Description
Few dishes bring the same level of warmth and nostalgia as creamy chicken and dumplings. This classic comfort food is a staple in many homes, combining tender chicken, a rich, creamy broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to enjoy with your family or a dish that reminds you of home-cooked goodness, this easy creamy chicken and dumplings recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Broth
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Stir well and let the broth thicken over low heat while preparing the dumplings.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. (Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.)
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
- Using a spoon, drop small scoops of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes without stirring.
- The dumplings will expand and become light and fluffy as they absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Check for Doneness & Serve
- To check if the dumplings are cooked, insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done!
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy this rich, creamy comfort food!
Notes
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use olive oil instead of butter.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend for both dumplings and broth thickener.
✔ Shortcut: Use store-bought biscuit dough for quicker dumplings.
✔ Storage & Reheating: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: chef's choice
- Method: Main Course, Dinner
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~400
- Fat: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~25g