Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. This classic recipe features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth that’s filled with vegetables and herbs for an extra boost of flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and is sure to bring comfort to any dinner table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special treat, this creamy version of chicken and dumplings is both easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or poached)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
For the Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Stew: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Herbs and Flour: Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and let the stew simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
- Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. Pour in the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined (be careful not to overmix).
- Add the Dumplings to the Stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew, making sure they are spaced evenly. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam will cook the dumplings and make them fluffy.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, avoid lifting the lid for at least 15 minutes. The steam is crucial for cooking the dumplings evenly.
- Use Buttermilk for Tender Dumplings: If you have buttermilk on hand, substitute it for the milk in the dumplings. It adds a nice tang and makes the dumplings even more tender.
- Thicken to Your Liking: If the stew isn’t thick enough for your liking, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew before adding the dumplings.
Recipe Variations
- Herbed Dumplings: Add a variety of dried herbs, such as dill, sage, or chives, to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or cubed tofu for a vegetarian take on this classic dish.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the stew for a little heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned biscuits instead of making dumplings from scratch?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use canned biscuit dough. Simply cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the simmering stew, then cover and cook as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Q: Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
A: The stew can be frozen, but dumplings don’t always reheat well from frozen. If you plan to freeze the dish, consider making and freezing the stew without the dumplings, then adding fresh dumplings when reheating.
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a hearty meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade chicken and dumplings!