Savory Chicken and Dumplings in Rich Sauce
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of tender chicken and pillowy dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. This classic comfort food dish has been a staple in households for generations, and for good reason. The combination of juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and hearty dumplings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that warms the soul with every bite.
What sets this particular recipe apart is the attention to detail in crafting the perfect sauce. By simmering the chicken in a blend of aromatic herbs, savory broth, and a touch of cream, we end up with a velvety, umami-packed sauce that takes the dish to new heights. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course, this Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce is sure to become a new favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely divine. The chicken is tender and juicy, the vegetables add a delightful textural contrast, and the dumplings are light and fluffy, perfectly soaking up the rich, savory sauce.
What’s more, this dish is incredibly versatile. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs or preferences, whether you’re looking for a lower-carb option, a dairy-free version, or a protein-packed meal. And the best part? It’s a true one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors only improve as the dish sits, and you can easily freeze individual portions for quick and satisfying meals down the road. It’s the ultimate comfort food that delivers on both taste and convenience.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience that has made this dish a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste.
• Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the heavy cream, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
• Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and keep the mixture warm while you prepare the dumplings.
• Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms.
• Step 7: Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the surface of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
• Step 8: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and enjoy hot.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 60 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and dumplings recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this version saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 681mg
These hearty Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce provide approximately 66% of your daily protein requirements and 13% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the all-purpose flour in the dumpling batter with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or glucomannan in the sauce.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in the dumpling batter and substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream in the sauce.
• Added protein: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked lentils or chickpeas to the chicken mixture for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add 1-2 cups of frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced mushrooms to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the Chicken and Dumplings with a cup of hearty vegetable or minestrone soup for a comforting duo.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Chicken and Dumplings alongside roasted potatoes or a simple green bean casserole.
• Create an impressive holiday platter by arranging the Chicken and Dumplings in the center and surrounding it with an assortment of dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and steamed vegetables.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the vegetables: If the vegetables are not softened enough before adding the flour and broth, the sauce may end up with a gritty texture. Take the time to properly sauté the onions, carrots, and celery.
• Rushing the roux: It’s important to cook the flour-vegetable mixture for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Skipping this step can lead to a chalky, unpleasant sauce.
• Skimping on seasoning: The chicken and dumplings need generous amounts of salt and pepper to bring out the full flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Overcrowding the pot: Avoid piling too many dumplings on top of the chicken mixture, as this can prevent them from cooking through properly.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken mixture and dumplings separately. Freeze the chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken mixture and proceed with Step 6 to cook the dumplings.
• Freezing baked: Allow the Chicken and Dumplings to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the Chicken and Dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the dumplings.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually benefits from being made ahead. You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, prepare the dumplings, and cook according to the recipe instructions. You can also freeze the fully cooked Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to use a different protein. Turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives would all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the new protein is cooked through. You may also need to adjust the seasoning to complement the flavor of the substituted protein.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free or low-carb?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. And for a lower-carb adaptation, use almond flour or coconut flour in the dumpling batter and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or glucomannan in the sauce.
Why are my dumplings turning out tough or gummy?
If your dumplings are turning out tough or gummy, it’s likely because you’re either overmixing the dough or overcooking the dumplings. Be sure to mix the dumpling batter just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid kneading or overmanipulating the dough. Additionally, only cook the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through but still tender.
Can I add any additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add more vegetables to suit your preferences. Some great options include frozen peas, chopped spinach, diced mushrooms, or even cubed potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Savory Chicken and Dumplings in Rich Sauce represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course, they’re sure to impress with their tender chicken, velvety sauce, and fluffy dumplings. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken and Dumplings in Sauce demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So, gather your loved ones, ladle up a steaming bowl, and enjoy the comforting, soul-warming experience that is this timeless dish.
