Coziest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that warms both belly and soul.

Generations of cooks passed down secrets for creating creamy, comforting goodness.

Tender chunks of chicken nestle between pillowy dough clouds, promising pure comfort.

Each spoonful whispers stories of home-cooked meals and loving care.

Grandmothers knew exactly how to turn simple ingredients into magic.

Rich broth promises deep flavor that lingers deliciously on your palate.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic southern treasure.

What Makes Chicken and Dumplings So Comforting

• Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings family together around the table.
• Packed with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Streamlines meal preparation by using a single pot, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients That Make It Warm and Filling

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds heartiness to the dish, best from roasted or rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation of the soup, provides rich and savory base for cooking.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor base that adds sweetness and depth, known as mirepoix in cooking.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor and warmth to the dish.

• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add earthy and bright notes to the chicken mixture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Optional ingredient for extra creaminess and smoothness.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Easily

Step 1: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Bloom Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its rich flavor.

Step 3: Create Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a golden base.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking until mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Introduce Protein

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Fresh parsley

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Enhance Creaminess

Optional: Stir in heavy cream or whole milk for extra luxurious texture.

Step 7: Prepare Fluffy Dumplings

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Butter

Gently drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into simmering chicken mixture.

Step 8: Cook Dumplings

Cover pot and let dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting lid. Dumplings are done when they appear puffy and cooked through.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings.

Tips for Light Dumplings and Flavorful Broth

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Dice carrots, onions, and celery uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced taste in every spoonful.
• Perfect Dumpling Texture: Mix dumpling dough gently to avoid overworking, which can make dumplings tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust broth thickness by adding more flour for a thicker sauce or more chicken broth for a lighter consistency.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried herbs to elevate the overall flavor profile of the chicken and dumplings.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional flour dumplings with cauliflower or almond flour dumplings for a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version of the classic dish.

Store and Reheat Like a Southern Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers, ensuring they're tightly sealed and will last up to 3 months.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, until heated thoroughly.
• Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to maintain the dumplings' texture and prevent uneven warming.

What Goes Great with Chicken and Dumplings

• Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken dish, cutting through its richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or buttermilk biscuits alongside the chicken and dumplings to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Prepare a bright green salad with apple cider vinegar dressing to balance the dish's heavy cream and provide a zesty, fresh counterpoint.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top to add a burst of color and light, aromatic flavor that lifts the entire comfort meal.

Recipe Changes You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional dumplings with cauliflower dumplings or use almond flour for a keto-friendly approach, reducing overall carbohydrate content.

Chicken and Dumplings FAQ

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Any cooked and shredded chicken works great- rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or chicken breasts you’ve boiled or baked are perfect for chicken and dumplings.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and make the dumplings.

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

Dumplings are done when they’re puffy, soft, and float to the top of the liquid, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes of simmering.

• Is this dish considered comfort food?

Absolutely! Chicken and dumplings is a classic southern comfort food that’s warm, hearty, and perfect for cold days or when you need a soul-warming meal.

Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern Chicken and Dumplings weave comfort through each spoonful of creamy, tender chicken nestled with pillowy dough. Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish that wraps pure warmth around hungry hearts.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)

Protein Base:

• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Thickening Agents:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Creamy Component:

• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (for extra creaminess, optional)

Dumpling Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)

Dumpling Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Warm the cooking vessel and melt the butter over medium temperature, creating a silky base for the aromatic foundation.
2. Introduce diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery into the melted butter, gently sautéing until the vegetables become tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to dance in the pan, releasing its robust fragrance for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Dust the softened vegetables with a delicate layer of flour, continuously stirring to eliminate any raw flour undertones and create a smooth, velvety texture.
5. Gradually cascade the chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, whisking methodically to ensure a seamless, lump-free consistency.
6. Fold in the tender, shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, aromatic thyme, and vibrant parsley, then allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding the flavors together.
7. For an indulgent touch, swirl in heavy cream or milk, transforming the dish into a luxuriously creamy comfort meal that warms the soul.

Notes

• Customize the recipe by using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the comforting texture and flavor.
• Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk to create a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still delivers rich creaminess.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or incorporating diced cooked white beans for a more substantial meal.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by tossing in additional seasonal vegetables like diced zucchini or chopped kale during the sautéing stage for added color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg