Hearty Herb Chicken and Dumplings

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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There's something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of chicken and dumplings, and this Hearty Herb Chicken and Dumplings recipe takes it to a whole new level with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe!

Ingredients for Hearty Herb Chicken and Dumplings

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe because they stay juicy and infuse the broth with flavor. Olive oil is used to brown the chicken, adding richness. Onion and garlic provide a savory base, while carrots and celery offer a touch of sweetness and crunch. Chicken broth is the backbone of our dish, providing depth and warmth. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary enhance the natural flavors. For the dumplings, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt create a perfect dough that’s light yet hearty. Whole milk and melted butter add richness, while fresh parsley brightens it all up.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, try searing the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  • Keep your dumplings uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly.
  • If the broth is too thick for your liking, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out.
  • For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp side salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dumplings. A loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up that delicious broth. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine complements the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it might not be as tender and flavorful. Consider cooking it for a shorter time to avoid dryness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors meld beautifully when made ahead. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Hearty Herb Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken thighs and cook them until they’re nicely browned on both sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove them from the pot and set them aside for later.

In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Next, add in the sliced carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting those veggies soften up and soak in all those flavors.

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it all cook together for about 30 minutes so the chicken gets tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

While that’s simmering, grab a bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until everything is combined. Gently fold in the parsley to form a dough that’s ready to go.

When the chicken has finished simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the pot. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. They should be fluffy and cooked through by the end of it.

Serve your Hearty Herb Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley if you’d like a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, savory broth infused with herbs.
  • Tender chicken that melts in your mouth.
  • Fluffy dumplings that are perfectly satisfying.
  • Great for family dinners or when you want to impress guests.
  • Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, add chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until combined. Fold in parsley to form a dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.

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