There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of simmering broth and fluffy dumplings filled the air.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my tried-and-true recipe for this classic comfort food. This hearty, flavorful meal is perfect for chilly nights and special occasions alike, and I promise you, once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never look back.
Why Make It From Scratch?
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a meal entirely from scratch. Making homemade chicken and dumplings allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful meal.
Plus, the process itself can be incredibly therapeutic. I remember the first time I made this dish on my own – the sense of accomplishment was unbeatable. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you for putting in the extra effort.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
For the Chicken and Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb.)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spoon
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Chicken and Gravy
Browning the Chicken
The key to a flavorful base is properly browning the chicken. Heat the olive oil in your skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on each side until they’re a beautiful golden color.
This step is crucial for developing that rich, deep flavor we’re after. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to build our flavor base. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until the onions have softened.
As you stir, make sure to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is! Add the diced carrot and celery and continue to sauté for about five more minutes.
Making the Roux and Gravy
Here’s where the magic happens. Add the butter and flour to the skillet, stirring until you’ve created a paste that coats the vegetables. This roux is the secret to a thick, velvety gravy. Cook this mixture for about two minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Now, add the herbs, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Turn up the heat to medium-high and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens into a luscious gravy.
Simmering the Chicken
Dice the partially cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer in the gravy while you prepare the dumplings. This gentle cooking will ensure your chicken stays tender and juicy.
2. Preparing the Dumplings
Mixing the Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, parsley, sugar, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour in the milk and melted butter, then stir until you have a soft, scoopable batter. Be careful not to overmix – lumps are okay and will result in fluffier dumplings.
Adding the Dumplings to the Gravy
Remove the lid from your simmering chicken and gravy. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop the dumpling batter onto the surface of the gravy in 2 tablespoon dollops. You should end up with about 12 dumplings.
Make sure the gravy is still simmering, then cover the skillet again and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek – the steam is crucial for cooking the dumplings properly. After 15 minutes, your dumplings should have doubled in size and be fluffy and cooked through.
Variations and Tips
Using Different Types of Chicken
While I prefer chicken thighs for their rich flavor, you can use a whole cut-up chicken or even chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. If using skin-on, bone-in meat, just remove the skin and bones after browning and before simmering.
Adding Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can take this dish to the next level. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley just before serving. It adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Using Evaporated Milk for Creaminess
For an extra indulgent version, try swapping out some of the whole milk for evaporated milk or heavy cream. It makes the broth incredibly rich and creamy.
Making Gluten-Free Dumplings
If you’re catering to gluten-free diets, you can easily adapt this recipe. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in both the gravy and the dumplings. Just be sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooked chicken can quickly turn your comforting meal into a disappointment. Keep an eye on your chicken as it simmers – it should be tender but still juicy.
Not Browning the Chicken Properly
Don’t rush the browning process. Those caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan are flavor gold and will make your gravy irresistible.
Overmixing the Dumpling Dough
Remember, when it comes to dumplings, lumps are your friends. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy dumplings instead of the light, fluffy clouds we’re aiming for.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my ultimate guide to homemade chicken and dumplings. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making a recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste or try out different variations.
The beauty of homemade chicken and dumplings lies not just in its comforting flavors, but in the love and care that goes into making it. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a meal that will warm both body and soul. Happy cooking!
