Thursday, February 26, 2026

Chicken & Dumplings

Absolutely — here’s a classic, from-scratch Chicken & Dumplings recipe that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for a cozy NJ night (especially this time of year).


🥣 Classic Chicken & Dumplings

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

  • 3 tablespoons flour

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional but good)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¾ cup whole milk

  • 4 tablespoons melted butter


👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken

  • Heat oil/butter in a large Dutch oven.

  • Season chicken with salt & pepper.

  • Brown on both sides (about 4–5 min per side).

  • Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Build the Flavor

  • In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery (5–7 minutes).

  • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Sprinkle in flour and stir 1–2 minutes.

  • Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk.

  • Add thyme, parsley, pepper.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

3️⃣ Shred the Chicken

  • Shred cooked chicken.

  • Return it to the pot.

  • Add peas if using.

Let simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.


🥟 Make the Dumplings

  • Mix dry ingredients.

  • Stir in milk and melted butter just until combined (don’t overmix).

  • Drop large spoonfuls of dough on top of simmering soup.

⚠️ Important:
Cover tightly and simmer on LOW for 15 minutes.
Do not lift the lid — steam cooks the dumplings.

After 15 minutes, check doneness. They should be fluffy and cooked through.


⭐ Pro Tips

  • For richer flavor, use thighs instead of breasts.

  • Want thicker stew? Add 1 extra tablespoon flour when building base.

  • Want old-school Southern style? Skip milk in broth and use all stock.

  • For extra cozy: finish with 1 tablespoon butter stirred in at the end.



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