Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
Introduction
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, classic dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a hearty, homemade meal.
Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a rich, creamy broth with soft, pillowy dumplings floating on top.
This dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Make the Broth: Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking; the steam helps the dumplings cook evenly.
- Add Cream: Once dumplings are cooked through, stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed, but do not boil.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, ensuring each serving gets tender dumplings and plenty of creamy chicken.
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Dumplings dish is a hearty, one-pot meal where tender chicken meets creamy, flavorful broth and soft, fluffy dumplings.
Every spoonful provides a balance of savory chicken, sweet carrots, and the irresistible comfort of homemade dumplings.
Perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or any time you want a cozy, satisfying meal.
Tips
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or cook and shred your own.
- Dumplings: Avoid stirring while they cook to keep them fluffy.
- Vegetables: You can add peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
- Thickness: For a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little water and stir into the broth before adding dumplings.
Corrections / Common Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the dumplings; they can become dense.
- Make sure the broth simmers gently; boiling can break apart dumplings.
- Stir in cream at the end, not during boiling, to prevent curdling.
Enjoy!
Serve your creamy chicken and dumplings hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a full, comforting meal.
It’s the kind of dish that warms hearts as much as it fills bellies!
