Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort Recipe
Get ready to cozy up with the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort—a bowlful of creamy chicken soup, pillowy dumplings, and wholesome veggies that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners and family gatherings. This dish is a celebration of classic comfort food, marrying tender shredded chicken with a rich, savory broth and soft, buttery dumplings that just melt in your mouth. Whether it’s a chilly night or you simply need a little extra warmth in your day, this recipe delivers on flavor, heartiness, and that soul-soothing magic only true comfort food can bring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final flavor and texture. These pantry staples and fresh veggies come together to create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor to both the soup and the dumplings, giving everything that classic homemade taste.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the veggies without overpowering the delicate broth.
- Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Carrots: Add color, a subtle sweetness, and a satisfying bite.
- Celery: Offers essential aromatic flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with irresistible warmth and fragrance.
- Dried Thyme: Brings an herby, earthy note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Dried Parsley: Adds brightness and freshness to the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the creamy broth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste as you go!
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup and makes the dumplings tender.
- Chicken Broth: The savory base that ties everything together; use a good-quality broth for best results.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly here—use what you have on hand.
- Frozen Peas: Pop in at the end for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the broth, making every spoonful dreamy.
- Baking Powder: Gives the dumplings their signature fluffiness.
- Whole Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dumplings.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the unsalted butter and olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies are soft and glistening—this step builds the base of flavor for the entire Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort. Don’t rush it; let the vegetables gently sweat out their sweetness.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for about a minute, filling your kitchen with their comforting aroma. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a light roux. This is what will thicken your soup later, so don’t skip or rush this part!
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as the broth thickens—this is when the flavors start mingling and the soup takes on that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Peas, and Cream
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and frozen peas, then pour in the heavy cream. The chicken turns the soup hearty and satisfying, while the peas add just a touch of sweetness and color. The cream is the finishing touch, making the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort luxuriously velvety.
Step 5: Make and Drop the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until a sticky dough forms—don’t overmix or the dumplings can become tough. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough right onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover your pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without peeking! They’ll puff up beautifully, transforming into the softest clouds imaginable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are set and cooked through (check that the centers are fluffy, not doughy), it’s time to dish up. Ladle the hot, creamy soup and dumplings into bowls, making sure everyone gets a generous helping of both. Enjoy the way the flavors and textures come together—the taste of pure comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top just before serving for a pop of color and a fragrant herbal finish. A grind of fresh black pepper is always welcome, and if you like a little zip, a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon will brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort is truly a meal on its own, but if you want to round out your table, try serving it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted green beans. A warm, crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up that dreamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in individual ramekins or small Dutch ovens, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs. You could even top each bowl with a swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For gatherings, let guests ladle their own portions straight from the pot for that homey, communal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for a delicious second helping the next day.
Freezing
While the soup base freezes well, the dumplings can sometimes change texture after thawing. If you know you’ll be freezing, consider making the soup base and adding fresh dumplings when you reheat. Freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up too much, simply add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it. Microwave reheating works too, but be gentle—heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
What type Main Course
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, bringing both tenderness and flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken—whether poached, roasted, or even grilled—will work beautifully in the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour in the dumplings for a good-quality gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The dumplings may be a touch more delicate, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?
After 15 minutes of steaming (with the lid on), open the pot and cut a dumpling in half. It should be fluffy in the center with no raw dough. If needed, cover and cook for a couple more minutes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, corn, green beans, or even a handful of baby spinach. The Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort is wonderfully versatile to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or a neutral non-dairy cream in place of the heavy cream. The results will be slightly different, but still comforting and rich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, the Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort is truly the answer. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. Give it a try and share it with those you love—you might just find yourself making it a new family tradition!
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Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Pure Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers pure comfort with tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and simmered to perfection, it’s a classic American main course that’s warm, hearty, and ideal for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings and flour: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes to form a flavorful roux and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add chicken, peas, and cream: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas. Then, add the heavy cream, folding it in gently to create a rich and creamy broth.
- Prepare dumpling dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the whole milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
- Cook dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the simmering soup surface. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow dumplings to cook through fully.
- Check and serve: After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fluffy and cooked in the center. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently over low heat, adding extra broth if the soup thickens too much after sitting.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a fresh garnish before serving.
- Ensure not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, so they steam properly and remain fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
