Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty dish of tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, topped with flaky dumplings and a hint of thyme. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken thighs, onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 diced onion in 2 tbsp butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks; cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is browned on all sides. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in 12 frozen dumplings and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through. Serve hot with additional thyme sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (30 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best-Best Comfort Chicken and Dumplings?

Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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