Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes warm the soul quite like Chicken and Dumplings. This delightful dish combines succu chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy broth with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a little pick-me-up! Did you know that Chicken and Dumplings have been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations? This dish not only nourishes the body but also brings families together around the dinner table.

This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners. Plus, this dish is similar to other classic comfort foods like Chicken Pot Pie, but with the added fun of homemade dumplings! The great news is that anyone can achieve this heartwarming dish in no time. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Chicken and Dumplings!

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Ah, Chicken and Dumplings! One bite of this dish and you’re transported to Grandma’s kitchen, where the aroma of simmering chicken fills the air. But let’s take a moment to ponder: where does this name come from? Is it the chicken that makes it special? Or perhaps those fluffy dumplings? You might say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish surely wins hearts across the board. Some say it’s called “dumplings” because they often disappear before dinner is served! If you’ve never made this comforting dish, don’t fret—now is the perfect time to give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings

There are three main reasons you’ll fall in love with Chicken and Dumplings. First, the highlight of this dish is that velvety sauce that envelops each piece of chicken, combining comfort and flavor in every spoonful. Second, making this dish at home is a fantastic cost-saving alternative to takeout. You’ll save money while serving up a meal that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in restaurants. Finally, the fluffy dumplings that top off this dish are truly a game-changer; they soak up all that rich broth, creating an experience that’s nothing short of heavenly. If you enjoy Chicken Alfredo, you’ll appreciate the rich and comforting flavors in Chicken and Dumplings. What are you waiting for? Let’s make this culinary delight yourself!

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Quick Overview

Chicken and Dumplings are easy to whip up and deliver on flavor like no other. With a prep time of just about 10-15 minutes, you’ll soon have a simmering pot of aromatic goodness on your stove, ready to warm the hearts of your loved ones. Featuring a rich, creamy broth and airy dumplings, it’s a satisfying, filling meal that feels both hearty and homely.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

To make the delicious Chicken and Dumplings, you will need:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups celery, sliced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add butter, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Make the Broth Creamy: Once the vegetables are tender, add heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in milk (or water) until a thick batter forms.
5. Add Chicken Back to the Pot: Shred the previously cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
6. Add Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings have puffed up and cooked through.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

What to Serve Chicken and Dumplings With

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting stand-alone dish, but if you want to enhance the meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a side of cornbread to soak up the delightful sauce. A crisp or iced tea pairs perfectly with this dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dumplings.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken and Dumplings

To master this comfort food classic, here are a few tips you might find helpful:

• Substitutions: If you want a healthier version, consider using skinless chicken breasts, or swap out regular flour for whole wheat flour in the dumplings.
• Cook Timing: Ensure not to overcook the dumplings; 15 minutes is just right for them to puff and cook through.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t rush the simmering stage! This allows the flavors to intermingle beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, ensuring your comfort food is always at the ready!

Chicken and Dumplings is a dish that promises warmth, flavor, and family memories—a meal worth serving again and again. Try this recipe today, and watch your loved ones smile with every bite!

Chicken and Dumplings

A classic comfort food featuring succu chicken in a creamy broth, topped with fluffy dumplings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Broth

• 1 whole whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups celery, sliced

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• milk or water as needed milk (or water) until a thick batter forms
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add butter, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Once the vegetables are tender, add heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Cooking the Dumplings

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in milk (or water) until a thick batter forms.
2. Shred the previously cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
3. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings have puffed up and cooked through.

Serving

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

For a healthier version, consider using skinless chicken breasts or whole wheat flour in the dumplings. Avoid overcooking the dumplings to ensure they puff correctly.