Ah, Chicken and Dumplings! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Growing up, we often had it during family gatherings, and there’s something so comforting about the steaming bowls served around the table, just waiting to be devoured. The aroma wafting through the house would draw everyone in, and before you knew it, we were all gathered together, laughing and sharing stories as we dug in.
What makes this recipe special to me is how easy it is to whip up, yet it feels like a labor of love with the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. It’s a classic that never fails to satisfy, whether I’m making it for a family dinner or just craving some nostalgia.
What’s in Chicken and Dumplings?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Keeping it simple and easy to shred, these chicken breasts cook perfectly in the broth, soaking up all those lovely flavors.
Chicken Broth: The life of our dish! I always go for low-sodium broth so we can control the saltiness, or if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll make my own from scratch.
Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These vegetables add a delightful sweetness and crunch. Plus, they scream comfort food to me!
Garlic: A couple of cloves of minced garlic impart incredible aroma and flavor, making this dish feel gourmet.
Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs are the unsung heroes of this recipe—giving it that comforting, homestyle essence we crave.
Heavy Cream: Let’s be honest—this makes everything richer and more indulgent!
Olive Oil: A simple yet essential fat for sautéing those vegetables to perfection.
All-Purpose Flour and Baking Powder: These two are the backbone of our dumplings, creating that delightful, fluffy texture.
Milk: It gives the dumplings just the right amount of moisture.
Fresh Parsley: A lovely fresh touch on top—because who doesn’t love a bit of green on their plate?
Is Chicken and Dumplings Good for You?
Well, let’s break it down a bit!
Chicken: A great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery bring both vitamins and fiber to the party, making your meal a bit healthier.
Heavy Cream: Ah, here’s the catch. While it adds lusciousness, it’s also high in fat. If you’re watching your intake, feel free to swap it out for half-and-half or a lower-fat alternative.
Overall, this dish brings a balance of protein, veggies, and carbs together—perfect for a comforting meal, especially when the weather gets cold!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup milk
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Serves: 4-6
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, and stir for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Stir in the heavy cream and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. To prepare the dumplings, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Chicken and Dumplings!
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips!
– Feel free to mix things up! Try adding frozen peas or corn to the vegetable mix for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
– If you want a bit of zing, a splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten up those rich flavors beautifully.
– Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—although if you’re like me, there probably won’t be any!
Now that you’ve got this delicious recipe in your back pocket, I’m sure you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds)! Try it out and let me know how your Chicken and Dumplings turn out—I can’t wait to hear your stories and maybe even your twists on this comforting classic. Enjoy!
