One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy Recipe to Warm Your Heart
There’s something about the aroma of a bubbling pot of One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: the golden hour sunlight filtering through your kitchen window, the laughter of loved ones, and the rich, savory scent of tender chicken mingling with fresh vegetables and fluffy dumplings. This isn’t merely a dish; it’s a homemade meal filled with memories, togetherness, and love. As the seasons change and the nights grow longer, this recipe embodies comfort food at its finest, allowing you to create moments that linger long after the last spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a place in your kitchen:
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Delicious Flavors: The blend of herbs, spices, and tender chicken creates a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Easy to Prepare: With everything cooked in one pot, clean-up is a breeze. Just sauté, simmer, and serve!
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Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even a holiday treat, this dish appeals to all ages.
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Budget-Friendly: It utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners.
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Comforting: There’s a reason this dish is considered a classic—each bite is like a warm embrace, perfect for those cooler nights.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on this comforting journey. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs (swap with skinless breasts if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a light, healthy option)
- 1 medium onion, diced (the aromatic base)
- 2 carrots, sliced (for color and sweetness)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (adds crunch)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or use fresh for brighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (a pinch of green magic)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups frozen peas (bright and vibrant)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (needed for those fluffy dumplings)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (to help your dumplings rise)
- ½ teaspoon salt (season with love)
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk (for richness)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (because everything’s better with butter)
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
This quick dinner idea is perfect for those busy evenings when you want to serve something special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken thighs, cooking until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
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Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, stirring in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Make the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined—the dough should be a bit sticky.
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Add Dumplings to Stew: Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it in the pot using two forks. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering broth, covering the chicken.
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Simmer and Serve: Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the dumplings to steam and rise beautifully.
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Finish with Peas: Once time is up, carefully uncover the pot and stir in the frozen peas. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Twists
Feel free to get creative with this One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Here are a few ideas:
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Healthier Swaps: Use whole wheat flour for the dumplings or substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie for a quicker option.
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Festive Versions: Add seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a fall twist.
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Regional Spins: Try adding a splash of hot sauce for Southern flair or a hint of curry powder for an exotic twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings in deep, comforting bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, and a side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop. This dish is ideal for not just weeknight dinners but also for special occasions, where the warmth of the meal invites everyone to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Yes, please! This one-pot wonder stores beautifully. Transfer any remaining chicken and dumplings into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor — we don’t want those dumplings to dry out!
Kitchen Tips for Success
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Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it adds richness to your stew.
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Dough Consistency: Aim for a thick batter for dumplings to achieve that fluffy texture.
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Season to Taste: Always taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate.
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Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, fresh herbs are always a great addition that enhances the overall flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken? Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted; just adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
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How do I meal prep this? This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. Simply prepare it up to adding the dumplings, cool, and store. When ready, gently reheat and add dumplings.
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Can I freeze dumplings? While dumplings can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them uncooked. You can drop them into the pot directly from the freezer when cooking!
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing meals with those we love. Every spoonful brims with cherished memories and warmth, making it the perfect dish to gather around as the weather turns brisk. So grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and create your own flavorful moments filled with laughter and joy. Happy cooking!
Contents
One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs You can swap with skinless breasts if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For a light, healthy option.
- 1 medium onion, diced The aromatic base.
- 2 units carrots, sliced For color and sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped Adds crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Because who doesn’t love garlic?
For the Stew
- 4 cups chicken broth Homemade if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Or use fresh for a brighter flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley A pinch of green magic.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- 2 cups frozen peas Bright and vibrant.
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Needed for those fluffy dumplings.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder To help your dumplings rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt Season with love.
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk For richness.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted Because everything’s better with butter.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken thighs, cooking until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined—the dough should be a bit sticky.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it in the pot using two forks. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering broth, covering the chicken.
- Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the dumplings to steam and rise beautifully.
- Once time is up, carefully uncover the pot and stir in the frozen peas. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.