Johnson's Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty comfort dish with tender chicken, savory broth, and flaky dumplings. This american-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium onion, medium 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup dumpling flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks in 2 tbsp butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, breaking them into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 4 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup dumpling flour, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Knead until smooth, then roll into 1-inch balls.
- Step 4: Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until they float to the top.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Chicken and Dumplings take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Johnson's 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 Johnson's 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 Johnson's 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 Johnson's Chicken and Dumplings?
American soups 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
