Easy Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke warmth and nostalgia quite like chicken and dumplings. This classic meal has been a staple in homes across the country for generations, serving not only as a satisfying meal but also as a vessel for cherished memories. The rich, savory broth paired with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a harmonious dish that wraps you in a blanket of comfort with every spoonful.

Discover the heartwarming comfort of chicken and dumplings, a beloved classic that warms both the belly and the soul. This dish features tender chicken in a savory broth, enhanced by fresh vegetables and fluffy dumplings. Rich with history and family traditions, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings and evokes tender memories. Learn how to create this nourishing meal with our easy step-by-step recipe and enjoy the love and warmth that comes from home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Soup:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions are translucent. Add the chicken breasts to the pot along with the thyme, rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. If you’re including frozen peas, add them now and gently mix them into the soup.

Prepare the Dumpling Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk until fully combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy; be careful not to overmix, as this ensures fluffy dumplings.

Cook the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop generous dollops of the dumpling batter over the surface of the simmering chicken soup. Avoid stirring the soup at this stage! Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes. This allows the dumplings to steam and rise to perfection.

Serve: After the 15-minute cooking time, carefully remove the lid to reveal fluffy dumplings resting atop the savory chicken soup. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4

Presentation Tips: Consider serving the soup in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping, adding an extra layer of comfort to your meal. Enjoy!