Real Chicken and Dumplings
Comforting chicken and dumplings made with simple, wholesome ingredients: tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a savory broth. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 1, diced onion
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry, then season with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat, add chicken, and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In same pot, add 1 carrot (diced), 1 celery stalk (diced), and 1 onion (diced), and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add 4 cups chicken broth and return chicken to pot, bringing to a simmer.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes until peas are tender. In a bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt, then stir in 1/2 cup milk to form a sticky dough.
- Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto simmering soup, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Step 5: Serve hot, ensuring each portion has equal chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Chicken and Dumplings take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 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 Real 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Real 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 Real Chicken and 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 Real Chicken and Dumplings?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
