Savory Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Savory Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 egg

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Savory Chicken and Dumplings, especially on a chilly evening. The comforting blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings always warms my heart and fills my home with incredible aromas. I often prepare this dish when I want to impress family and friends, or simply indulge in something that tastes like a warm hug. Cooking from scratch is essential here; the homemade dumplings truly elevate the entire dish. Join me as I share this beloved recipe that combines nostalgia with comfort food at its finest!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:50:27.568Z

Preparing Savory Chicken and Dumplings has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made this dish, I meticulously followed the steps, and when I took that first bite, I was amazed by the sensation of flavors dancing on my palate. The combination of well-seasoned chicken and freshly made dumplings creates a sense of satisfaction that few other dishes can match.

One of the tricks I learned along the way is to let the chicken simmer gently in a rich broth before adding the dumplings. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Trust me; it makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with each bite
Creamy broth that envelops the chicken and dumplings
Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in

Mastering the Dumplings

The dumplings are the crowning glory of this dish, providing a soft, pillowy contrast to the savory broth. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing the dumpling batter; a few lumps are okay. If you mix too much, your dumplings can become tough instead of fluffy. Spoonfuls of batter dropped directly into the simmering broth will expand nicely, soaking up the delicious flavors without becoming soggy.

For a twist on your dumplings, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for extra flavor. You can also swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you prefer a nuttier taste. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture, making them a bit denser.

Tweaking the Chicken and Broth

The choice of chicken is essential for this dish. While I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its convenience, bone-in pieces can add more depth to your broth. If you go this route, simmer the chicken longer until it’s tender, ensuring you strain any bones or skin out before adding the dumplings.

Adjusting the vegetables is another way to personalize your dish. Feel free to add peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. Always remember to sauté harder vegetables longer in the beginning to ensure they soften perfectly while the chicken cooks. Aim for a tender texture without letting them turn mushy.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Savory Chicken and Dumplings, a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving can brighten the flavors. I often use thyme or parsley, which pair beautifully with the dish’s savory profile. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick without overwhelming the subtleties of the broth.

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. If freezing, avoid adding the dumplings until you reheat it; they tend to become dense once frozen. When it's time to serve, simply prepare fresh dumplings and cook them in the reheated broth for that light, fluffy texture everyone loves.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Chicken and Broth

1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg

Make sure to prep all ingredients beforehand for greater efficiency.

Instructions

Prepare your kitchen and ensure all utensils are clean and ready.

Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat, adding the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Next, add the diced chicken and garlic, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned.

Simmer in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick.

Add Dumplings to the Pot

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are ready, serve hot, and enjoy the cozy, savory goodness of your homemade chicken and dumplings!

Be careful when serving; the broth will be hot!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, right before serving.

Storing and Reheating

For the best experience, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. However, avoid leaving it out for more than two hours at room temperature. When reheating, consider using a saucepan over low heat to gradually warm it up without losing moisture.

If you find that the broth has thickened too much when reheating, don't hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This method will help maintain the richness while preventing it from becoming overly thick.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

For a different flavor profile, try substituting the chicken with turkey or even cooked shredded pork. Both provide a unique twist while still holding up well against the robust flavors of the broth. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs such as rosemary or sage can provide a distinctive taste that many will love.

Vegetarians can also enjoy this dish by swapping out chicken for hearty vegetables and utilizing vegetable broth instead. Adding mushrooms can impart a similarly savory depth to the broth. Just ensure to sauté them well in the initial steps to release their moisture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dumplings are dense or undercooked, it may stem from too much mixing or cooking them for too long. Aim for a gentle fold when combining ingredients and keep an eye on the timing during simmering—the dumplings should only take about 15 minutes to cook through after dropping them into the broth.

In case the broth tastes bland, don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor. Adjusting the thyme or adding a bay leaf while it simmers can also ensure a depth of flavor that resonates with every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well and will save you time on preparation.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time; just make the dumplings fresh when you're ready to serve.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.