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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the cooking vessel and melt the butter over medium temperature, creating a silky base for the aromatic foundation.
- 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.
- Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to dance in the pan, releasing its robust fragrance for approximately 30 seconds.
- Dust the softened vegetables with a delicate layer of flour, continuously stirring to eliminate any raw flour undertones and create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Gradually cascade the chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, whisking methodically to ensure a seamless, lump-free consistency.
- 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.
- 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