Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Chicken and Dumplings is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that warms both the body and soul. With roots in Southern cuisine, this dish is cherished for its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and hearty dumplings that soak up all the goodness. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering both protein and carbs in a creamy, savory sauce. Whether served on a chilly night, at family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving comfort, this dish embodies home-cooked goodness at its finest.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

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• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, preferably from chicken thighs or breast)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)

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• 1 bay leaf

• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

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• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed

• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stew Base

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   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter (or heat oil) over medium heat.

   • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

   • Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.

2. Add Broth and Chicken

   • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

   • Stir in the cooked chicken, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes to let flavors develop.

   • Add cream or milk if a richer broth is desired. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Dumplings

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

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   • Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.

4. Cook the Dumplings

   • Drop spoonfuls of dough directly onto the simmering chicken stew (do not stir after dropping).

   • Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

5. Serve

   • Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.

   • Serve hot in bowls, making sure each serving has a balance of chicken, broth, and dumplings.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of hearty, homemade comfort food. Each spoonful offers the tenderness of chicken, the richness of seasoned broth, and the fluffy satisfaction of dumplings. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, ideal for cozy dinners or when you want to share a comforting dish with loved ones. This recipe not only fills the stomach but also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the table.