Man, I could live off this meal daily!
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as creamy chicken and dumplings. This hearty meal combines tender chicken, soft, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, creamy base that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a special Sunday family dinner, this dish brings people together around the table, offering both flavor and comfort in every bite.
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Ingredients (For a Serving of 6)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped onions | 2 cups |
| Chopped celery | 1 cup |
| Chopped carrots | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground pepper | To taste |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (for dumplings) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook these vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their flavors. Once softened, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aromatics will form the base of your dish, infusing the broth with deep, rich flavor.
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Step 2: Create the Broth
Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the cooked, shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the broth cook gently, allowing the herbs and vegetables to meld with the chicken, creating a deeply flavorful base.
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Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 cup of milk until a soft dough forms. You want the dough to be sticky but not too wet.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering soup. The dumplings will float on the surface, and as they cook, they will puff up and become fluffy. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time—keeping it covered allows the steam to cook the dumplings fully, making them tender and soft.
Step 5: Add the Cream
After the dumplings have cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to give the broth that rich, creamy texture that defines this dish. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, uncovered, to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm. For added comfort, you can sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top.
