Chicken and Dumplings
A quintessential Southern comfort food, this heartwarming bowl features a rich, creamy chicken stew loaded with tender vegetables. It's crowned with soft, fluffy homemade dumplings that steam to perfection right in the pot. The ultimate one-pot meal for a cozy family dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt 3 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the creamy stew base
- b.Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a paste (roux).
- c.Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- d.Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, as the base begins to thicken.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add chicken and seasonings
- b.Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, 1.5 teaspoons of the salt, and the black pepper.
- c.Return the stew to a gentle simmer over low heat while you prepare the dumpling dough. Do not let it boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the dumpling dough
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the baking powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
- c.Cut in the remaining 4 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- d.Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir with a fork just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the dumplings
- b.Drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, leaving a little space between each one as they will expand.
- c.Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the dumplings steam for 15-18 minutes.
- d.Crucially, do not lift the lid during this time. The trapped steam is what makes the dumplings light and fluffy.
- e.The dumplings are done when they are puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with fresh parsley.
- c.Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the fluffiest dumplings, do not overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- 2Resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking releases steam and can make them dense and doughy.
- 3For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Their higher fat content adds richness to the stew.
- 4Ensure the stew is at a gentle, consistent simmer when you add the dumplings. A rolling boil can cause them to break apart.
- 5Don't overcrowd the pot with dumplings. Give them space to expand as they cook.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Dumplings
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to the dry ingredients for the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Rolled DumplingsRolled Dumplings
For a chewier, noodle-like dumpling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into strips. Drop the strips into the simmering stew and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Vegetable Heavy StewVegetable-Heavy Stew
Add 1 cup of corn kernels, sliced mushrooms, or diced potatoes along with the other vegetables in step 1 for a heartier stew.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a lower-fat version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use skinless chicken breast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a primary ingredient, providing high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Essential Vitamins
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions contribute vital nutrients, including Vitamin A for vision health and antioxidants that support the immune system.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
The dumplings and flour in the stew provide carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy, making this a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken and Dumplings recipe contains approximately 910 calories, making it a very hearty and substantial meal.