Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing says cozy like a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This classic comfort dish wraps tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth—a hug in a bowl for chilly days, family dinners, or any time you crave warmth and nostalgia.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressively flavorful. With a little simmering and stirring, you’ll have a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken and broth:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¾ cup milk

Optional for thickening:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cook the chicken
   In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 20–25 minutes.
2. Shred the chicken
   Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot.
3. Prepare dumpling batter
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Add dumplings to the pot
   Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering broth. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while they cook to keep them fluffy.
5. Optional thickening
   If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Serve warm
   Ladle chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Tender chicken: Use thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat.
• Fluffy dumplings: Don’t overmix the dough; gentle folding keeps them light.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Recipe Variations

• Herb twist: Add rosemary or sage for extra depth of flavor.
• Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup cream or half-and-half at the end for richer broth.
• Vegetable boost: Include peas, green beans, or corn for added color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Pair with a light side salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a bright finish.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and filled with love. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a family dinner, or a cozy weekend treat, this dish will bring comfort and smiles to your table. Make it fresh, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every cozy bite.