Heartwarming Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Nights

Southern kitchens burst with warmth when this classic chicken and dumplings recipe starts simmering on the stove.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this hearty dish that blends tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings into pure comfort.

Flavorful broth swirls around delicate dumpling clouds, creating a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Rustic and satisfying, this recipe carries memories of grandmother’s kitchen and lazy Sunday afternoons.

Each spoonful delivers rich, creamy goodness that wraps you in culinary nostalgia.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms into something magical on your plate.

Dive into this timeless southern classic that promises to soothe and delight with every comforting bite.

Ways to Serve Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings in large, deep bowls that showcase the rich, creamy broth and fluffy dumplings. Pair with crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the sauce.
• Rustic Comfort Plate: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add a small side salad with crisp greens to balance the creamy main dish and provide a fresh contrast.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Create a warm, inviting table setting with rustic farmhouse-style dishes. Serve with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider for a complete comfort food experience that brings everyone together.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Store any remaining chicken and dumplings in an airtight container. Reheat gently the next day, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore the creamy consistency and bring back the original delicious flavors.

Storage Tips for Chicken and Dumplings Leftovers

• Smart Storage Strategies: Transfer leftover chicken and dumplings into airtight containers, ensuring tight seals to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Cool the dish completely before refrigerating, which helps preserve texture and flavor. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dumplings separate from liquid to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezing Finesse: Separate liquid and dumplings before freezing to maintain best quality. Store in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen dishes remain delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Recommendations: Thaw refrigerated or frozen dishes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming, bringing the dish back to its original comforting consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that forms the hearty base of the dish, best when using fresh, boneless chicken breasts for maximum flavor and easy cutting.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle, earthy depth to the chicken broth, enhancing overall taste complexity.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect sautéing medium with a hint of fruity richness.
• Butter: Provides creamy depth and helps create a silky roux.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend that builds a robust flavor foundation.
• Thyme: Introduces an aromatic, slightly minty herb note to complement the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a quick, concentrated burst of savory seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and balance all other flavors.

• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, deeply flavored base for the entire dish.
• Half and Half: Brings creamy smoothness and luxurious texture.
• Frozen Peas: Adds sweet, bright green color and subtle vegetal freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a crisp, clean herbal finish and vibrant color.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.

Tools That Help Make Chicken and Dumplings Easier

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire dish and creating rich, layered flavors.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring vegetables, making roux, and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like flour, half and half, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables, parsley, and preparing chicken pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Helps in precisely cutting chicken and finely chopping herbs and vegetables.
• Ladle or Large Spoon: Useful for dropping dumpling batter and serving the final dish.

Cooking Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Smoothly

• Chicken Preparation

Brown chicken pieces in a pot with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until golden.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté carrots, celery, and onions in the same pot, infusing with thyme until vegetables become tender and fragrant.

• Creamy Base

Create a silky roux by melting butter and gently incorporating flour, then slowly whisk in chicken stock and cream to develop a rich, smooth sauce.

• Flavor Layering

Return chicken to the pot, add a bay leaf, and let everything simmer together, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Dumpling Magic

Mix flour, baking powder, and parsley to create soft dumpling batter. Gently drop spoonfuls into the simmering liquid, covering the pot to let dumplings steam and puff up.

• Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh parsley and frozen peas into the pot, creating a vibrant and comforting dish that warms from the inside out.

Flavor Boosters for Chicken and Dumplings

• Dumpling Delights: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or chives to add unique flavor profiles to your dumplings.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu for a quick weeknight version.
• Veggie Boost: Expand your vegetable mix by adding mushrooms, leeks, or diced sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamy Twist: Replace half and half with coconut milk for a dairy-free option or add a splash of white wine for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Texture Tricks: For extra-fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your liquid is at room temperature before combining ingredients.

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Heartwarming chicken and dumplings bring Southern comfort to kitchen tables with classic flavors. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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• ½ to ¾ lb boneless chicken fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped for stew
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for dumplings
• ½ tbsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dry thyme
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for dumplings
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup half and half
• ½ cup half and half for dumplings

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in heated olive oil within a large soup pot until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Utilize the same pot to sauté carrots, celery, and onions with thyme, allowing vegetables to soften and release their intrinsic sweetness, creating a robust aromatic base.
3. Liquid Creation: Melt butter and transform the vegetable mixture into a smooth roux by incorporating flour. Gradually pour chicken stock and half and half, stirring continuously to develop a creamy, luxurious consistency. Reintroduce browned chicken, add bay leaf, and simmer gently.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate frozen peas and fresh parsley, allowing ingredients to harmonize and infuse the liquid with vibrant, complementary tastes.
5. Dumpling Construction: Blend flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley in a separate bowl. Incrementally mix in half and half to form a light, pillowy batter with a tender texture.
6. Final Assembly: Delicately drop dumpling portions into the simmering pot, ensuring even spacing. Cover and steam until dumplings expand and become perfectly cooked, absorbing the rich, multilayered flavors of the surrounding liquid.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Thoroughly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure optimal browning and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
• Roux Mastery: Stir constantly while creating roux to prevent burning and achieve a golden, nutty flavor without scorching.
• Dumpling Texture Secret: Avoid overmixing dumpling batter to keep dumplings light and tender, preventing a dense, tough consistency.
• Simmering Technique: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking dumplings; aggressive boiling can cause them to break apart or become rubbery.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg