The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the warmth of this magical time than with a steaming bowl of Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings? Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a savory broth, surrounded by fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious flavor. festive dessert option cozy breakfast casserole option The aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in a cozy embrace like a favorite blanket on a chilly evening.
As you gather around the table, laughter fills the air, and every bite reminds you of treasured memories spent with loved ones. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy on a cozy night in. perfect holiday appetizer pairing Trust me; once you dive into this comforting masterpiece, your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This delicious Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings recipe is as easy as it is flavorful, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Customize the dumplings with your favorite herbs for a personal touch. The vibrant colors and rich aromas create an inviting atmosphere for any meal. It’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty main dish or a festive side during celebrations. [/info_box]
Sharing this dish with my family always sparks joy, especially when my kids can’t resist sneaking bites of dumplings while I’m still cooking.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; look for firm ones for the best texture.
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Celery: Choose crisp stalks to lend crunch and flavor to the broth.
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Onion: A medium onion provides depth; finely chop it so it melds beautifully into the soup. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Ravioli Soup recipe.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping flavors rich. rich and creamy pot pie.
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Flour: Essential for thickening both the broth and creating fluffy dumplings.
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Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and airy.
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Milk: Adds creaminess to the dumpling batter; whole milk works best here.
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Butter: A touch of butter enhances flavor; do not skip this step!
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Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Thyme): Customize to taste; these key spices elevate every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create Your Flavorful Base: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil along with chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Broth: Toss in your boneless chicken breasts along with the chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme for maximum flavor impact.
Simmer Until Cooked: Let everything simmer gently over low heat until the chicken is cooked through—about 20 minutes should do it! You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender enough to shred.
Make Your Dumpling Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be slightly lumpy yet smooth.
Add Dumplings to Soup: Once the chicken is done cooking, shred it right back into the pot. Then drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering soup—don’t worry if they’re not perfect shapes!
Cook Until Fluffy: Cover the pot tightly and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam will work its magic! When they’re fluffy and cooked through, your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Now that you’ve mastered Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings, get ready to dig into some serious comfort food bliss! Whether it’s a holiday feast or just another Tuesday night dinner that needs spicing up—this dish has got you covered! Remember that sharing food creates lasting memories—so grab your loved ones and enjoy every delicious moment together! For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is comfort food at its finest. This dish warms the heart and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. The fluffy dumplings paired with tender chicken create a delightful experience that invites everyone to the table. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken in a large pot, then sauté vegetables before adding broth and dumplings for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies, use different herbs, or add spices like paprika for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain dumpling texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness; they’re less likely to dry out compared to breasts. Ensure your broth is well-seasoned, as it enhances overall flavor. Don’t overcook dumplings; they should be light and fluffy, not dense! [/info_box]
Making Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings became a family tradition after my kids declared it “the best dinner ever!” Their laughter filled the kitchen, making every moment memorable.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it first for even cooking throughout the dish.
How can I make dumplings fluffier?
Incorporate baking powder into your dough to achieve that light and airy texture.
Is there a vegetarian option available?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with hearty veggies and vegetable broth for a delicious alternative.
Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Christmas Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food for the holiday season. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, complemented by fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add chicken breasts and chicken broth; season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through; shred the chicken back into the pot.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter; mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover pot tightly and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid until dumplings are fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
