Simple Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty, home-cooked meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth.
Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. The recipe has a deliciously creamy base and thick dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs)
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier base)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar added)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stew
- Cook the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, add the chicken thighs or whole chicken and cover with chicken broth. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes (for bone-in chicken) or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If using a whole chicken, it may take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin. Set the shredded chicken aside.
- Thicken the Broth: While the chicken cools, bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Melt 1/4 cup butter into the broth and stir in the optional heavy cream for a richer, creamier broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Slowly pour in the buttermilk, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Shape the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls (about the size of a tablespoon) of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Space them evenly so they don’t stick together as they cook.
- Simmer the Dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam on top of the broth for 10-15 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and are fully cooked. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the dumplings need the steam to cook through.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
- Combine the Chicken: Gently stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings, being careful not to break the dumplings. Let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken and dumplings warm, with a side of:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is the perfect complement to the creamy, rich stew.
- Collard Greens: A side of sautéed or braised collard greens adds a hint of bitterness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Green Beans: Southern-style green beans cooked with a bit of bacon or ham are a popular side.
- Biscuits: If you’re looking for an extra touch of Southern charm, serve this dish with fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
For a complete meal, add a simple garden salad or steamed asparagus to round out the dinner.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken stew portion in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew, then make and cook the dumplings fresh for the best texture. Dumplings tend to get soggy if stored in the stew for too long.
2. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
While boneless chicken breasts can be used, bone-in, skin-on thighs or a whole chicken are preferred for deeper flavor. Chicken breasts tend to dry out and don’t offer the same richness. If you do use chicken breasts, consider using chicken thighs in the broth for added flavor and moisture.
3. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken stew portion for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to make the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve, as they don’t freeze well and can become mushy when thawed.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk for the dumplings?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to sour it. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade substitute will give the dumplings the same tender texture.
5. Can I make gluten-free dumplings?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum (for structure). Make sure the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. Gluten-free dumplings may have a slightly different texture but should still be fluffy and delicious.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When making dumplings, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overworking the dough can result in tough dumplings. Gently mix the ingredients just until combined for tender, fluffy dumplings.
- Use Homemade Broth for Extra Flavor: If you have time, making your own chicken broth from scratch adds extra depth and richness to the dish. Use the bones from the chicken to make a homemade broth that will elevate the flavor.
- Check the Dumplings for Doneness: After the 10-15 minutes of steaming, test a dumpling by cutting it in half to ensure the center is cooked through. The inside should be fluffy, not doughy or undercooked.
- Customize Your Dumplings: For a Southern twist, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the dumpling dough for added flavor. You can also add a bit of shredded cheddar cheese for cheesy dumplings.
- Keep the Lid On: When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to lift the lid. The dumplings need the steam to puff up properly, and lifting the lid can disrupt this process, resulting in flat or undercooked dumplings.
- Add Vegetables for Variety: If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding frozen peas or corn at the end of cooking for extra texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Simple chicken and dumplings is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and soul-warming.
This recipe is easy to customize, and with a little love and attention to the details, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that your family and friends will rave about. Serve it with classic Southern sides like cornbread or greens, and enjoy a true taste of the South!
Enjoy your meal!
