Easy Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something inherently heartwarming about a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. This quintessential comfort food has earned its place in American cuisine, cherished for its ability to bring families together around the dinner table, particularly during the chilly months when warmth is not just desired but necessary. The aroma of savory chicken stew mingling with the soft, pillowy dumplings evokes a sense of nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and the love that goes into home-cooked meals.

Warm up your kitchen with the ultimate comfort food: homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic dish brings the family together, evoking memories of cozy gatherings. Discover how to create a rich chicken stew infused with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, then crown it with fluffy dumplings that soak up all the deliciousness. Follow our easy step-by-step guide for a heartwarming meal that not only nourishes but also creates lasting memories. Perfect for chilly days!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier stew)

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1 cup milk

¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fragrant and begin to soften.

Brown the Chicken:

- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot. Season the mixture generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

Add Broth and Simmer:

- Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This step will enable the flavors to meld beautifully. If you'd like a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream just before the end of the cooking time.

Prepare the Dumpling Dough:

- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and parsley (if using). In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy. Take care not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense.

Incorporate Dumplings:

- Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering stew. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 12-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to retain the heat and steam.

Final Touches:

- After the dumplings have cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired for an added pop of color.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings