Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting Southern-style meal made with tender roasted chicken, a creamy savory broth, vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings. It is hearty, cozy, and perfect for a warm family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, about 2 pounds total
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk

Instructions

Roast the Chicken

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet with the skin side facing up.
• Drizzle the chicken with avocado oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.
• Roast for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and discard the skin and excess fat.
• Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

• Melt the butter and avocado oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
• Add the celery, carrots, and garlic.
• Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the bay leaves and flour.
• Stir and cook for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.
• Gradually add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly.
• Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream.
• Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

Make the Dumplings

• While the broth is coming back to a simmer, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Stir to combine.
• Add the eggs and buttermilk or milk.
• Stir just until the ingredients come together and no raw flour remains. Avoid overmixing.
• Once the broth has simmered for 8 to 10 minutes, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough into the pot.
• Leave plenty of space between the dumplings because they will expand as they cook.
• Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
• Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the chicken and dumplings warm in deep bowls with plenty of broth and dumplings.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color if desired.
• Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans.
• For extra richness, add a small pat of butter to each serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
• You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring carefully between intervals.
• The dumplings will continue absorbing liquid as they sit, so adding extra broth when reheating helps restore the original consistency.
• For best texture, avoid boiling the leftovers vigorously because the dumplings can become overly soft.

Variations

1. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
Add a little extra heavy cream to the broth for an especially rich and creamy version. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for additional richness.

2. Herb Chicken and Dumplings
Add dried or fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary to the broth. These herbs complement the chicken and give the dish a more aromatic flavor.

3. Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings
Increase the amount of carrots and celery, then add peas, corn, or diced potatoes. This creates an even heartier one-pot meal.

4. Garlic Herb Dumplings
Mix minced garlic and dried parsley directly into the dumpling dough. The dumplings become fragrant and flavorful as they cook in the broth.

5. Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings
Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dumpling mixture. The cheese melts into the dumplings and gives them a savory flavor.

6. Biscuit-Style Dumplings
Replace the traditional dumpling mixture with a thicker biscuit-style dough. Drop larger spoonfuls into the simmering broth and cook until fluffy.

7. Spicy Chicken and Dumplings
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. Adjust the amount according to your preferred level of heat.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prepare the chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Add the dumpling dough near the end of cooking so it can steam until fluffy.

9. Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of roasting chicken breasts. This is a convenient shortcut that significantly reduces preparation time.

10. Mushroom Chicken and Dumplings
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the celery and carrots before adding the flour and broth. The mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor.

11. Corn Chicken and Dumplings
Add sweet corn to the sauce and mix a little cornmeal into the dumpling dough. The corn provides sweetness and a slightly rustic texture.

12. Bacon Chicken and Dumplings
Cook chopped bacon until crisp, then use some of the rendered fat with the butter when sautéing the vegetables. Crumble the bacon over the finished dish.

13. Lemon Herb Chicken and Dumplings
Add a little fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the finished broth along with parsley. The bright citrus balances the creamy sauce.

14. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the sauce and dumplings. Check that the baking powder and chicken broth are also gluten-free if necessary.

15. Leftover Turkey and Dumplings
Replace the chicken with leftover cooked turkey. This is a great way to turn holiday leftovers into a warm and comforting meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, although bone-in chicken can provide extra flavor. Adjust the roasting time according to the size of the chicken.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut. Simply remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and add it to the sauce.

3. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Regular milk works well in the dumpling dough. Buttermilk provides a slightly richer flavor and tender texture.

4. Why are my dumplings tough?
Overmixing the dough can make dumplings dense or tough. Stir only until the ingredients are combined and no dry flour remains.

5. Why do dumplings need to cook covered?
Covering the pot traps steam, which helps the dumplings cook through and become light and fluffy.

6. Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables can be added to the broth. Add them toward the end of the vegetable-cooking stage so they do not become overly soft.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a suitable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the flour used in both the sauce and dumplings.

8. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
After about 15 minutes of covered simmering, the dumplings should be puffed and cooked through. You can cut one open to check that the center is no longer doughy.

9. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
The chicken and broth can be frozen, but the dumplings may change texture after freezing and reheating. For the best texture, make fresh dumplings when serving previously frozen soup.

10. How can I thicken the broth more?
Allow the broth to simmer a little longer before adding the dumplings. You can also make a small slurry with flour and cold water, but add it gradually to avoid making the sauce too thick.

Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort meal with tender shredded chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy broth, and soft homemade dumplings. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it is a satisfying recipe for family dinners, chilly evenings, and cozy gatherings.

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