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Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

creamy chicken and dumplings - featured image

A comforting and easy homemade recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy broth with soft, pillowy dumplings flavored with fresh thyme.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Dumplings:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¾ cup milk

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot with the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly. Keep broth simmering.
  2. In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in ½ cup flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk and simmer gently until thickened and velvety, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Stir to combine with the creamy broth. Keep pot on low heat.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Cut in cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in ¾ cup milk and stir just until combined; dough will be sticky.
  7. Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of dumpling dough onto simmering broth and chicken mixture. Cover pot with lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting lid.
  8. Gently stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they puff up properly. If broth is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. For gluten-free dumplings, use gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and milk with coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, creamy chicken, comfort food, homemade dumplings, easy dinner, weeknight meal