How to Make a Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved comfort food that has been around for generations. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, creating a meal that’s perfect for cold winter evenings or any day when you want something warm and satisfying. It's a classic American southern recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes. Making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it meets your dietary needs or preferences.

For those who love the rich flavors of chicken and dumplings but may not have time for a lengthy cooking process, here’s an easy-to-follow guide to creating this delicious meal in just about 2 hours. The result? A comforting bowl filled with juicy pieces of tender chicken nestled among soft, homemade dumplings.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs (approximately) chicken pieces (breast and thighs)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 4 celery stalks, sliced on the diagonal
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or broth of your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs beaten with 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups self-rising or regular flour for dumplings
• Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by browning the chicken pieces in a large pot over medium heat. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the pan and set aside.

2. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the same pot where you cooked the chicken. Saute these vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot along with the flour. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. This mixture will form a paste-like substance as it cooks down in the broth that follows.

4. Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour in the chicken broth and any accumulated juices from the chicken. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat significantly so that you maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until the chicken is completely tender and easily falls apart with a fork.

5. In another bowl, mix together the eggs and milk which will serve as an egg wash for your dumplings. In yet another mixing bowl, sift or combine self-rising flour (or regular flour combined with baking powder). Gradually add half of this mixture to the beaten egg-milk mixture while stirring continuously until well incorporated.

6. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Be sure not to overcrowd; leave some space between each dumpling for proper rising during cooking time.

7. Cover the pot again after adding the dumplings. Allow them to cook undisturbed until they rise to the top of their broth - approximately 20-30 minutes depending on size and thickness. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

8. Serve hot chicken and dumplings, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Cooking Time & Serving Size

This recipe requires about 2 hours to prepare, including cooking time for the chicken and the dumplings. It serves four people generously.