Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy Dumplings

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

Tender chicken simmered in a tangy buttermilk sauce, topped with pillowy dumplings for a comforting family dinner. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown chicken 5-6 minutes per side, then remove.
  3. Step 3: Whisk buttermilk, chicken broth, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp salt in pot. Simmer 2 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to pot, cover, and simmer 30 minutes on low heat.
  5. Step 5: Mix dumpling mix with 2 tbsp melted butter. Drop spoonfuls onto simmering chicken, cover, and cook 15 minutes without lifting lid.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy Dumplings take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy 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 Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy 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 Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy Dumplings for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Fluffy Dumplings?

American comfort food 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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