Tasty Chicken And Dumplings: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with a crispness that promises the comfort of home, there truly is nothing better than a warm pot of Tasty Chicken And Dumplings simmering on the stove. The gentle aroma of tender chicken mingling with root vegetables and spices wraps around you like a soft blanket, bringing back memories of family gatherings and chilly afternoons spent indoors. This dish, with its creamy broth and fluffy dumplings, feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty and Filling: This dish boasts generous portions of hearty chicken and dumplings, making it an absolutely satisfying meal for the entire family.
Quick Prep Time: With a total cooking time of under an hour, you’ll have a delightful dinner on the table in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Comforting Flavors: The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings creates a comforting flavor profile that is sure to warm your heart.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender dumplings floating in the creamy broth, making this a great way to indulge with loved ones.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize the dish with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your family’s taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Tasty Chicken And Dumplings
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting dish:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 5 teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 5 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps to create your Tasty Chicken And Dumplings:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened. The vibrant colors of the veggies create a beautiful backdrop for your dish.
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen as it dances together with the vegetables.
Carefully add the chicken thighs and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender, exuding its savory essence into the broth.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. The chicken should easily pull apart, returning it to join the hearty vegetable medley.
In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of flour with a splash of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the pot to thicken the broth, allowing it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency.
In another bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form your dumpling dough. The dough should be soft yet hold together well.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the gently simmering broth. The anticipation builds as they delicately float atop the broth, ready to soak up all that delicious flavor.
Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid! This is key to ensuring your dumplings steam to fluffy perfection.
Finally, season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, if desired. Serve hot, each bowl filled with love and warmth.
Delicious Variations to Try
Vegetable Delight: Add in peas or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking to brighten up your dish with a pop of color and a refreshing crunch.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken: For an indulgent twist, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the pot for a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty kick that elevates your comforting bowl.
Herbal Infusion: Try experimenting with different herbs! A hint of rosemary or a sprinkle of parsley before serving can add a fresh finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture a day ahead. Just refrigerate and heat before adding dumplings on the day of serving!
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but be mindful that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Storage Recommendations: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 950mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggie broth ahead of time. Just add the dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or herbs.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last? When stored properly, leftovers can last about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Wrapping It Up
Tasty Chicken And Dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug that transports you back to cozy family dinners and chilly nights. As the flavors meld together in the pot, you’ll find that this dish warms not just your stomach, but your soul. Don’t forget to save this Tasty Chicken And Dumplings to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every creamy, tender bite with those you love.
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Tasty Chicken And Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with modifications)
Description
A comforting classic featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth that warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 5 teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 5 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute.
- Carefully add the chicken thighs and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of flour with a splash of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the pot to thicken the broth.
- In another bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form your dumpling dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the gently simmering broth. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Finally, season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh thyme before serving hot.
Notes
Make-ahead option available. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, dumplings, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe