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Cozy Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

classic chicken and dumplings recipe - featured image

A warm, comforting chicken and dumplings dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • ½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond milk)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Poach raw chicken breasts in 2 cups water or broth until cooked through (about 15 minutes), then shred. If using rotisserie chicken, shred about 2 cups and set aside. Chop carrots, celery, and onion finely.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add flour to make a roux: Sprinkle 1 cup flour over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a thick paste.
  4. Slowly add chicken broth: Gradually pour in 4 cups chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Make the dumpling dough: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add ½ cup milk and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Add chicken and drop dumplings: Stir shredded chicken into the broth. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop small dollops of dumpling dough onto the simmering broth surface. Keep heat low.
  7. Cook dumplings: Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Check dumplings for doneness; cook a few minutes longer if needed.
  8. Finish and garnish: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while dumplings cook to keep them fluffy. Use fresh chicken broth for best flavor. Avoid overmixing dumpling dough to prevent toughness. If broth is too thick after cooking, stir in extra broth or water to loosen. For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, homemade dumplings, easy chicken recipe, cozy dinner, classic chicken soup