Introduction
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the definition of comfort food—a warm, creamy, savory stew filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings. This dish has been loved for generations as a soul-soothing meal perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, and cozy evenings at home.
Origin
Chicken and Dumplings originated in the American South during times when families needed to stretch ingredients to feed many mouths. Dumplings provided an inexpensive, filling addition to a simple pot of chicken broth. Variations of this dish appear across cultures, but the Southern-style version—creamy broth with drop or rolled dumplings—remains the most iconic.
Cultural Significance
Often considered a symbol of home cooking and Southern hospitality, Chicken and Dumplings is a staple of potlucks, Sunday dinners, and comfort-heavy menus. Its rustic simplicity embodies warmth, thriftiness, and community, making it a beloved classic that many families pass down through generations.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Chicken Stew
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning or thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk)
Optional Additions
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill
- Frozen peas or green beans added at the end
- A splash of lemon juice to brighten the broth
- Corn for extra sweetness and texture
- Replace cream with condensed cream of chicken for extra richness
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the dumpling dough—a gentle mix keeps them fluffy and tender.
- Simmer, don’t boil, once dumplings are added to avoid them falling apart.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Let the stew thicken before adding dumplings for best texture.
- Cover the pot while dumplings cook to trap steam and ensure they puff properly.
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning or thyme.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then add shredded chicken. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk and continue simmering while you prepare the dumplings.
Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms—do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1–2 tablespoons each) on top of the simmering stew.
- Cover the pot and cook for 15–18 minutes, without lifting the lid, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve warm.
Description
This dish is creamy, hearty, and deeply comforting. The broth is rich with chicken flavor, the vegetables add depth and sweetness, and the dumplings offer soft, cloud-like bites that absorb the delicious gravy. Each spoonful feels like warm nostalgia.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 400–520
- Protein: 25–35 g
- Fat: 18–24 g
- Carbohydrates: 30–38 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sodium: 800–1000 mg (varies with broth)
Conclusion
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless classic that brings together simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for feeding loved ones or treating yourself to a wholesome, warming meal.
Recommendation
Serve with a side salad, steamed green beans, or simply enjoy it alone. This dish also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. For extra comfort, pair it with warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This recipe reminds us that comfort food has a place in a balanced lifestyle. Made with whole, nourishing ingredients, it offers warmth and satisfaction that feed both body and spirit. Mindfully savor each bowl, appreciating the tradition, care, and homestyle goodness that make it such a beloved dish.