Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
A comforting classic, this chicken and dumplings recipe offers tender chicken in a savory broth with fluffy dumplings, perfect for sharing or enjoying on a cozy night in.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks celery sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup frozen peas
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Tip: For deeper flavor, don't rush the sautéing—give the veggies time to caramelize a bit.
Add Garlic and Broth
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Chicken and Seasonings
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot. Allow everything to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Dumpling Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Tip: Don’t overmix; a lumpy batter creates fluffier dumplings.
Drop Dumplings into the Broth
- Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Try to space them evenly as they will expand.
Cook the Dumplings
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll puff up and turn pillowy.
- Tip: Resist the urge to peek; this ensures the steam remains trapped for fluffy dumplings.
Add Peas and Serve
- Once the dumplings are cooked through, gently fold in the frozen peas and let them warm for a couple of minutes.
Notes
Pro tips: Use homemade or quality store-bought rotisserie chicken for added flavor. Swap out vegetables based on what you have: corn, green beans, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavor profile. Adjust seasoning to your taste; a little cayenne adds a nice kick!