Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings recipe because it brings back fond memories of family gatherings. The warm, creamy sauce and fluffy dumplings create a perfect harmony that makes every spoonful feel like a comforting hug. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels like a gourmet dish when served. Whenever I need a pick-me-up or want to impress guests, this dish is my go-to! It’s perfect for cold nights and special occasions alike.

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:09:36.401Z

When I first set out to create the perfect chicken and dumplings, I tried several variations, but this version always won me over with its simplicity and depth of flavor. I discovered that cooking the chicken in a blend of broth and cream adds a luscious texture that elevates the dish. Every time I make it, I can’t help but think of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and warmth.

One key tip I've learned over time is to let the dumplings steam on top of the simmering chicken mixture for just the right amount of time—this ensures they're light yet fully cooked. Trust me, allowing that extra few minutes makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that comforts the soul
Tender chicken that practically falls apart
Dumplings so fluffy you'll want seconds

The Role of Chicken in the Dish

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings recipe creates a tender and juicy base for the dish. Cooked properly, the chicken should fall apart easily when shredded, offering a smooth texture that complements the creamy sauce. Keep an eye on the cooking time; chicken breasts typically need around 20 minutes simmering in the broth to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken in the pot before adding the broth. This small step creates fond on the bottom of the pot, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce as it cooks. If you want to use a different cut, thighs are a great substitute, offering a richer flavor and a slightly more forgiving cooking time.

Perfecting the Dumplings

The key to fluffy dumplings lies in your mixing technique. Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough; you want to combine the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixed dough can result in dense dumplings that don't achieve that light, airy texture. When adding the milk and melted butter, aim for a dough that’s thick, but still holds together—think of a biscuit dough consistency.

Consider dropping the dumplings onto the simmering sauce using a spoon for even sizing. This helps them cook uniformly and allows for proper steaming under the pot lid. Remember, once you cover the pot, resist the urge to lift the lid during the 15-minute cooking period, as this can disrupt the steaming process and hinder the dumplings from rising properly.

Serving and Storage Tips

To elevate your serving presentation, garnish your Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh note that balances the creaminess of the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making the meal even more comforting.

For leftovers, store the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the dumplings from becoming tough. If you wish to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day earlier; just add freshly made dumplings right before you plan to serve it.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, combine chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and add chicken breasts. Cook for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot, shred, and set aside.

Make the Sauce

Stir in heavy cream to the broth mixture and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

Prepare Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a thick dough forms. Optionally add parsley for a fresh flavor.

Cook Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the simmering chicken and sauce. Cover the pot and let cook for 15 minutes, ensuring the dumplings are steamed through.

Serve

Once dumplings are fluffy and cooked, serve the dish hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving to kick this dish up a notch!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind that this may alter the richness of the dish slightly. Similarly, if you're avoiding gluten, consider using a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings; this will provide a similar texture, although you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right consistency.

For added nutrition, throw in some frozen peas or corn into the broth when adding the chicken; these will add color and sweetness. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can also be a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred it and add it toward the end of your sauce-making process to warm it through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with dumplings is that they can become sticky or gummy. If your first batch experiences this, consider adding a bit more flour or letting the dough rest for a few minutes before scooping it into the pot. Sometimes, dough that's too wet can lead to undesired dumpling textures.

Another issue could arise from the sauce becoming too thick. If this happens, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Just remember to do this gradually while stirring to maintain the desired creamy consistency. Taste frequently as flavors can change with adjustments.

Variations to Explore

For a flavor twist, consider adding herbs like rosemary or sage alongside the thyme, which can impart a lovely earthy flavor to the dish. Additionally, swapping in different seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, can create new flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

You might also explore variations in the dumpling batter by incorporating cheese like shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a rich, savory twist. Keep in mind that this may require adjusting the amount of milk to maintain the right dough consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for the dumplings.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to mix in peas or corn for added sweetness and color!