Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew

Craving something warm, hearty, and comforting? That’s why I love making Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew! It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days.

I simmer tender chicken with veggies and herbs, then drop in fluffy dumplings that cook right in the stew. The whole house smells amazing while it bubbles away. My family always gathers around with big bowls ready!

No fancy steps needed. Just simple ingredients, one pot, and a little love. It’s classic comfort food that makes everyone happy.

Let’s make this stew together! I’ll guide you through every step. Ready for a warm, hearty meal?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: This stew captures the essence of homemade comfort food, combining simple, fresh ingredients into a hearty meal.
• Balanced Flavors: The savory chicken and vegetables meld beautifully with a creamy broth, while the herbs bring a fresh, aromatic note.
• Fluffy Dumplings: The dumplings are soft and tender, made from scratch with a light texture that complements the stew perfectly.
• Beginner-Friendly: Though it feels like a restaurant-quality dish, it’s easy to make with clear steps anyone can follow.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and finish the stew quickly when you’re ready to eat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: About 20 minutes to chop vegetables, shred chicken, and prepare dumpling dough.
• Cook Time: Around 45 minutes to build the stew’s flavor and cook the dumplings until fluffy.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, a perfect balance for a weekday meal or weekend dinner.

Servings:
This recipe makes enough to serve 6 people generously. It’s great for families or if you want leftovers for the next day.

Difficulty Level:
Easy to moderate. You’ll mostly be sautéing, whisking, and simmering — straightforward techniques for most home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this stew successfully, having these tools on hand will help:

• A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven — ideal for even heat and simmering.
• Medium-sized mixing bowl — to mix the dumpling dough easily.
• Whisk — to blend flour and liquids smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula — for stirring the stew without scratching your pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife and cutting board — for chopping vegetables finely.

Ingredients for Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew

Here is the detailed ingredient list with notes for best results:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness to the stew base. Unsalted lets you control salt levels better.
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed. Finely chopping ensures it melts into the broth.
• 1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks: Adds color, subtle sweetness, and texture. Matchsticks cook evenly and maintain a slight bite.
• 1 cup celery, diced: Provides savory, aromatic notes essential to classic stew flavors. Dice small so it softens well.
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch. Fresh garlic is best for a bold, clean flavor.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This acts as a thickener when combined with butter to make a roux. It helps create a creamy stew without cream.
• 12 ounces evaporated milk: Gives the broth a rich, creamy texture without being heavy or overly dairy-forward.
• 32 ounces chicken stock (low sodium preferred): The stew’s base liquid. Using low sodium lets you adjust salt more precisely.
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover roast chicken or cook chicken breasts ahead of time. Shredded chicken spreads evenly in the stew.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Thyme adds a subtle earthiness and herbaceous aroma essential to this dish.
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper: Adds warmth and a slight bite, freshly cracked is best for flavor.
• Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the stew — add gradually as you cook.

For the dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dumplings, providing structure.
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes dumplings rise and stay fluffy.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Moistens the dry ingredients and creates a tender dumpling dough.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter: Adds flavor and richness to the dumplings.

Variations for Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew

• Add More Herbs: Mix in fresh parsley, rosemary, or sage alongside thyme for a more complex herbal flavor.
• Use Different Vegetables: Swap or add peas, green beans, or mushrooms to customize your stew.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat.
• Use Different Proteins: Substitute shredded turkey or leftover roast pork if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy broth.

How to Make Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. This step builds the stew’s flavor foundation.

2. Add Garlic and Flour

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Then sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux — this will thicken the stew later.

3. Stir in Liquids

Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Follow with the chicken stock, whisking until smooth. Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth will start to thicken thanks to the roux.

4. Add Chicken and Herbs

Add the shredded cooked chicken and fresh thyme leaves to the simmering broth. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Let the stew cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the stew simmers, in a medium bowl whisk together the flour and baking powder for the dumplings. Add the whole milk and melted butter, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.

6. Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop portions of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly with a lid to trap steam. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam cooks the dumplings through, making them light and fluffy.

7. Final Touches

Once dumplings are cooked and puffed, give the stew a gentle stir to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew

This stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving ideas:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the stew’s richness.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
• Simple Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli add a fresh touch.
• In Bowls: Ladle the stew into deep bowls to showcase the fluffy dumplings and tender chicken.

Storing Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stew may thicken as it cools; add a splash of chicken stock or milk when reheating to loosen it.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well without the dumplings. Freeze the stew base separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Prepare fresh dumplings when reheating for best texture.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve dumpling texture.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	600 mg

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Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes, you can cook raw chicken in the stew base, but you’ll need to simmer it longer until fully cooked and tender.

Q: How do I know when dumplings are done?
A: Dumplings should be firm to the touch and no longer doughy inside. Cooking with a tight lid traps steam that cooks them evenly.

Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
A: It’s best to add dumplings just before serving for the best texture, as they can become dense if stored for long.

Q: Can I make this stew gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free baking powder for the dumplings.

Conclusion

Chicken and Herb Dumplings Stew is a timeless dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy herb-infused dumplings make this stew satisfying and versatile for any occasion. With straightforward steps and adaptable ingredients, it’s an excellent recipe for both new and experienced cooks.