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Cozy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Easy Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Guide

cozy chicken and dumplings - featured image

A quick and easy chicken and dumplings recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs and fluffy, tender dumplings in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy dinners and comforting meals without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 34 fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, careful not to burn it. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place chicken thighs in the pot and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add fresh thyme sprigs if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken thighs with tongs and let cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks, discarding any bones or skin if necessary. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in milk and melted butter. Stir just until combined; batter should be thick but spoonable. Fold in chopped parsley if desired.
  6. Bring broth with chicken and veggies back to a gentle simmer. Drop heaping tablespoons of dumpling batter onto the surface, leaving space between each dumpling.
  7. Cover pot tightly with a lid and let dumplings steam over low heat for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
  8. Check dumplings for doneness by poking with a fork; they should spring back and feel light, not doughy.
  9. Remove thyme sprigs, taste broth, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra parsley.

Notes

Do not overmix dumpling batter to avoid tough dumplings. Use fresh baking powder for best rise. Keep broth at a gentle simmer and cover tightly while cooking dumplings to ensure fluffiness. Shred chicken finely for easier spooning. If broth is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth before serving. Dumplings freeze better separately; freeze on a tray first then transfer to a bag.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade dumplings, creamy broth, cozy meal