why make this recipe

This Chicken & Dumplings recipe gives warm comfort in one pot. It uses simple food and small effort. It feeds a family and makes good leftovers. You can change it to fit your time and taste.

introduction

Chicken and dumplings is a soft, warm stew with chunks of chicken and pillowy dumplings in a rich broth. It is easy to make and fills the house with a homey smell. If you want a slow-cooked option, try the easy crockpot chicken and dumplings for a hands-off version.

how to make Chicken & Dumplings

Cook the chicken and make a clear broth. Add vegetables and thicken the broth slightly. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering liquid. Cover and let the dumplings cook until they puff and stay soft. Finish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Ingredients :

2 pounds chicken (thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless)
6 cups chicken broth or stock
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or a slurry of flour and water to thicken

Directions :

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown it lightly in a large pot with butter or oil for 4–5 minutes per side if desired. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth and thyme. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook 20–30 minutes if using boneless chicken, or 35–40 minutes for bone-in, until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken. Let it cool slightly, then shred or cut into bite-size pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.
If you want a thicker broth, stir in a little cream or mix 1–2 tablespoons flour with cold water and add to the simmering broth. Cook 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Make the dumpling batter: in a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and egg until combined. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Check one dumpling to make sure it is cooked through. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot.

how to serve Chicken & Dumplings

Serve in deep bowls while hot. Add extra parsley on top. Offer crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. This dish is best warm and fresh.

how to store Chicken & Dumplings

Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth or water if the dumplings absorb too much liquid.

tips to make Chicken & Dumplings

Use bone-in chicken for more flavor; remove bones before adding back to the pot.
Do not overmix the dumpling batter; this keeps dumplings light.
Simmer gently after adding dumplings; a hard boil can break them up.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
If dumplings overcook in the fridge, refresh them with a little steam when reheating.

variation (if any)

Crockpot: Cook chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker, then add dumplings in the last hour (use a thicker batter for best results).
Biscuit-style: Use refrigerated biscuit dough cut into pieces instead of batter.
Additions: Stir in peas, corn, or potatoes for more vegetables.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dumplings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Yes. Shred the cooked chicken and add it near the end to warm through.

Q: My dumplings are dense. What went wrong?
A: You probably overmixed the batter or used too much flour. Mix gently and briefly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use oil instead of butter and plant milk instead of dairy milk. Skip cream or use a dairy-free substitute.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a little broth or water and stir gently until hot.

Q: Can I freeze the dumplings and broth together?
A: Yes, but dumplings may change texture after freezing. For best texture, freeze the broth and add fresh dumplings when reheating.