Quick chicken and dumplings recipe for happy weeknight dinners

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table. Picture tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Fluffy, homemade dumplings float atop this delightful concoction, soaking up all the delicious flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this heartwarming dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Gather your loved ones and let the delightful aroma fill your home, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Table of Contents
chicken and dumplings recipe

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chef Jasper
Savor the warmth of our chicken and dumplings recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For simmering the chicken mixture.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing the dumpling dough.

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken Shredded or diced.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Or chicken broth for more flavor.

Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables Like carrots and peas.
  • 1 cup carrots Chopped.
  • 1 cup celery Chopped.
  • 1 cup onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.

Dumpling Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For dumplings.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder For fluffiness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper To taste.
  • 1/4 cup butter Cut into small pieces.
  • 1 cup milk For creaminess.

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup parsley Chopped, for garnish.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential seasonings.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Collect 2 cups of cooked chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like carrots and peas).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

  • In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

  • In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Stir in the milk until just combined.

Step 4: Drop the Dumplings

  • Once the chicken mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread out as they cook!

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

  • Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek; they need that steam to rise!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Enjoy the cozy goodness!

Notes

Essential nutrition facts per serving:
NutrientAmount
Calories350
Fat15g
Protein20g
Carbs35g
Keyword chicken, dumplings, comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul.
  • Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any night of the week.
  • Hearty and filling, perfect for family gatherings.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies for added flavor.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Category:Main Dish
Cuisine:American
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Dietary:Nut-Free
Serves:4-6 people
Best Served:Hot

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • Chicken – A tender protein that forms the heart of the dish.
  • Vegetable broth – A flavorful base that adds depth without using meat.
  • Carrots – Sweet and colorful, they enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
  • Celery – Adds a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor to the mix.
  • Onion – Provides a savory foundation for the broth.
  • Garlic – Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
  • Flour – Essential for thickening the broth and making dumplings.
  • Baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
  • Milk – Adds creaminess to the dumplings and broth.
  • Butter – Enhances flavor and richness in the dumplings.
  • Parsley – Fresh herbs for garnish and a pop of color.
  • Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Ingredients for chicken and dumplings including chicken, vegetables, and spices on a wooden table.
All the fresh ingredients needed for a delicious chicken and dumplings recipe.

How to Make the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Get ready to create a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings that will make your heart sing!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect 2 cups of cooked chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like carrots and peas).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

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

Step 4: Drop the Dumplings

Once the chicken mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread out as they cook!

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek; they need that steam to rise!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Enjoy the cozy goodness!

A pot of chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove, with steam rising and a wooden spoon.
A warm bowl of chicken and dumplings ready to be served.

Pro Tips for Making the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

•Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of flavor.
•For extra richness, add a splash of chicken broth to the dumpling dough.
•Don’t rush the simmering process; let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.
•If you prefer a lighter dumpling, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt.
•Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

  • Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
  • Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
  • Include steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
  • Offer a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
  • Serve in individual bowls for a cozy presentation.
  • Garnish with green onions for a fresh crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion the chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently.
• Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture if needed.
• Heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

For More Recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They add richness to the broth. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too, just be mindful not to overcook them.

Can I make dumplings from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade dumplings are simple to make with flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Just mix until combined and drop them into the simmering broth for a delightful, fluffy texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a comforting dish everyone can enjoy!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Store them separately from the dumplings. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add fresh dumplings for the best texture and flavor.