Fluffy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe That Warms the Soul

Comfort arrives with this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish for its soul-satisfying simplicity.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of creating tender, fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Rich broth mingles with succulent chicken pieces, creating a symphony of flavors that speaks directly to your hunger.

Creamy and robust, this meal promises to chase away any lingering chill or tough day.

Soft pillowy dumplings nestle among savory chicken chunks, making each spoonful a delightful journey of pure comfort.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this incredible culinary embrace to your dinner table tonight.

Chicken and Dumplings That Feel Like a Hug

• Customize with Ease: Adapt this recipe by swapping chicken thighs for breasts or adding your favorite herbs to personalize the flavor profile.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave hearty home-style cooking.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that delivers maximum flavor and minimal dish washing, making it a go-to for tired home cooks.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delight both kids and adults with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, warming broth that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

Ingredients to Make Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of this comforting dish.

• Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatics that add sweetness and depth to the broth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and thickness for the soft, fluffy dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings and the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for cooking the chicken and dumplings.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dumpling ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the tender texture of the dumplings.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.

How to Cook Chicken and Dumplings to Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown seasoned chicken thighs until they develop a golden color, cooking for about five minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

In the same pot, sauté chopped carrots and celery until they become tender and slightly softened, which takes approximately three minutes.

Step 3: Build the Broth Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Browned chicken

Pour chicken broth into the pot and return the previously cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Craft Fluffy Dumplings

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Melted butter

Mix ingredients until the batter becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Cook Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter directly into the simmering broth.

Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes without removing the lid.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Use a toothpick to check dumpling doneness.

When the toothpick comes out clean, the dumplings are ready. Serve the dish piping hot, with extra broth ladled over the top.

Helpful Tips for Smooth and Tender Chicken and Dumplings

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier eating.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy exterior.
• Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional value in the dish.
• Allow dumpling mixture to rest briefly before dropping into broth for lighter texture.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Flavorful Twists on Classic Chicken and Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour for dumpling base; use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure complete allergen-free meal.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk; use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for dumpling mixture.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth; season tofu with herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional flour dumplings with cauliflower dumplings by mixing riced cauliflower with eggs and cheese; serve with lean chicken breast for protein-packed meal.

Pairings That Go Well with Chicken and Dumplings

• Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the hearty chicken and rich dumpling flavors, cutting through the creamy texture with its balanced acidity.
• Create a light mixed green salad with fresh parsley, thyme, and a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the warm, comforting chicken and dumplings, adding brightness to the meal.
• Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay that enhances the dish's subtle buttery notes while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dense dumpling texture.
• Serve warm, crusty bread with roasted garlic to soak up extra broth, adding another layer of rustic flavor and providing a perfect textural complement to the soft dumplings.

Best Ways to Store Chicken and Dumplings Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep chicken and dumplings in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Dumplings might become slightly softer when thawed.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Are dumplings difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, milk, and butter. The key is mixing the batter until smooth and dropping spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re well-seasoned and browned before adding to the broth for maximum flavor.

• How do I know if my dumplings are cooked properly?

Insert a toothpick into a dumpling. If it comes out clean without wet batter, your dumplings are done. They should look fluffy and feel light when touched.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

No special skills required! This recipe is beginner-friendly and follows straightforward steps. Anyone can create delicious chicken and dumplings with basic cooking techniques.

Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern chicken and dumplings comfort classic delivers hearty, creamy goodness straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Warm, tender chicken nestles with pillowy dumplings in a rich, soul-satisfying broth you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6 cups (1.4 l) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, then thoroughly brown seasoned chicken thighs for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring a golden exterior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, gently sauté chopped carrots and celery until they become tender and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and reintroduce the browned chicken pieces. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
4. Prepare dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth, consistent texture without lumps.
5. Using a spoon, carefully drop dollops of dumpling batter directly into the simmering broth, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, maintaining a low simmer. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes to allow dumplings to steam and develop.
7. After cooking time, test dumpling doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are fully cooked.
8. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has ample broth. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating without struggling with bones.
• When browning chicken, ensure a golden-brown crust by avoiding overcrowding the pot and maintaining medium-high heat for maximum flavor development.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend in dumpling mixture, keeping the same liquid proportions.
• Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during sautéing vegetables can elevate the overall taste profile and introduce subtle aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg