There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings that wraps you in cozy goodness with every bite. This Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, silky vegetables, and fluffy pillowy dumplings swimming in a luscious, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave that homey, nostalgic hug in a bowl, it’s a timeless dish made with love and simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role, whether adding richness, brightness, or that irresistible softness to your dumplings.
- Butter: Six tablespoons melt to form a flavorful base and keep everything rich and silky.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Matchstick carrots: Provide vibrant color and a gentle earthy crunch.
- Diced celery: Brings freshness and a slight peppery bite to balance the creaminess.
- Minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that infuses the entire dish.
- All-purpose flour: Used both for thickening the stew and forming the fluffy dumplings.
- Evaporated milk: Creates the signature creamy texture without overwhelming sweetness.
- Chicken stock: The savory backbone that ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Tender protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Fresh thyme: Or dried, it offers a subtle earthy aroma that elevates the whole meal.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat and layers of complexity.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor note.
- Whole milk: Besides moisture, it enriches the dumpling dough for softness.
- Melted butter: Mixed into dumplings to keep them tender and buttery.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting six tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the yellow onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Let them soften and mingle their natural sweetness and crunch for about 5 to 7 minutes, then add minced garlic to awaken the senses with that irresistible aroma. This vegetable base forms the backbone of your creamy chicken and dumplings recipe, so don’t rush this step. It’s where comfort starts brewing.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Broth
Sprinkle in three tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir to coat the vegetables evenly. This creates a roux that will thicken the broth beautifully. Gradually pour in one cup of evaporated milk and one quart of chicken stock while stirring continuously so no lumps form. The mixture will turn smooth and luscious, the hallmark of the creamy texture we’re chasing. Bring this to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Once your broth is bubbling gently, fold in four cups of shredded cooked chicken, one tablespoon of fresh thyme (or dried if that’s what you have on hand), and two teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper along with salt to taste. Let everything simmer together so the chicken warms through and the flavors blend perfectly while you prep the dumplings. This simmering melds the heartiness of chicken with the velvety broth, keeping this dish hearty yet tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon plus one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, one teaspoon of salt, and one tablespoon of fresh thyme. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Then stir in ¾ cup whole milk and four tablespoons of melted butter until a soft dough forms. The dumplings are the little clouds of goodness that soak up all that creamy broth, so getting a tender, well-mixed dough is key.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough carefully into the simmering pot, making sure each dumpling has space. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This steam-cooking method makes the dumplings wonderfully fluffy and fully cooked through while they absorb the flavors surrounding them.
Step 6: Check and Serve
After 15 minutes, peek inside to ensure your dumplings are cooked through and tender, then give everything a light stir. Your Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is now ready to serve—rich, comforting, and dazzlingly delicious. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra thyme leaves adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal hint that brightens the comforting richness. A light grind of black pepper on top can also awaken your taste buds with a little zing. Garnishes are the finishing touch that makes your dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Because the creamy chicken and dumplings recipe is so hearty and filling, keep sides light and simple. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette or steamed green beans can add fresh texture and balance without competing for attention. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls also pair beautifully for sopping up every last bit of the luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual mini casserole dishes or rustic soup bowls to make it feel extra special. For a family-style presentation, bring the pot straight to the table for a welcoming communal experience. You could even try topping each serving with a little grated sharp cheddar or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy chicken and dumplings recipe will keep well for up to three days, maintaining its comforting texture and flavor. Just stir gently before reheating to redistribute any thickened broth.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but dumplings tend to change texture slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze the stew and dumplings separately if possible. Place each in freezer-safe containers and use within two months for maximum freshness and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the broth has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as the dumplings can become dense or unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred the meat and add it into the simmering broth as instructed.
What type of flour should I use for the dumplings?
All-purpose flour works best because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Whole wheat or gluten-free flours may alter the texture significantly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the evaporated milk and whole milk with coconut milk or other unsweetened plant-based milks, and swap butter with dairy-free margarine or oil.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings should be puffed up, firm to the touch, and no longer doughy inside. If you cut one open, the center should be set and not sticky or raw.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Peas, corn, or mushrooms are great additions that can boost nutrition and flavor. Just add them in during the simmering step so they cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is truly a classic that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to the table with every spoonful. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a soul-soothing treat on your own. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly simple ingredients come together to create something so deeply satisfying. Cozy up with a bowl—you deserve it!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe that features tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth with fresh vegetables and fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this classic dish combines simple ingredients with easy techniques to deliver a soul-warming experience.
Ingredients
Savory Broth and Filling
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk
- 32 oz (1 quart) chicken stock
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¾ cup (6 oz) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aroma.
- Create Roux and Add Liquids: Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the sautéed vegetables, cooking for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Simmer with Chicken and Seasonings: Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the shredded cooked chicken, fresh thyme, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Allow the soup to simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings, infusing the broth with flavor.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and fresh thyme. Stir together, then add the ¾ cup whole milk and 4 tablespoons melted butter. Mix gently until a soft dough forms; be careful not to over-mix to keep the dumplings tender.
- Cook Dumplings in Broth: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken soup. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing them to steam and puff up fully.
- Check and Serve: After 15 minutes, uncover and check the dumplings to ensure they are cooked through and fluffy. The dumplings should be firm but tender inside. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, scooping both broth and dumplings into bowls.
Notes
- Use shredded leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
- Adjust the seasoning of the broth before adding dumplings as the flour can slightly dilute flavors.
- For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with cream or add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Dumplings can be varied with herbs like parsley or chives for different flavor profiles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days as dumplings absorb liquid over time.
