Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm, hearty meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious and comforting dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Stir in the dried thyme and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and milk until the dough comes together. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop Dumplings into Soup: Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Make sure to space them apart, as they will expand as they cook.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this can prevent them from rising properly.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Add Cream: After the dumplings have cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy broth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve: Ladle the creamy chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good amount of both chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. Enjoy this comforting dish while it’s hot.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. If you prefer, you can also cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe.
- Dumplings: Make sure the dough is thick and slightly sticky for the best texture. Avoid over-mixing the dough to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and prepare the dumplings fresh.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: It’s best to freeze the soup base without the dumplings. Prepare the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve. Freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Dumplings: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Add a bit of xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
- Thickener: Use heavy cream and a bit of cream cheese to thicken the soup instead of a flour-based roux.
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful!
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