Description
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers a warm and cozy meal featuring tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth with fluffy plant-based dumplings. Perfect for any season, this comforting dish combines simple, wholesome ingredients and is customizable to suit various dietary preferences while delivering rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Broth
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Trim and chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Dice carrots, celery, and onions finely. In a large pot, melt plant-based butter over medium heat, then add the diced vegetables. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aroma before stirring in the chicken pieces.
- Build the Broth: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Pour in plant-based milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually sprinkle in the flour while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, allowing the broth to thicken into a creamy base.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, combine flour, plant-based milk, salt, and natural gelling agent to form a soft but sturdy dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape when dropped into the broth.
- Cook the Dumplings: Using a spoon, carefully drop small dollops of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, so they become fluffy and absorb the broth’s flavors.
- Final Touches: Once dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and optional smoked turkey bacon. Let the pot rest off the heat for a few minutes to meld all flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat.
- Avoid over-stirring dumplings during cooking to ensure fluffiness.
- Add flour gradually when thickening broth to prevent clumping.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end for vibrant flavor.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving to deepen flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, plant-based dumplings, creamy chicken stew, comfort food, gluten-free chicken recipe
