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Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to comforting, heart-warming meals, Chicken and Dumplings stands in a league of its own. This classic dish combines tender chunks of chicken, a savory, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It's the perfect remedy for chilly evenings, rainy days, or anytime you need a little culinary comfort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Chicken Stew

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works well!)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

For the Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Drop Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering chicken stew. The dumplings should be about the size of a golf ball.
  • Cover and Simmer: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings.
  • Check Dumplings: After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are cooked through. They should be fluffy and no longer doughy inside.
  • Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf and give the stew a final stir.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve Hot: Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve warm for the ultimate cozy meal.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
  • Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for extra nutrients.
  • Crusty Bread: For those who love to dip, a warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Keyword comfort food