There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumplings on a chilly day. This hearty dish is filled with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings, all in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic meal or simply want a satisfying dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Make the Dumplings:
While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined to form a soft dough.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the dumpling dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering stew, spacing them out evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
5. Add Peas and Finish:
Once the dumplings are done, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls and enjoy this comforting dish hot!
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Options: You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs by simmering them in the broth until fully cooked, then shredding.
- Dumpling Size: Drop the dough in small spoonfuls to ensure the dumplings cook evenly and fluff up nicely.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans for variety.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy this classic dish with a few modifications:
- Use Almond Flour Dumplings: Replace the regular dumplings with a keto version made with almond flour, eggs, and cream cheese.
- Skip the Dumplings: Alternatively, you can skip the dumplings altogether and enjoy the stew as a low-carb chicken soup filled with vegetables and hearty broth.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: For a richer, creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or milk to the stew before dropping in the dumplings.
- Herb Dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stew for a little kick of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can make gluten-free dumplings by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
2. Can I make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Prepare the stew ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add the dumplings during the last hour of cooking, covering the pot until the dumplings are fully cooked.
3. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
While the chicken stew portion freezes well, the dumplings may not maintain their fluffy texture after freezing. It’s best to freeze the stew and make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to your table. With tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a savory broth filled with vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Whether you’re enjoying the traditional version or making keto adjustments, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
