Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted

Highlighted under: Homestyle Treats

When I think of comfort food, chicken and dumplings instantly come to mind. This dish wraps me in warmth with every bite, blending the savory flavors of chicken with the soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the rich broth. I love how this recipe combines simple ingredients into something truly heartwarming. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever I need a little pick-me-up. The aroma that fills my kitchen as this cooks is pure bliss, promising a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug.

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-06T17:33:37.896Z

I've always cherished the joyful moments spent around the dinner table with family, and chicken and dumplings has been a staple during those gatherings. I experimented with various recipes and found that the secret to a great dumpling is to not overmix the batter. The fluffy texture comes from gently folding the ingredients, ensuring they stay light and airy.

This recipe is also versatile; I often add a splash of cream or some fresh herbs to boost the flavors. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that something so comforting can be made so simply, and it never fails to impress my loved ones.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and rich flavors that warm the soul
Fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth
Perfectly seasoned broth that's comforting and satisfying

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to enhancing the flavor of your chicken and dumplings lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality chicken will make a noticeable difference in the broth's richness. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great alternative that still provides tender meat and depth of flavor. For the vegetables, consider using organic carrots and celery to enhance the dish's natural sweetness and freshness. These ingredients not only contribute to the overall taste but also bring a variety of nutrients to your meal.

The choice of flour for your dumplings is equally important. All-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness, allowing the dumplings to rise beautifully without becoming dense. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free blend, but remember that the texture may vary slightly. Additionally, incorporating herbs like dill or thyme into the dumpling mixture can elevate the flavors and add aromatic notes to this comforting dish.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Achieving the perfect texture for your dumplings is a matter of timing and temperature control. When adding the dumplings to the broth, ensure the broth is gently simmering rather than rapidly boiling, which can cause the dumplings to disintegrate. Keeping the pot covered while they cook is crucial; this traps steam and ensures the dumplings cook evenly. Aim for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid—if done correctly, they should be fluffy and cooked through. If you check too often, you risk uneven cooking.

Another important tip is to mix the dumpling batter just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough dumplings, so use a gentle hand when stirring in the wet ingredients. The batter should be thick but still drop easily from a spoon. If your batter seems too dry, a splash more milk can help. For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your comforting chicken and dumplings:

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken into the pot, allowing it to heat through for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.

Add Dumplings to Broth

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, making sure they are spaced apart. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Take your time to enjoy every hot bowl of this comforting dish!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley into your broth as it simmers. You can also use leftover turkey for a delicious variation.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the dumplings' texture, it’s best to separate them from the broth before storing, as they tend to absorb liquid and become overly soft over time. For long-term storage, you can freeze the chicken and broth separately; this will help preserve the freshness of the dish. When reheating, add a splash of broth to the pot to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat on low heat on the stovetop, stirring gently. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more broth or milk. For microwave reheating, warm in short intervals to prevent overcooking. The chicken should be heated through in about 2-3 minutes, and the dumplings should regain their fluffiness by steaming alongside the heated broth.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a complete meal, consider serving your chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed greens like green beans or broccoli, which will add color and nutrients to your plate. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for an added layer of freshness. If you want to elevate this dish even further, try incorporating different vegetables—like peas or corn—into the pot for additional texture and sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with flavor variations by adding curry powder or cayenne pepper to the broth for a spicy kick. You can also switch up the protein; replacing chicken with refrigerated or cooked sausage gives a delightful twist. For a heartier version, add in potatoes during the broth preparation, allowing them to become tender. Whatever twist you choose, this dish remains a comforting staple, easily adapted to your tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great and can save prep time. Just add them to the broth at the same time as fresh ones.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little added broth or water.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the dumplings.

→ Is it possible to make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken broth and dumplings ahead of time. Just assemble and cook when you're ready to eat for the best texture.