Comfort in a Bowl: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home cooking quite like Chicken and Dumplings. This timeless comfort food combines tender, seasoned chicken with fluffy, buttery dumplings, all nestled in a rich, creamy broth packed with vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a culinary hug and delivers soul-satisfying flavor in every spoonful.

This version blends traditional technique with flavorful upgrades: a dash of Worcestershire and hot sauce adds depth, while half and half brings creamy richness. Fresh garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and peas ensure every bite has texture and freshness. And the dumplings? Soft, cloud-like pillows infused with garlic and butter that soak up the delicious broth perfectly.

Whether you’re warding off a winter chill or simply craving a hearty homemade meal, Chicken and Dumplings delivers all the coziness you need. It’s ideal for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to feed your loved ones something truly comforting and hearty. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and just a bit of kitchen love, this dish is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy, warm, and hearty, this dish is the definition of cozy.
2. One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Flavorful and Filling – A perfect balance of protein, vegetables, herbs, and carbs in every bite.
4. Fluffy Homemade Dumplings – These are tender, flavorful, and far better than any store-bought version.
5. Versatile and Customizable – Easy to tweak based on what’s in your pantry or your personal tastes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Broth

• Olive oil
• Bone-in, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Yellow onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Flour
• Chicken broth
• Chicken bouillon cube (optional)
• Half and half
• Frozen peas

Seasonings

• Onion powder
• Dried basil
• Dried parsley
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Mustard powder
• Ground sage
• Pepper

Dumplings

• Cake flour or all-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Sugar
• Cold sour cream
• Cold milk
• Melted butter

Variations

• Herb Dumplings: Add fresh parsley or chives to the dumpling mix for a bright herbaceous twist.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or corn to add more vegetables.
• Slow Cooker Version: Use a crockpot for a hands-off approach; just add dumplings at the end.
• Cream-Free Option: Use whole milk or more broth instead of half and half for a lighter version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt butter in the same pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add chicken bouillon if using.

Step 4: Simmer and Shred

Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Step 5: Add Cream and Peas

Pour in half and half and add the peas. Stir in all seasonings. Let simmer while preparing dumplings.

Step 6: Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Add sour cream and milk, then stir in melted butter to form a soft dough.

Step 7: Drop and Steam Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup. Cover and steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor, but remove bones before serving.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough; keep it light and just combined.
• Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook—steam is key!
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, especially salt and pepper.
• If the broth gets too thick, thin with a splash of broth or milk.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken and Dumplings hot in generous bowls. It pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or biscuits
• A fresh green salad for contrast
• Pickled vegetables or slaw
• A glass of white wine or iced tea

This dish is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dumplings may continue to absorb broth, so you can add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

Freeze the chicken and broth without dumplings for best results. Reheat and make fresh dumplings before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. How do I know when dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and no longer doughy in the center—cut one open to check.

3. Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh, but you can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for both the soup and dumplings, though texture may vary slightly.

5. What if my broth is too thick?

Add a bit more chicken broth or milk to loosen it.

6. Can I substitute milk for half and half?

Yes, but the result will be slightly less rich.

7. How spicy is it?

Mildly spicy with a dash of hot sauce—you can omit it or add more to suit your taste.

8. Can I add potatoes?

Yes, diced potatoes work well—add them early so they cook through.

9. Why are my dumplings dense?

Overmixing or not steaming properly can lead to dense dumplings. Mix gently and cover while cooking.

10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes—simmer all ingredients (except dumplings) on low for 6-8 hours. Add dumplings for the last hour.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a warm reminder of home. With tender chicken, a creamy herb-laced broth, and soft, buttery dumplings, this recipe delivers everything you crave in a comfort dish. Whether you’re making it on a quiet weeknight or for a crowd, it’s sure to leave everyone satisfied. Simple, wholesome, and deeply comforting—this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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