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- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 3 celery stalks, sliced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup milk - Chopped fresh parsley - Crusty bread for serving When making Classic Chicken & Dumplings, gather all your ingredients first. This helps you stay organized. Start with the main ingredients for the soup. The olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the veggies. The onion and garlic create a nice base. Next, the carrots and celery add crunch and sweetness. Don’t forget the dried thyme and rosemary. They give the dish a warm, earthy taste. The chicken broth is the heart of the soup. It brings everything together. Use cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works great here. The frozen peas add color and pop to your meal. Now, let’s talk about dumplings. For these, you need flour, baking powder, and salt. The butter makes them rich and tasty. Milk gives them a soft texture. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is all about comfort, and these ingredients create just that. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 5 minutes. The onion should be soft and clear. - Next, add 3 sliced carrots and 3 sliced celery stalks. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. This adds great flavor. - Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mix to a gentle boil. - In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. - Mix in 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 cup of milk. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix. - Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering broth. You should have about 10 to 12 dumplings. - Cover the pot with a lid and cook the dumplings for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking. - Once cooked, gently stir the chicken and broth to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust if needed. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. It is already cooked and seasoned well. You can quickly shred it for your dish. To shred cooked chicken easily, use two forks. Hold one fork steady and pull the chicken apart with the other. This method works best when the chicken is warm. To make fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough. To check for fluffiness, look for a light and airy texture. The batter should hold its shape but not be too thick. Spices and herbs can boost the taste of your dish. I recommend using dried thyme and rosemary for a classic flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. When choosing broth, homemade is best for flavor. However, store-bought broth is a great option when you're short on time. Just look for low sodium versions to control salt levels. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves cooking time. Don't Overmix the Dumplings: When combining the dumpling ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure fluffy dumplings. Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking for the best flavor balance in your dish. Let Dumplings Steam: Keep the lid on while the dumplings cook to trap steam, ensuring they cook through properly. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier by switching to whole wheat flour for the dumplings. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, making your meal more filling. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. These veggies boost nutrition without much effort. To change the flavor, try adding different herbs and spices. Fresh parsley, dill, or even basil can brighten the dish. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a kick. These additions can make your chicken and dumplings more exciting and flavorful. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for the dumplings. Many brands offer good substitutes. For dairy-free variations, try almond milk or coconut milk in the dumpling mix. These changes keep the dish tasty while fitting different diets. To keep your chicken and dumplings fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. Make sure to use the leftovers within three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Portion them into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This keeps the flavors intact. For stovetop reheating, place the chicken and dumplings in a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently. This helps to warm them evenly without drying out. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. You can store chicken and dumplings in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, they last about three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for off smells, odd colors, or mold. If you see any of these, it's best to toss the dish. You can use vegetable broth, beef broth, or water with seasoning. Each option adds a unique taste. If you have homemade stock, that’s even better! Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to drop them into the simmering broth when ready to cook. Dumplings are done when they double in size and feel fluffy. You can also cut one open to check. If it’s cooked through, it’s ready! Rotisserie chicken is great for this dish. It saves time and adds flavor. You can also use boiled or roasted chicken that you shred at home. Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings. Store them in an airtight container. They last about three months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy! In this post, we covered how to make classic chicken and dumplings. We looked at the main ingredients and the steps to cook them right. I shared tips for choosing chicken and perfecting dumplings. You can also try flavor variations and healthier options. As you prepare this comforting dish, have fun experimenting with flavors and textures. Enjoy every scoop!

Comforting Chicken & Dumplings

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, followed by the minced garlic for an additional 1 minute.
  • Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and milk, and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken and broth—this recipe should yield about 10-12 dumplings. Cover the pot with a lid.
  • Allow the dumplings to cook for about 15-20 minutes, without lifting the lid, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
  • After the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the chicken and broth to combine everything. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls garnished with fresh parsley. A side of crusty bread pairs well.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, dumplings