Herbed Chicken & Fluffy Dumplings

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Herbed Chicken & Fluffy Dumplings recipe is your ticket to a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty yet simple to prepare. Plus, the fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that elevates this classic dish.

Ingredients for Herbed Chicken & Fluffy Dumplings

The base of our dish starts with chicken thighs, which are wonderfully juicy and flavorful. We're simmering them in a generous amount of chicken broth to infuse the dish with savory goodness. The all-purpose flour and baking powder combine to create those delightful dumplings, with salt and black pepper adding just the right amount of seasoning. Our fresh herbs, parsley and dill, are the secret to making this dish sing with freshness. Whole milk and unsalted butter contribute to the rich, creamy texture of the dumplings. We round out the flavors with onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for added depth, and a bay leaf to infuse the broth with subtle, aromatic notes.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, brown the chicken thighs before adding them to the pot.
  • If you prefer, swap out chicken thighs for breasts, but note that thighs remain juicier.
  • Don’t peek while the dumplings are cooking—they need steam to rise properly.
  • Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste; rosemary and thyme are great alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. A dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the herbs beautifully. Consider serving with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can. Use one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.
What can I do with leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra broth.

Herbed Chicken & Fluffy Dumplings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir them around until they're soft and your kitchen smells heavenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add the chicken thighs to the pot, along with the bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole thing to a boil. Once it's bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through and the broth to absorb all that goodness.

While the chicken is simmering, let's make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and half of your chopped herbs until a soft dough forms. It should be sticky but not too wet.

Now, it's time to add your dumplings to the pot. Use a spoon to drop small mounds of dough into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot and let it all simmer for an additional 15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up beautifully as they cook.

Before serving, remember to fish out the bay leaf, and then stir in the remaining herbs. This final touch makes all the difference in flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort food at its finest – warm, filling, and satisfying.
  • Fresh herbs bring a delightful burst of flavor.
  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • One-pot wonder – less cleanup, more enjoyment!
  • Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 bay leaf

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add the chicken thighs and bay leaf to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in milk and half of the chopped herbs until a soft dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the remaining herbs, and serve hot.

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