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 rotisserie chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup milk

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings, especially on chilly evenings when I crave a warm, hearty meal. The aroma of chicken simmering with fresh vegetables fills the kitchen, making every moment spent in preparation worthwhile. The fluffy dumplings that float atop the savory broth are simply irresistible. This dish is about comfort and warmth, a delightful reminder of family dinners that I cherish deeply. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, evoking warmth both inside and out.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:37:36.535Z

Making my Comfort Food Chicken And Dumplings is something I look forward to every autumn. I’ve tried various methods, but one technique that truly elevates the dish is skimming the chicken broth after it has simmered. This creates a clear, rich base that enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings and ensures they absorb just the right amount of broth.

During one family gathering, I decided to experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, which brightened the dish remarkably. Now, I always make sure to include them! Each bite is a comforting hug, reminding me of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Heartwarming flavors that remind you of home
Tender chicken paired with fluffy dumplings
An all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare

The Secret to a Rich Broth

The key to elevating your chicken broth is to let the vegetables infuse their flavors over a sufficient cooking time. Simmering the carrots, celery, and onion for about 20 minutes allows their natural sweetness to emerge and meld beautifully with the chicken broth. If you prefer a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a splash of white wine during the simmering process to deglaze any fond from the bottom of the pot, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

When seasoned properly, the broth acts as a canvas for the entire dish. Taste your broth before adding the shredded chicken to ensure it is well-seasoned, adjusting with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. This step is crucial because the broth will balance and complement the fluffy dumplings once they are added.

Mastering Dumpling Texture

The texture of your dumplings is vital for achieving that comforting mouthfeel we all love. When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix; you want to combine the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings instead of the light, fluffy ones we desire. Look for a batter that’s thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the broth but still slightly glossy from the melted butter and milk.

For an added flavor twist, consider folding in minced fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the dumpling batter. They not only add a pop of color but also contribute a freshness that pairs wonderfully with the hearty chicken and broth.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For a perfect serving suggestion, ladle the chicken and dumplings into deep bowls and garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor. A side of crusty bread or cornbread complements this dish beautifully, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, note that the dumplings may absorb some broth as they sit. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can lead to rubbery dumplings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes.

Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and allow it to heat through while you prepare the dumplings.

Make the Dumpling Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined.

Drop the Dumplings

Using a spoon, drop dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam.

Serve and Enjoy

After the dumplings are cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the broth right before serving for a richer texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch and don't have a rotisserie chicken, you can cook diced chicken breasts or thighs directly in the broth instead. Just add them to the pot alongside the vegetables and simmer until they are cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. This method infuses the chicken with rich flavors right from the start.

For a lighter option, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. While the flavor may slightly change, it offers additional nutrients and fiber, making it a satisfying alternative without compromising the comforting essence of the dish.

Freezing and Make-Ahead

One of the best features of chicken and dumplings is its freezer-friendliness. If you plan on making a larger batch, you can freeze portions of the chicken and broth without the dumplings. The dumplings are best made fresh since they can become mushy upon reheating. Aim to consume the frozen soup within three months for optimal flavor and texture.

To prepare in advance, you can make the broth and shredded chicken a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the broth until simmering, then drop in the fresh dumplings. This way, you will have a warm, hearty meal on the table in no time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just boil it in the broth until cooked, then shred it for the recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and broth without the dumplings. Add fresh dumplings when you reheat.

→ What can I use instead of all-purpose flour for the dumplings?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for a gluten-free version of the dumplings.