Lunch & Dinner

Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals

Name: Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cans chicken stock; 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¾ pound small new potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced; 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ cup milk; 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons dried dill; ½ teaspoon salt

Lauren Miller March 19, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Chicken stew and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a few well-chosen sides to create a balanced meal. A loaf of freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth while adding a satisfying textural contrast.

A simple green salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch that balances the stew’s warmth and depth. For a tangy contrast, a side of pickles or relish can cut through the dish’s richness, adding a burst of brightness.

To finish on a lighter note, a fresh fruit salad offers a naturally sweet and refreshing way to cleanse the palate. These pairings complement the comforting qualities of chicken stew and dumplings, making each bite even more enjoyable.

What is Chicken Stew and Dumplings?

At its core, chicken stew and dumplings consist of a savory broth filled with chicken, vegetables, and soft, cloud-like dumplings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can make it from scratch or use leftover chicken, adding whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this chicken stew and dumplings recipe lies in several key aspects that ensure a delightful meal.

Flavorful Base

The stew begins with a blend of fresh ingredients that build layers of flavor. The use of onions, garlic, and spices creates a savory base that enhances every bite.

Versatility

You can personalize this dish to suit your taste. Include seasonal vegetables or adjust the spices based on what you have. This is your kitchen, after all!

Comforting Texture

The dumplings are the stars of the show. They’re fluffy, tender, and soak up the broth, making every mouthful a delightful experience.

Time-Saving Convenience

Using a rotisserie chicken streamlines the process. You save time while still maintaining a home-cooked quality that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty delight:

Chicken Stew:

2 cans chicken stock
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ pound small new potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano

Dumplings:

¾ cup milk
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried dill
½ teaspoon salt

How To Make This Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this comforting meal to life.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. This takes about 5 minutes. Incorporate the diced potatoes and celery, stirring for another 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Stew

Pour in the chicken stock and shredded rotisserie chicken. Add the lemon juice, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes. You want everything to mingle nicely.

Step 3: Make Dumpling Batter

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, dill, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk and cubed butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix; lumps are okay.

Step 4: Add Dumplings

Once the stew has simmered, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the bubbling broth. Cover the pot tightly and cook for another 15 minutes. Resist lifting the lid; the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings.

Step 5: Serve

After 15 minutes, use a toothpick to check the dumplings. If they come out clean, they’re ready! Serve hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

Use Homemade Stock: If you have the time, homemade chicken stock enhances flavor dramatically.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the stew simmer allows flavors to develop and ingredients to tenderize.
Avoid Overmixing the Dumpling Batter: This keeps the dumplings fluffy.
Keep the Lid On: The key to fluffy dumplings is to trap steam by keeping the pot covered while they cook.
Fresh Herbs Matter: If you can, use fresh herbs; they add a vibrant flavor profile.

How to Store The Leftovers?

Leftover chicken stew can be stored easily. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3–4 days. If you wish to save it for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Side Dishes for Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Let’s enhance your meal! Here are some side dishes that complement chicken stew and dumplings beautifully:

Garlic Bread: Nothing beats that crispiness. Garlic bread with butter pairs wonderfully with the stew.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts bring a hint of sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the soft stew and dumplings.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing palate cleanser, complementing the hearty stew.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: If you crave a little extra comfort, a side of creamy mashed potatoes can be a perfect match.

Substitute Options for the Ingredients

Chicken Stock: Use vegetable broth as a lighter alternative, adding a bit of seasoning to enhance flavor.

Rotisserie Chicken: You can cook your chicken from scratch. Boil or roast it before shredding.

Mixed Vegetables: If frozen veggies aren’t on hand, fresh veggies such as peas, corn, or green beans will do just fine.

Milk: Substitute with almond milk or soy milk, both work well for the dumplings, keeping them moist.

Conclusion

Chicken stew and dumplings is a remarkable dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort. With the right ingredients and a dash of love, anyone can create a delightful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering. Happy cooking!

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Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Meals

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

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 464 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

There's something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken stew and dumplings. Growing up, many meals were anchored around family favorites like this.

I can still remember the first time I had this dish: my grandmother’s kitchen, the smell of chicken simmering, and the anticipation of digging into those fluffy dumplings. That's the power of chicken stew and dumplings; it wraps you in warmth and nostalgia.

Chicken stew and dumplings combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, resulting in a hearty dish that feels like a hug from the inside.