Name: Tasty Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for broth); 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Craving something warm, cozy, and utterly comforting? Tasty Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of meal that soothes the soul. With tender chunks of chicken, soft pillowy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, this dish wraps you in a hug with every bite. It’s the perfect blend of heartiness and home-style cooking that brings back nostalgic memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or curling up with a bowl solo, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction. Each spoonful carries layers of flavor — juicy chicken, sweet peas and carrots, and dumplings that soak up all that golden, seasoned broth. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect pot of chicken and dumplings, preparation is just as key as the ingredients. Start by organizing your tools for a smoother experience:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: This is essential for building depth in your broth and holding the entire dish. It distributes heat evenly and allows dumplings to cook perfectly without sticking.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For clean cuts of your chicken and veggies. A sharp blade ensures precision and saves time.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium-sized one for the dumpling dough. Look for one with a wide mouth for easy mixing.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools help gently stir the broth and fold the dumpling mixture without overmixing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision counts, especially when crafting the dumpling dough.

Set your workspace up with these tools and you’re halfway to comfort food heaven.

Ingredients for the Tasty Chicken and Dumplings

Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture, so don’t overlook the basics here.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: These bring the protein and deep savory flavor. Thighs offer more moisture, while breasts give leaner bites.
Carrots: Add a pop of sweetness and color to contrast the rich broth.
Celery: A classic aromatic that creates depth in the base of your stew.
Yellow Onion: Essential for that slow-cooked, foundational flavor.
Garlic: A couple of cloves brighten and sharpen the overall taste.
Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end, they add freshness and a vibrant finish.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the soul of the dish, binding all flavors.
Butter: Adds a richness that enhances the broth.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for thickening the soup and making the dumplings.
Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise into soft, fluffy pillows.
Milk: Binds the dumpling dough and makes it tender.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify everything else.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but great for garnish and a hint of herbal freshness.

How To Make the Tasty Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a large Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until lightly browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Broth Base

In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant. Scrape up the brown bits for extra flavor. Add flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavor

Return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Then, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it—a light hand ensures fluffiness.

Step 5: Drop and Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon or small scoop, drop dough mounds directly onto the bubbling soup. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes—no peeking! The steam is what makes the dumplings rise and cook through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes, just to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve and Store Tasty Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is best served warm, straight from the pot while the dumplings are still fluffy and the broth is rich and steamy. For a cozy dinner setup, ladle it generously into wide bowls so the dumplings have space to shine. A side of crusty bread or even a simple garden salad balances the hearty richness.

Got leftovers? Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slowly on the stove or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. The dumplings might firm up slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and no longer doughy in the center. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Just skip the searing step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken when you’re ready to simmer the broth.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

Any large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid will work. Just ensure it distributes heat evenly and retains steam well for the dumplings.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with baking powder. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.

Are frozen vegetables okay?

Definitely. You can use a frozen mix of peas, carrots, and corn if you prefer convenience or need to speed things up.

Can this be made in advance?

You can prepare the broth and chicken portion a day ahead, but it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh so they maintain their fluffiness.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re drawn to the cozy flavors of Tasty Chicken and Dumplings, you might love the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup—it’s a rustic bowl of protein-packed legumes simmered with Italian herbs. Another soul-soothing pick is the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, rich with cheesy goodness and perfect for chilly nights.

For pasta lovers, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta brings a meaty, satisfying twist, while the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe layers heat and comfort in every slice. And if you’re feeling snacky or want a vibrant side dish, don’t skip the Italian Grinder Salad—it’s bursting with bold, deli-style flavors.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go for fluffy dumplings or herby ones? Did you make it creamy or keep it classic? Drop a comment below—I’m always curious how your kitchen brings these dishes to life.

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