Savory Chicken and Dumplings

This chicken and dumplings recipe is comforting and perfect for cozy nights when you crave something hearty and homemade. It brings together tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings for a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

I often make this on chilly evenings when I want something filling but easy. It quickly became a favorite for its comforting textures and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

• Olive oil for sautéing vegetables: adds a gentle richness, choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Onion and garlic: provide an aromatic foundation, fresh and firm onions work best
• Carrots and celery: bring sweetness and crunch, pick bright carrots and crisp celery stalks
• Salt and black pepper: balance the dish, use fine salt for even seasoning
• Dried thyme and parsley: add herbal notes, opt for fresh tins with vibrant color and aroma
• Paprika: adds a subtle warmth, pick a quality smoked paprika to deepen flavor
• Chicken broth: is the base of the soup, homemade or low sodium store-bought broth works well
• Cooked shredded chicken: is the protein, leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken makes prep quicker
• Frozen peas: add color and a slight sweetness, no need to thaw before adding
• Flour for dumplings: should be all-purpose for the right texture
• Baking powder: makes the dumplings rise, check freshness for best results
• Butter: adds richness to dumplings, cold unsalted butter is key for flakiness
• Whole milk: gives tenderness to dumplings, fresh milk enhances flavor
• Garlic powder: in dumplings is optional but gives a gentle savory undertone

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables become soft and fragrant which helps build depth in the broth.

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes. This step develops the flavors and melds the herbs and spices with the vegetables.

Add Chicken and Peas:

Mix in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas carefully. Keep the heat low so the soup simmers gently. This prevents overcooking the chicken and helps retain the color and sweetness of the peas.

Prepare Dumpling Dough:

While the soup is simmering, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder in a bowl. Incorporate cold cubed butter into the dry mix using a pastry cutter or fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings tender.

Drop Dumplings into Soup:

Using a tablespoon scoop portions of dough and drop them evenly over the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly without lifting the lid. This traps steam which is necessary for the dumplings to cook properly.

Cook Dumplings:

Let the dumplings simmer for 15 minutes undisturbed so they can puff up and cook through. The gentle cooking absorbs the broth flavors and gives the dumplings a soft pillowy texture.

Serve:

Spoon hearty portions into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired to brighten flavors and presentation. Enjoy warm as a meal that feels like a hug.

My favorite part has to be those fluffy dumplings soaking up the savory broth. I remember making this with my family when I was little and everyone gathering around the table for seconds felt like the best reward for a winter night.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The dumplings will soak up more broth and thicken the soup, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the consistency. Gently rewarm on the stove over low heat to prevent dumplings from breaking apart.

Ingredient swaps

You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian if you substitute chicken with mushrooms or plant-based protein. For dairy-free dumplings use almond milk and vegan butter alternatives. Fresh herbs can take the place of dried if you double the quantity for a brighter fresh taste.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth or alongside a fresh green salad to add a crisp contrast. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds color and a brightness that balances the warm flavors.

This recipe brings a warm hug in every bowl so take your time and enjoy every bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep dumplings from sticking together?

Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly spaced over the simmering broth’s surface. Avoid stirring while cooking to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.

→ Can I prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time?

Yes, dough can be mixed beforehand and kept chilled briefly. However, it’s best to drop them into the simmering broth soon after for optimal texture.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

Onions, carrots, celery, and peas bring a natural sweetness and crunch that balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings.

→ How do the herbs affect the flavor?

Thyme and parsley add earthy, fresh notes while paprika offers a subtle warmth, rounding out the dish with depth and interest.

→ Is there a way to make the dumplings fluffier?

Using baking powder in the dough and cutting in cold butter helps create a tender, slightly risen dumpling with a light texture.