Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken and Dumplings, especially on chilly evenings. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug. Whenever I prepare it, I remember family gatherings where this dish was the star at our dinner table. The aroma of simmering chicken and herbs fills the kitchen, setting the perfect atmosphere for a night in. Each bite induces nostalgia and comfort, making it not just a meal but a delightful experience I look forward to.

Created by

Marigold Pearson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:17:35.899Z

As I experienced different variations of chicken and dumplings during my travels, I realized that the key lies in balancing flavors. The use of fresh herbs and quality chicken makes such a difference! In my version, I like to add a touch of thyme and some vegetables, which enhance the entire dish while keeping it comforting.

While testing recipes, I discovered that letting the dumplings cook covered in the broth yields the fluffiest texture. Each bite of chicken paired with a dumpling drenched in the rich sauce brings all the right flavors together, and I can’t get enough of it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling for a perfect family meal
Fluffy dumplings that soak up the rich broth
A nostalgic dish that warms the heart

The Perfect Chicken Choice

For this Comfort Food Chicken and Dumplings recipe, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is key. Thighs offer a richer flavor compared to chicken breasts and remain moist throughout the cooking process. When browning the chicken, aim for a golden crust—this creates deep flavor that enhances the overall dish. If you prefer white meat, you can substitute chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust cooking time to avoid dryness; breasts typically cook faster than thighs.

The choice of chicken broth is also vital for flavor. Homemade broth, if available, can elevate this dish immensely with its depth and freshness. If using store-bought broth, opt for low-sodium varieties to control the salt level of your dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, vegetable broth can also work, but be prepared for a different yet still delicious flavor profile.

Achieving Fluffy Dumplings

The key to fluffy dumplings lies in the mixing technique. When combining the dry ingredients for the dumplings, be careful not to over-mix once you add the milk. Stir just until incorporated; this will ensure the dumplings rise beautifully and maintain a light texture. Using cold butter instead of softened can also produce a desirable flakiness, so if you're aiming for extra texture, experiment with that switch.

If you want to personalize your dumplings, consider adding spices or cheese into the dough. A sprinkle of garlic powder or a handful of shredded cheddar can add an extra layer of flavor. Just keep in mind the moisture balance; too much cheese may make the dumplings dense, so adjust milk accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For the Chicken and Broth

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your chicken and dumplings.

Cook the Chicken and Veggies

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft, then stir in garlic. Return chicken to the pot.

Make the Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk and parsley until just combined.

Cook the Dumplings

Spoon the dumpling batter over the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes without lifting the lid, ensuring dumplings stay fluffy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked through, serve hearty bowls of chicken and dumplings straight from the pot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Enjoy your cooking and the delightful flavors this dish brings!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the broth.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Comfort Food Chicken and Dumplings can be made ahead for busy weeknights. Prepare the chicken and broth in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove and add freshly prepared dumplings. Avoid reheating the dumplings in the broth as they can become soggy; cook them separately to keep their fluffy texture.

If you're looking to freeze this dish, store the chicken and broth together without the dumplings. This way, you can prevent the dumplings from losing their texture upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a pot, adding fresh dumplings just before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making dumplings is having them become too dense. If this happens, check your mixing method; ensuring you don’t overmix is crucial. Additionally, if you're using older baking powder, it may not be as potent, resulting in denser dumplings. A simple test is to add a teaspoon of baking powder to a small bowl of warm water; if it bubbles, it's good to use.

Another potential challenge is the consistency of the broth. If it becomes too thick, simply add a bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out. For a richer flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine or a couple of drops of lemon juice to brighten up the broth without overwhelming the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works fine but may become drier; thighs are recommended for moisture.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings to make them gluten-free.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.

→ What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for additional color and nutrition.