Description
Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, heartwarming dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy family meals or simple weekday dinners, this classic recipe offers a delicious blend of creamy flavors and satisfying textures that will leave you warm and content.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 4 cups high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (natural gelling agent)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups plant-based milk (plant-based)
- 3 tbsp melted plant-based butter (plant-based)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Warm the plant-based butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft and aromatic. Toss in the diced smoked turkey bacon for a subtle smoky aroma. Add the chicken pieces and brown slightly on all sides to lock in the flavor.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth along with a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to release their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder (natural gelling agent), salt, and pepper. Stir in the plant-based milk and melted plant-based butter until the dough reaches a sticky but manageable consistency, perfect for spooning into the pot.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, avoiding lifting the lid so the dumplings steam to fluffy perfection.
- Final Touches: Once dumplings are tender and cooked through, gently stir fresh parsley into the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving up generous bowls of this hearty, soothing Chicken and Dumplings classic.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat after simmering.
- Avoid lifting the lid during dumpling cooking to ensure proper steaming and rising.
- Add salt gradually since broth and dumplings absorb salt differently.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end to keep flavors vibrant.
- Customize dumpling dough with herbs or garlic powder for extra taste layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, one-pot meal, hearty dinner, plant-based butter, gluten-free dumplings, family meal
