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Cozy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch

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A comforting and easy-to-make chicken and dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich broth perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds / 1.4–1.8 kg), preferably organic or free-range
  • 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free option)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess

Instructions

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer partially covered for 30-40 minutes. Skim off any foam or impurities.
  3. Remove the chicken using tongs or a slotted spoon and set on a cutting board to cool. Remove skin and bones, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, and discard skin and bones.
  4. Return shredded chicken to the pot and keep broth simmering on low.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine milk and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently just until combined; do not overmix.
  7. Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
  8. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes until dumplings puff up and feel firm but soft inside.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in a splash of heavy cream if desired.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Keep broth at a gentle simmer to avoid cloudiness and tough dumplings. Do not overmix dumpling dough to keep them tender. Cover pot while dumplings cook to trap steam for fluffiness. Add more broth or water if broth reduces too much during cooking. Dumplings do not freeze well; reheat gently on stovetop to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, homemade dumplings, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, cozy meals, from scratch, chicken soup

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/cozy-homemade-chicken-and-dumplings-from-scratch-easy-recipe-guide/