The Coziest Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cold Days

Chicken and dumplings offer a nostalgic embrace of warmth and culinary comfort that connects generations through pure deliciousness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish as a symbol of home-cooked magic.

Soft, pillowy dumplings nestled within rich, savory broth create an irresistible canvas of flavor and texture.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that soothes both body and soul.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with delicate dough, creating a symphony of satisfying elements that whisper memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Imagine a dish that wraps you in emotional and gastronomic comfort, delivering pure, uncomplicated joy with every spoonful.

This recipe will transport you to a world of delectable simplicity that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Why Everyone Loves Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• This recipe delivers a classic, soul-warming dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen, packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
• Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour with simple steps, minimal ingredients, and one-pot convenience that makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Experience a delightful blend of soft, pillowy dumplings, succulent chicken pieces, and perfectly cooked vegetables that melt in your mouth with every spoonful.
• Easily adaptable recipe that allows home cooks to adjust seasonings, swap vegetables, or add personal touches while maintaining the classic comfort food essence.

What’s in Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that forms the base of the dish, choose boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs for best texture.
• Bay Leaf: Adds deep aromatic flavor to the overall dish, traditional herb used in many comfort recipes.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Classic mirepoix base for rich flavor and nutritional depth, fresh vegetables provide best taste.
• Thyme: Delicate herb that complements chicken's flavor, fresh thyme offers more intense taste.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, bright green vegetable adding color and quick nutrition.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnish and additional flavor layer.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary ingredient for creating fluffy dumplings and thickening sauce.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light and airy.
• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking fat with neutral flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor to roux and enhances overall dish creaminess.
• Half and Half: Creates smooth, creamy sauce with balanced richness.
• Chicken Stock: Provides deep savory base for the entire dish.

• Salt: Enhances all other flavors, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Provides instant aromatic seasoning.

How to Make Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Medallions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and add the chicken pieces.

Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then brown the chicken on all sides.

Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Using the same pot with the remaining oil, add chopped carrots, celery, and onions.

Sprinkle in some fresh thyme and cook until the vegetables are soft and slightly see-through.

Step 3: Create Creamy Flavor Base

Turn the heat to low and melt butter in the pot.

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for one minute.

This helps build a flavorful roux that thickens the soup.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in the chicken stock and then add the half and half.

Stir the mixture well so there are no lumps.

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add a bay leaf.

Season with a little more salt, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance With Green Goodness

Stir in frozen peas and some fresh chopped parsley.

Let everything cook together for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Craft Fluffy Dumplings

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped parsley.

Slowly add half and half, stirring until a thick, sticky batter forms.

Step 7: Cook Dumplings

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling batter and drop them into the simmering soup.

Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes.

Check that they’re fully cooked before serving—they should be fluffy and tender inside.

Tips for Making Dumplings Soft and Delicious

• Master Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken pieces are dry before sautéing to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior, which locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized texture.
• Create Flavor Layers: Sauté vegetables in the same pot after cooking chicken to capture all the delicious browned bits, maximizing the dish's overall taste profile.
• Roux Technique Perfection: Stir flour and butter constantly during roux-making to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for your creamy sauce.
• Dumpling Consistency Trick: Mix dumpling batter just until ingredients are combined, avoiding overmixing to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
• Simmer Strategically: Keep the pot covered while cooking dumplings to trap steam, ensuring they cook evenly and become tender throughout.

How to Store Chicken and Dumplings Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the dish in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming dry or tough.
• Microwave Option: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent uneven warming.

Side Dishes for Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Enhance Comfort with Red Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied pinot noir complements the rich, creamy chicken and dumplings, cutting through the dish's hearty texture while adding subtle fruity notes.
• Balance Flavors with Crisp Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the warm, creamy chicken dish, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint.
• Elevate Meal with Crusty Bread: Serve a rustic sourdough or french baguette alongside the chicken and dumplings, perfect for soaking up the delicious, velvety sauce and adding delightful textural contrast.
• Brighten Plate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the dish's richness.

Creative Twists on Chicken and Dumplings

• Herbaceous Herb Garden Chicken: Enhance the dish with a mix of fresh rosemary, sage, and oregano instead of thyme, creating a more complex herb profile that transforms the classic comfort meal.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Dumpling Bowl: Replace traditional seasonings with chili powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Add diced green chiles and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Fusion: Incorporate sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms during the vegetable sauté stage. Swap half the chicken stock with rich mushroom broth to intensify the earthy umami flavors of the dish.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken Dumplings: Substitute thyme with za'atar seasoning, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Use Greek yogurt instead of half and half for a tangier, lighter texture.

FAQs for Comforting Chicken and Dumplings

• Can I use different types of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly.

• How can I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?

Be careful not to overmix the dumpling batter. Stir just until ingredients are combined, and avoid compressing the dough. This helps create soft, tender dumplings.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable base a day in advance. Add the dumplings just before serving to keep them from getting soggy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Is there a way to make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh, and choose less expensive chicken cuts like thighs. Buying ingredients in bulk can also help reduce overall cost.

Comforting Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Southern Chicken and Dumplings weave comfort and nostalgia into each spoonful of rich, creamy broth. Homemade tender dumplings and succulent chicken create a classic dish that wraps you in warmth and memories of grandmother’s loving kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• ½ to ¾ pound boneless chicken fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dry thyme
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (3 tablespoons for stew, 1 tablespoon for dumplings)
• 1 large bay leaf

Seasonings, Fats, and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup half and half
• ½ cup half and half (for dumplings)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by heating olive oil in a robust soup pot, then introduce chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring rich caramelization, and transfer to a waiting plate.
2. Utilize the same pot’s residual oils to sauté aromatic vegetables – carrots, celery, and onions – incorporating fragrant thyme. Allow the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter, transforming the vegetable base into a golden roux by sprinkling flour and stirring consistently until the mixture becomes nutty and smooth.
4. Slowly incorporate chicken stock and half and half, creating a velvety liquid base. Reintroduce the reserved chicken and add a bay leaf for depth of flavor. Elevate the temperature to achieve a gentle boil, then reduce to a tender simmer.
5. Enhance the dish’s vibrancy by folding in frozen peas and freshly chopped parsley, allowing them to meld with the simmering liquid and infuse additional layers of taste.
6. Craft delicate dumplings by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Gradually integrate half and half to form a pillowy batter with a soft, substantial texture.
7. Gently drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the bubbling pot, ensuring even distribution. Cover and allow the dumplings to steam and expand, absorbing the rich surrounding flavors until perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
• Perfectly seasoned chicken and tender vegetables create a rich, flavorful base that serves as the foundation for fluffy, homemade dumplings.
• Achieve a silky-smooth texture by carefully creating a roux, which thickens the broth and adds depth to every spoonful.
• Frozen peas provide a burst of color and subtle sweetness, while fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
• Cooking dumplings directly in the simmering pot allows them to absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken and vegetables, ensuring maximum taste in every bite.
• Make ahead and reheat gently, as this dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg