Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe
If you crave a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture, this Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a luxuriously thick broth dotted with sweet peas and soft vegetables, all crowned with pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of that creamy goodness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers simple ingredients transformed into a home-cooked masterpiece that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to a satisfying Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe. Each element plays a delicious role—whether it’s building the hearty stew base, adding fresh flavors, or creating those fluffy dumplings that take this dish over the top.
- Butter: Provides a rich, velvety base for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the aromatics without burning.
- Small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth to the stew’s foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a fragrant warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Carrots, sliced: Deliver natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Adds a savory crunch and aromatic notes.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: Earthy herbs that elevate the stew’s complexity.
- All-purpose flour (for stew and dumplings): Essential for thickening the stew and creating tender dumplings.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that forms your stew’s soul.
- Whole milk or half-and-half: Makes the stew creamy and luscious.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein star of this comforting dish.
- Frozen peas: Add bright pops of color and a hint of sweetness.
- Baking powder: The secret to light, fluffy dumplings.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and balance all the incredible flavors.
- Melted butter (for dumplings): Keeps dumplings moist and rich.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a lovely herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The combination of fats gives your stew a beautiful base and extra flavor. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery, then cook until everything softens and starts to release their natural sweetness—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the essential flavor foundation of the stew.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Flour
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary to infuse the vegetables with an earthy aroma. Then, add the flour, stirring constantly to coat the veggies. The flour will help thicken the stew later, so be sure to mix it well and cook it for a minute or two until it loses the raw taste.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Milk
Slowly ladle in the chicken broth while stirring diligently to avoid lumps from forming. Once combined, stir in the milk and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the stew developing that creamy, comforting texture that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Once the stew is thick and inviting, fold in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Make and Cook the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. Stir just until all ingredients come together—avoid overmixing or the dumplings could turn tough. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of this batter over the simmering stew. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, letting the dumplings steam and puff up over 15 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, so the dumplings cook perfectly fluffy.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew and dumplings just before serving. This little touch of green adds a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich creaminess of the dish and gives you a burst of color that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken stew is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad to lighten things up or some roasted root vegetables for additional warmth and heartiness. Crusty bread is always a winner for soaking up every last drop of stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, ladle the stew into deep bowls and pile dumplings on top, letting everyone dig in. For a special occasion, serve portions in individual ceramic ramekins topped with extra parsley and a small drizzle of cream for a touch of elegance. You can even spoon it over mashed potatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Just be sure to keep the dumplings with the stew to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled stew and dumplings in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving dumplings directly as they may become tough, but stirring them back into the reheated stew works perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey is an excellent substitute and works perfectly with the flavors in this dish. You could also use leftover roast chicken or even pulled pork for a different twist.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
No worries! Fresh parsley adds a fresh flavor and color, but you can skip it or substitute with chopped fresh chives or thyme, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the stew thickening and dumpling batter. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to ensure the best texture.
How long do the dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings need about 15 to 20 minutes of gentle simmering covered. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time, so they steam and puff up nicely without getting dense.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that fills your kitchen with warmth and welcomes everyone to the table. Its blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and light dumplings makes for an unforgettable meal that’s as easy to make as it is comforting to eat. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again when you want something truly satisfying and heartwarming.
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Creamy Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken stew topped with soft homemade dumplings, perfect for a hearty family dinner. This classic American dish combines tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth to create a warming, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Flour: Stir in dried thyme and rosemary. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly, which helps to thicken the stew later.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often until the stew thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken along with the frozen peas. Season the stew with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. Stir the ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the dumplings light and tender.
- Add Dumplings to Stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly and puff up.
- Finish and Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through and puffed, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy chicken stew and dumplings hot for a cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the stew just before serving.
- Be careful not to overmix the dumpling batter to keep them fluffy.
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they rise properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
