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Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe - Comfort Food Meals

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 471
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Broth
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Notes

  • 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.