Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Highlighted under: Family Kitchen

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings because it warms both the soul and my kitchen. The aroma of savory chicken and herbs simmering fills my home with comfort and nostalgia. This dish is not only hearty and fulfilling but also surprisingly easy to prepare. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, it's a perfect recipe for family gatherings or cozy nights in. I enjoy the way a simple meal like this can feel so special, bringing everyone together around the table.

Created by

Elara Kensington

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:57:36.474Z

I remember the first time I made chicken and dumplings; it was a rainy day, and the warmth of the pot on the stove was comforting. The key is to ensure your chicken is cooked tenderly and to let the dumplings steam perfectly in the broth. As a tip, I always use a mix of fresh herbs and seasonings to elevate the flavor, which I believe is what makes this dish unforgettable.

Sometimes, I add a splash of cream for an extra touch of richness. This dish has become a staple for our family, especially during chilly nights. Seeing everyone enjoy a hearty bowl is a reminder of how food can create connections and warmth!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and flavorful broth that soaks into tender dumplings
A dish that brings back childhood memories of home-cooked meals
Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings

Understanding the Broth

The chicken broth is the heart of this dish, contributing to both flavor and texture. Using homemade broth can elevate the taste significantly, as it allows you to control the seasonings. If you opt for store-bought, choose a low-sodium version to better manage the salt levels in your dish. Simmering the broth with the mixed vegetables for a full 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory base that infuses the dumplings.

For a richer flavor profile, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill along with the thyme. This enhances the aromatic quality of the broth. If you find the broth too thin after cooking, you can whisk a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken the mixture without losing its comforting qualities.

Perfecting the Dumplings

The dumplings should be light and fluffy, which is crucial to the overall comfort of the dish. Avoid over-mixing the dough; stir just until combined for the best texture. If the mixture seems too dry, add a touch more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a moist but firm consistency. This helps to create those delightful, pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth perfectly.

Make sure to drop the dumpling mixture onto the broth without crowding the pot. They need space to rise and expand while steaming. Covering the pot during cooking is essential, as it traps the steam that cooks the dumplings through, usually requiring about 15 minutes. Check for doneness by poking a dumpling with a fork; it should spring back rather than remain dense.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process!

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried thyme

Dumpling Mixture

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Make sure to check for any missing ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a hearty and comforting meal.

Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then, add the cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides.

Add Broth and Veggies

Pour in the chicken broth and add the mixed vegetables along with the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until moistened. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes.

Serve

Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth while it simmers, or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Pairing it with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad can create a more rounded meal. I often serve it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to lighten the palate between the rich bites of chicken and dumplings.

If you want to impress guests, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the flavors and adds a vibrant note that contrasts nicely with the richness of the broth and dumplings.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, the dumplings may absorb too much broth over time, becoming dense. To combat this, store the broth separately or add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery. If you have added extra broth, ensure it's warm before incorporating the dumplings to help maintain their fluffy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's fully thawed and cooked.

→ What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?

If your dumplings turn out dense, try adding a bit more milk to loosen the batter next time.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance, but it's best to cook the dumplings fresh before serving to keep them fluffy.

→ What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Carrots, peas, and corn are great, but feel free to add your favorites like green beans or diced celery!