Comforting Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Introduction to Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Are you craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening? Data suggests that comfort food recipes, particularly those with nostalgic roots like chicken and dumplings, see a surge in searches during colder months, with over 50,000 monthly searches worldwide. There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of Homemade Chicken & Dumplings. It’s a classic for a reason – a dish that feeds the soul as much as it does the body. This recipe aims to recreate that timeless magic in your own kitchen, offering rich, savory flavors and tender, cloud-like dumplings that are simply irresistible. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked, your broth is deeply flavorful, and your dumplings are fluffy and light. Get ready to create a dish that will become a cherished family favorite!

The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients for Chicken & Dumplings

Crafting this classic dish is all about quality ingredients and a touch of love. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs): Feel free to use chicken pieces like thighs or breasts if preferred. A whole chicken yields the richest flavor for the broth.
• 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth: Water will allow the chicken’s flavor to shine, while broth adds an extra layer of savoriness.
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered: Its sweetness mellows beautifully into the broth, adding a subtle depth.
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped: These add earthy sweetness and a vibrant color.
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped: Essential for that classic aromatic base, lending a mild, slightly peppery note.
• 2-3 bay leaves: Imparts a subtle, herbal fragrance that elevates the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: For a gentle warmth and spice.
• Salt to taste: Crucial for bringing all the flavors together.

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our tender dumplings.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is key for those light, fluffy textures that rise beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the flour.
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes: Creates pockets of richness and tenderness.
• 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%): Forms the dough. You might need slightly more or less.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a touch of freshness and color.

Substitutions & Notes:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but cook them separately and add to the shredded chicken mixture for a less intensely flavored broth, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other aromatic vegetables like leeks or parsnips to the broth.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added along with the bay leaves for a different aromatic profile.
• Dumpling Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose blend can work, though texture might vary.

Timing is Everything: Prep, Cook, and Total Time

Compared to the average chicken and dumplings recipe which often clocks in around 1.5 to 2 hours total, this recipe takes a bit longer due to building a deeply flavorful homemade broth from scratch. The extra time is well worth it for the superior taste and texture!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Chicken & Dumplings

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delicious, homemade meal.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the water or broth, quartered onion, chopped carrots, celery, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Broth

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot onto a cutting board. Let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or large bowl, discarding the solids (vegetables and aromatics). Season the strained broth generously with salt to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can enrich the broth by whisking in a slurry of 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water, then simmering for a few minutes until thickened. Shred the cooked chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the strained broth.

Step 3: Mix and Prepare the Dumplings

While the chicken broth is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough dumplings. If using, stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Bring the chicken and broth mixture back to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering liquid. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as the dumplings will expand. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. They should be puffed up and cooked through. You can test one by carefully removing it and cutting it open – it should be fluffy and cooked through, not doughy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir your chicken and dumplings. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the piping hot chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and savor the comfort!

Nutritional Snapshot: What’s in Every Spoonful?

While exact nutritional values will vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes, a typical serving of homemade chicken and dumplings is:

• Calories: Approximately 450-650 per serving
• Protein: High, from the chicken
• Carbohydrates: Moderate, from flour and vegetables
• Fat: Moderate to high, depending on butter and chicken skin used

This is a hearty meal, offering a good balance of macronutrients, particularly protein, which is essential for satiety.

Lighter Choices: Healthier Alternatives

Looking for ways to make this comforting classic a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor? Try these swaps:

• Leaner Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the cooking or shredding.
• Reduced Fat Dumplings: Replace some of the butter with a healthy fat like a tablespoon of olive oil, or use a lighter milk. Consider using whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber, though this may alter the texture slightly.
• More Veggies: Load up the broth with extra vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or diced parsnips for added nutrients and fiber.
• Thicker Broth: Instead of a flour-based roux, thicken the broth slightly with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, which requires less fat.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

While chicken and dumplings is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, here are a few ideas to round out your dining experience:

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
• Steamed Greens: Like broccoli or green beans, for an extra dose of vitamins.

Avoid Kitchen Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Watch For

Even the simplest recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Tough Dumplings: Overmixing the dumpling dough is the numero uno culprit. Mix just until combined.
• Soggy Dumplings: Ensure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and resist the urge to lift the lid while they are steaming.
• Bland Broth: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the process. Using a whole chicken for the broth can significantly improve flavor.
• Mushy Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook just until tender.

Savor the Leftovers: Storing Your Chicken & Dumplings

Leftovers are a gift! Here’s how to store this comforting dish:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings may absorb more liquid and become softer upon reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to maintain the dumpling texture.
• Freezing: Chicken and dumplings can be frozen, though the texture of the dumplings might change. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comforting Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Print Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of Homemade Chicken & Dumplings.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1whole chicken (or2–3lbs bone-in chicken pieces)
• 3carrots, sliced
• 2celery stalks, chopped
• 1onion, diced
• 3cloves garlic, smashed
• 2bay leaves
• 10 cupswater (or enough to cover the chicken)
• 6 cupschicken broth
• 2 teaspoonssalt
• 1 teaspoonblack pepper
• 2 cupsall-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoonbaking powder
• 1/2 teaspoonsalt (for dumplings)
• 1/3 cupcold butter or shortening
• 3/4 cupmilk or buttermilk
• 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by placing the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into a large pot. Pour in enough water to completely cover the chicken. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil, and then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer for about 45–60 minutes.
2. After your chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot. Allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough begins to form.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the dumpling dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut this into strips or squares.
5. Return the broth to a gentle boil, and carefully drop the dumplings in one at a time. Allow them to simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes.
6. Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings and broth, allowing everything to simmer together for an additional 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 30 g