Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting classic perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft dumplings come together in a rich, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots, and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk to form a soft dough.
4. Step 4: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are firm and puffy.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered, until heated through.
6. Step 6: Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using homemade chicken broth or add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with whole wheat flour for added texture.
• If you prefer thicker dumplings, let the dough rest a few minutes before dropping it into the soup.
• Add peas or corn during the simmering step for extra vegetables and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the dumplings from becoming tough. This dish does not freeze well, as the dumplings may lose their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes for heartiness, and follow the dumpling instructions as usual.

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Creamy Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken and fluffy, soft dumplings cooked in a flavorful vegetable and herb-infused broth, enriched with a touch of heavy cream for a warm and comforting meal perfect for any day of the year.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Savory Chicken Broth Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup milk

Finishing Touch

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until they become softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
2. Prepare Soup Base: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer to meld the flavors.
3. Make Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms, ensuring it is well mixed but not overworked.
4. Cook Dumplings in Soup: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of the dumpling dough carefully into the simmering chicken soup. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook for about 15 minutes until they are firm, fluffy, and fully cooked through.
5. Add Cream and Finish Cooking: Stir in the heavy cream into the soup and allow it to cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, ensuring it is heated thoroughly and the flavors are well combined.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the creamy chicken and dumplings warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
• Dumplings should be gently dropped into the soup to keep their shape.
• Do not lift the lid during dumpling cooking to allow them to steam properly.
• Leftover soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• For a lighter variation, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Keywords: creamy chicken and dumplings, chicken soup with dumplings, comfort food, easy chicken recipes, homemade dumplings