

Pour in the remaining broth, creating a luxurious base for the upcoming dumplings.

Step 4: Craft Pillowy Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Milk
• Melted butter

Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

The mixture should look light and promising.

Step 5: Carefully Drop Dumpling Clouds

Using a spoon, gently drop dollops of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth.

Make sure they’re evenly distributed across the surface.

Step 6: Steam and Transform Dumplings

Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam and cook.

They’ll puff up and become wonderfully fluffy, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth.

Step 7: Season and Serve with Love

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle the steaming chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a perfect mix of tender chicken, vegetables, and cloud-like dumplings.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Dumplings

• Pull chicken apart using two forks for perfect, tender shreds that absorb more flavor from the broth.
• Use a mix of carrots, celery, and onions for a deeper, more complex flavor profile in your chicken and dumplings.
• Don't overmix the dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme into the broth for an extra layer of aromatic goodness that elevates the entire dish.

Chicken and Dumpling Variations

• Vegetarian Dumpling Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornstarch to thicken the broth, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Substitute traditional dumplings with cauliflower rice dumplings and use lean turkey or rotisserie chicken for a lighter, protein-packed meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add green chiles, cumin, and cilantro to the broth, using shredded rotisserie chicken and creating a zesty regional adaptation of the classic recipe.

Serving Up Chicken and Dumplings

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings in large, rustic ceramic bowls that showcase the comforting meal's rich colors and textures.
• Herb Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the creamy broth and adds visual appeal.
• Comfort Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or buttered crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth and create a complete, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Use any remaining chicken and dumplings as a filling for pot pies or as a topping for homemade biscuits the next day, extending the deliciousness.

Storage Guide for Chicken and Dumplings

• Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Add extra broth if mixture seems dry. Stir carefully to maintain dumpling texture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Are dumplings difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, milk, and butter. The dough comes together quickly and you just drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even turkey as a substitute. Just make sure the meat is shredded and tender.

• How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings will look puffy and fluffy, and they’ll float to the top of the broth. Usually this takes about 10-15 minutes of simmering with the lid on.

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this classic Chicken and Dumplings dish, offering hearty warmth with tender chicken and pillowy dough. Grandma’s treasured recipe delivers rich, creamy goodness you’ll savor down to the last comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves

Dumpling and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Poach chicken in rich, flavorful broth until meat becomes tender and easily separates, then carefully shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a separate pan, gently sauté chopped vegetables until they become translucent and slightly softened, releasing their natural aromatics.
3. Combine shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables in the warm broth, creating a harmonious base for the comforting dish.
4. Prepare dumpling mixture by blending flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter into a soft, slightly sticky dough with minimal handling.
5. Using a spoon, delicately drop dollops of dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, ensuring even spacing for proper cooking.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow dumplings to steam and expand for approximately 15 minutes at a gentle simmer.
7. Verify dumplings are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick, which should come out clean and dry.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
9. Ladle the steaming chicken and dumplings into warm bowls, serving immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Choose a rich, homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor complexity and more authentic taste.
• Swap traditional vegetables with seasonal produce like parsnips or leeks for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg