This Classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a cozy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights or whenever you’re in need of comfort food. This recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a family favorite!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pour in chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk and let it simmer while preparing the dumplings.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in parsley if desired.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let dumplings cook for 15 minutes.
- Add frozen peas to the stew and let them heat through for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for extra dipping.
- Pair with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Top with fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Cooking Tips:
- For thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew before adding dumplings.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Customize with vegetables like green beans or mushrooms.
- Cook dumplings on low heat to ensure they stay fluffy.
- Avoid overmixing dumpling batter for the best texture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in protein from the chicken, promoting muscle repair and growth.
- Vegetables provide essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and fiber.
- Calcium-rich cream adds to bone health.
- Whole ingredients make this dish a wholesome, filling meal.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- For dairy-free, replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Dumplings may soften upon reheating.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though dumpling texture may change.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for all seasons.
- The recipe is customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup easy.
- The dumplings are light, fluffy, and soak up all the delicious flavors of the stew.
Conclusion:
Classic Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. With its rich, creamy broth and tender dumplings, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. This dish is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and experience the ultimate comfort food!
10 Frequently Asked Questions with Answers:
- Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, cooked chicken can be shredded and added to the stew after the vegetables are cooked. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and adjust liquid as needed. - Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the stew will be less creamy. For richness, add 1 tbsp of cornstarch to the milk. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and cream with coconut milk or almond milk. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. - Can I add other herbs?
Absolutely! Dill, rosemary, or tarragon are great additions. - What if my dumplings are too dense?
Ensure the batter isn’t overmixed, and cook on low heat to keep them light and fluffy. - Can I use canned or frozen vegetables?
Yes, canned or frozen peas, carrots, or green beans work well as substitutes. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the stew in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low, then add dumplings for the last 30 minutes. - What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.