Cozy Homestyle Chicken And Dumplings Recipe For Soul Warming

Comfort beckons with this classic chicken and dumplings recipe that warms hearts and soothes souls.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this hearty chicken and dumplings dish as a staple of home-cooked goodness.

Tender chicken simmers alongside pillowy dumplings, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers pure comfort.

Rich broth cradles soft, perfectly seasoned dough, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Every spoonful carries memories of family gatherings and leisurely Sunday dinners.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, soul-satisfying meal that connects generations.

Prepare to savor a timeless culinary experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Chicken And Dumplings

• Butter: Rich foundation that adds depth and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
• Onions: Aromatic base that provides sweet, savory undertones to the soup.
• Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Brings earthy, fresh flavor and crisp texture to the soup base.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that enhances overall taste profile.
• Flour: Crucial thickening agent that creates smooth, rich soup consistency.

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that delivers rich, deep flavor to the entire dish.
• Thyme: Classic herb that provides warm, slightly minty undertone.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and herbal freshness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the soup.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary dumpling component that creates soft, pillowy texture.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps dumplings rise and become light.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind dumpling ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and tenderness to dumpling dough.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that increases soup's luxurious creaminess.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Herbs: Optional seasonings that enhance dumpling flavor.

Kitchen Tools For Chicken And Dumplings

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for creating a rich, flavorful soup base and cooking dumplings.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables neatly and efficiently.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps combine dry dumpling ingredients and create a smooth mixture.
• Tablespoon or small cookie scoop: Ideal for dropping uniform dumpling portions into the soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results.

Steps To Make Chicken And Dumplings

• Launch Soup Base

Warm up a large pot and melt some butter until it sizzles. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, dancing them around until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Sprinkle minced garlic for an extra flavor punch. Dust the vegetables with flour, stirring constantly to create a golden base. Pour chicken broth smoothly, stirring until the mixture becomes silky. Add shredded chicken and a sprinkle of seasonings, letting everything bubble gently. Swirl in cream for luxurious richness if you’re feeling indulgent.

• Craft Fluffy Dumplings

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, creating a light and airy foundation. Pour in milk and melted butter, stirring just until everything comes together. The dough should look soft and inviting, promising pillowy comfort.

• Marry Soup and Dumplings

Gently plop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the magic happen for 12-15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up, transforming into clouds of deliciousness floating in a sea of savory goodness.

• Serve with Love

Scoop the steaming chicken and dumplings into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a final touch of brightness. Dive into this ultimate comfort meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tips To Perfect Chicken And Dumplings

• Perfect Soup Simmer Trick: Keep the heat low and steady when adding dumplings to prevent them from becoming tough or falling apart during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both soup base and dumpling recipes to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Options: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Protein Boost: Experiment with different protein sources like rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu for varied nutritional profiles and flavor experiences.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add additional seasonal vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers in the soup base.

Serving Chicken And Dumplings With Comfort

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the steaming chicken and dumplings in a large, rustic serving bowl at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own hearty portions.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add extra texture to the meal.
• Veggie Side Companion: Complement the dish with a light, crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to balance the richness of the main course.
• Comfort Meal Wine Match: Pair with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy, savory flavors of the chicken and dumplings.

Storage Tips For Chicken And Dumplings You’ll Love

• Fridge Fresh Strategies: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and safety.
• Cooling Technique: Allow dish to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm gently in a covered pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming dry or tough.
• Storage Timeline: Refrigerated chicken and dumplings stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinner leftovers.

Hearty Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern comfort classic chicken and dumplings deliver hearty warmth with tender meat and pillowy dumpling clouds. Home cooks can savor this traditional meal that connects generations through simple, satisfying ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 6 cups (1.4 l) chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or whole milk (for extra creaminess, optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
• ½ tsp dried parsley or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Base: Melt butter in a large pot, creating a golden foundation for the chicken and dumplings.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, then introduce minced garlic for an aromatic boost.
3. Thickening Stage: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat and eliminate raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
4. Soup Development: Blend in shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently, optionally enriching with a touch of heavy cream for added richness.
5. Dumpling Preparation: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Incorporate milk and melted butter, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough.
6. Dumpling Cooking: Delicately drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the simmering soup, covering with a lid and allowing them to steam and puff for 12-15 minutes.
7. Serving: Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley, ready to deliver ultimate comfort and warmth.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Dumplings: Mix dumpling ingredients gently and minimally to avoid developing gluten, which creates dense, chewy dumplings.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add broth gradually and whisk consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky soup base.
• Optimize Dumpling Placement: Drop dough spoonfuls without overcrowding, ensuring each dumpling has space to expand and cook evenly.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly dumplings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg