Easy Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This dish has carved its niche as one of the quintessential comfort foods, cherished across homes and generations. Imagine a chilly evening where you gather around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter and stories, while savoring a hearty serving of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings nestled in a rich, flavorful broth. This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the heart.

Discover the warmth of a classic comfort food with this cozy chicken and dumplings recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings, this heartwarming dish features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, creating a meal that brings family and friends together. Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and vegetables, each bowl is a delightful embrace of flavors and memories. Gather around the table and savor this timeless recipe that turns ordinary moments into cherished experiences.

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Ingredients

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

4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup celery, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt (for dumplings)

1 cup milk

2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.

Add Broth and Herbs: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot along with the dried thyme and rosemary. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Prepare the Dumplings: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly combined. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until the mixture is just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter, as it should remain slightly lumpy.

Create Dumplings: Once the broth is simmering, use a spoon to drop dollops of the dumpling batter into the pot. Aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons per dumpling, allowing them to float on the surface of the broth.

Cook the Dumplings: Gently press the dumplings into the broth with a spoon. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid, as this will allow steam to escape and hinder the dumplings from cooking properly.

Add Final Touches: After simmering for the full 20 minutes, carefully lift the lid and stir in the thawed frozen peas. Cover the pot again and allow everything to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the peas through.

Serve: Give the chicken and dumplings a taste, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish hot in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for an added touch of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the chicken and dumplings in deep, shallow bowls, and sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving for a vibrant look. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the top for shine and flavor.