Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth to any occasion. With big fluffy dumplings made from scratch, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a rich and creamy flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and heartiness. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, you’ll find this one-pot meal quick to make and even quicker to clean up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one pot—less time spent washing dishes!
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creates a warm meal that satisfies.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust spices to cater to your family’s taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this deliciously hearty dish, making it great for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, preventing burning while cooking your soup base.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for prepping your vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredients for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is loaded with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes! Made in just one pot, cleanup is extra quick too!

For the Soup Base

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or half and half)
• 1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (or see notes below for raw chicken)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• salt (to taste)

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
• 3/4 cup (6 oz) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Add flour and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly add the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring to combine. This step creates a roux that thickens the soup into a creamy texture. It’s important to keep stirring continuously to avoid burning or creating lumps!

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken

Bring the mixture to a boil and add the shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. In another bowl, mix together whole milk and melted butter. Gradually add wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid without lifting it—this helps steam the dumplings properly—and let them cook for about 15 minutes until they are fluffy.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked through, ladle soup into bowls ensuring each serving gets plenty of dumplings. Enjoy your comforting homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Serving homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience that can elevate your dining table. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, here are some creative ways to present this dish.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: Garnish with whole thyme sprigs to enhance the aroma.

Add a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the dumplings.
• Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and creamy dressing adds texture to your meal.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Individual Portions: Use small bowls for personal servings, making it easy for guests to enjoy without sharing.
• Mason Jar Presentation: For fun, serve them in mason jars for a rustic touch.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Offer warm rolls for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread makes a flavorful pairing with the dish.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Achieving the perfect homemade Chicken and Dumplings requires attention to detail. Here are essential tips to ensure success.

• Bold Flavor Base: Start with sautéing vegetables until they are soft to build flavor from the beginning.
• Consistent Stirring: When adding liquids, stir consistently to avoid lumps for a creamy consistency.
• Dumpling Consistency: Ensure your dumpling dough is not too thick; it should be spoonable but not runny.
• Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer long enough for flavors to meld before adding dumplings.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to preference for a balanced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Complementing your homemade Chicken and Dumplings with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the main dish.
2. Roasted Green Beans: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, these beans add vibrant color and flavor.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crispness that balances the richness of chicken and dumplings.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up leftover broth, enhancing your meal’s heartiness.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast with their sweetness against savory flavors.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with this comforting dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your homemade Chicken and Dumplings, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a successful dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not chopping vegetables uniformly: Chopping the veggies in different sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Skipping the roux step: Neglecting to make a roux can result in a watery soup. Always combine flour with butter before adding liquids for a creamy texture.
• Overmixing the dumpling batter: Overworking the dumpling dough can make them tough. Mix just until combined for fluffy dumplings that rise beautifully.
• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season throughout the cooking process can lead to bland flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning at each stage, especially before serving.
• Using leftover chicken without proper shredding: Not shredding your chicken finely enough can result in large chunks in the soup. Ensure it’s well-shredded for better texture and distribution.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze dumplings separately from the soup, as they may become soggy.

Reheating Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into microwave-safe bowls, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock if needed to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to make dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings?

Making dumplings is easy! Combine flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, milk, and melted butter until just mixed. Drop spoonfuls into simmering broth for fluffy dumplings.

Can I use raw chicken in this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Yes! You can add raw chicken directly into the pot after cooking your vegetables. Just ensure it cooks thoroughly while simmering.

How long does it take to make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

This recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

What sides pair well with Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish beautifully without overpowering its flavors.

Conclusion

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth to any dinner table. It’s versatile—customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!