Chicken and Dumplings

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings in a creamy, flavorful broth. Made in one pot, it’s a comforting and filling meal perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cold-weather comfort food. With simple ingredients and rich seasoning, this classic Southern dish delivers a warm and satisfying experience in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste (Better Than Bouillon base)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

For the Dumplings:

• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, and onion, and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the butter and flour, whisking for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bouillon, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Add thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and set aside.
4. Finish the Soup Base:
   Stir in the evaporated milk and peas. Let simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
5. Make the Dumplings:
   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center, then add milk, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Cook the Dumplings:
   Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Drop teaspoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Cover and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Check one dumpling for doneness (it should be fluffy and cooked through). Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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Tips

• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough; it should be slightly sticky for light, tender dumplings.
• Keep the pot covered while cooking the dumplings to ensure even steaming.
• Use evaporated milk for a creamy texture without making the broth too heavy.
• Adjust seasoning before serving for the perfect balance of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add corn, green beans, or mushrooms for more texture.
• Protein Options: Substitute turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh thyme or parsley for a brighter flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and oil instead of butter and cream.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add dumplings just before serving.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, but freeze the soup without dumplings. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Why are my dumplings dense?
Overmixing the dough or removing the lid too soon while cooking can make dumplings heavy. Handle the dough gently and keep the lid on during simmering.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or homemade biscuits.
• Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
• Add a side of mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is creamy, hearty, and comforting—perfect for cozy dinners or cold-weather meals. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and flavorful broth, it’s a classic one-pot meal that combines rich taste with simple preparation.