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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
