When you crave comfort in a bowl, homemade Chicken and Dumplings is hard to beat. This hearty dish, made entirely from scratch, combines a rich stew with fluffy dumplings for a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. By using rotisserie chicken, you can have it ready in less time.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Servings: 6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-fuss ingredients: Many items are pantry staples or easy to find.
• Family-friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to all ages.
• Adaptable: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Comforting and satisfying: Perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables, allowing their flavors to meld. Substitute with olive oil if needed.
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
• 3 carrots (cut into ½-inch dice): Brings natural sweetness and heartiness.
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped): Offers a mild earthy flavor to balance the sweetness of the carrots.
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Infuses the stew with aromatic depth.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the stew, creating a smooth texture. No substitute needed.
• 5 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory base; use low-sodium if preferred.
• ⅓ cup heavy cream: Adds a luxurious richness to the stew. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Provides an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
• 2 bay leaves: Imparts a subtle depth; remember to remove before serving.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness. No need to thaw before use.
• 4 cups cooked chicken (diced small): Main protein; rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick prep.
• 3 tablespoons minced parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the dumpling dough. No substitute needed.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the dumplings are light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the dumpling dough.
• 1 cup milk: Brings the dumpling dough together. Use any milk variety.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Place the chicken broth in a small saucepan over low heat. Warming it prevents drastic temperature changes, ensuring a smooth stew when combined with the roux.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the garlic for an additional minute to unlock its aroma. Sprinkle the flour in and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux, which will thicken your stew.

Step 3: Create the Stew

Gradually pour the warmed chicken broth into the pot, stirring diligently to avoid lumps. Allow to simmer gently until thickened, approximately 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Adjust the heat to maintain a slow simmer as you prepare the dumplings.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and milk, stirring with a rubber spatula until the dough just combines. Over-mixing can make dumplings tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients come together.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Gently fold the chicken, peas, and parsley into the simmering stew. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture across the surface. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. If still doughy, flip and cook covered for another 5 minutes. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze the stew without the dumplings for best results. Thaw in the refrigerator, then make fresh dumplings when reheating.

What’s a good side dish for Chicken and Dumplings?

A simple green salad or steamed green vegetables like beans or broccoli complement this dish nicely without overpowering its flavors.