Lunch & Dinner

Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals

Name: Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 cup finely minced carrots; 1 cup finely minced celery; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 cups filtered water; 1 whole chicken; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 1/8 cups whole milk; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Lauren Miller February 22, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When it comes to pairing with chicken and drop dumplings, the goal is to complement the comforting, savory flavors with the right sides.

Steamed green beans add a crisp freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, velvety dumplings. Garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch, making each bite feel like an adventure.

A mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the dish’s richness, providing a refreshing balance. Mashed potatoes, though another starch, add a creamy indulgence, especially when the skin is left on for a rustic touch.

Finally, corn on the cob, sweet and juicy, is the perfect hand-held treat to round out the meal with a burst of natural sweetness.

What is Chicken and Drop Dumplings?

At its core, chicken and drop dumplings is a flavorful one-pot meal that blends tender chicken with fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth. The dish is known for its delicious combination of textures and tastes.

Picture it: tender chicken soaking up savory broth, paired with hearty, pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. It’s comfort food like no other, with deep roots in Southern cooking and homey kitchens across the country. What’s not to love?

How Does It Taste Like?

Let’s talk about taste. The broth is the star of the show—rich and flavorful, with hints of garlic and the freshness of herbs. It’s savory yet has a delicate sweetness from the softened vegetables. The dumplings?

They are soft but have just enough bite that you can feel them on your tongue. Each bite delivers warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a cold night. Add a dash of pepper, and you have a dish that’s not just food, it’s a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This?

There are many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First, it’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup time. Second, it’s comforting and satisfying; the kind of dish you crave on a rainy day.

Plus, you can make it using simple, wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. And let’s be honest—who can resist homemade dumplings? This dish gives you that nostalgic feeling of home-cooked goodness without fuss.

Ingredients

Chicken & Stock:

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup finely minced carrots
1 cup finely minced celery
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups filtered water
1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 sprig fresh thyme

Dumplings:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/8 cups whole milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables have softened—about 5 minutes. This mixture is your mirepoix, and it’s the foundation for rich flavor.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Liquid

Place the whole chicken into the pot. Pour in both the chicken broth and filtered water until the chicken is submerged. Add soy sauce, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for about 1 hour.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot. Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir until evenly mixed. In another bowl, combine milk and melted butter, then slowly incorporate it into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Use a spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Space them out so they aren’t touching.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam in the broth for about 15-18 minutes. They should puff up and appear cooked through when ready.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, keeping some broth for those who enjoy it a little soupy. Garnish with fresh thyme if you have it.

Tips on Making Chicken and Drop Dumplings

Use a Quality Chicken: A fresh, high-quality chicken will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Go organic if you can.
Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Mixing too much will make them tough. Just combine until you have a slightly lumpy dough.
Season Generously: Tasting your broth before adding the dumplings is key. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Keep It Covered: Steaming is important for dumplings. Don’t lift the lid while they’re cooking; you’ll let the steam escape.
Experiment with Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the flavors. A little goes a long way.

How Do You Store This Chicken and Drop Dumplings?

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store your chicken and drop dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about three days. Just be aware that the dumplings may absorb some broth and get a bit softer.

If you’re planning to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat slowly on the stove.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Chicken and Drop Dumplings?

Turkey: Transform leftover turkey into this dish. Use the same method for cooking the broth.
Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth. It won’t be the same, but it’ll be delicious.
Whole Wheat Flour: Consider using whole wheat flour for the dumplings to increase the fiber content. The texture will be a tad different, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
Sour Cream: Swapping in sour cream for some of the milk in the dumplings adds a delightful richness and tang.
Frozen Vegetables: Add frozen peas or mixed vegetables instead of fresh. They’ll cook nicely in the broth and save time.

Conclusion

Chicken and drop dumplings evoke memories of family dinners and rainy days spent indoors. The simplicity of the ingredients doesn’t diminish the dish’s complexity or joy. It’s a meal that’s rewarding to make and delightful to share.

Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction. As you gather your ingredients and follow along, remember: you’re not just making food; you’re creating a piece of home. Enjoy!

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Print Recipe

Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals

Author: Lauren Miller Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 2.5 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 475 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A chilly evening, the comforting smell of something hearty wafting through your kitchen. It's chicken and drop dumplings, a dish that hugs you from the inside out.

This simple yet delightful meal brings warmth to the table, perfect for family gatherings or when you need a comforting dish after a long day. And trust me, once you make this dish, it'll become a cherished staple in your kitchen.