13 Mar 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
8 chicken thighs
1 onion
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1 cup chicken gravy
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup self-raising flour
1 dash salt
1/3 cup sparkling water
Creamy chicken dumplings is a delicious comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, creamy chicken dumplings will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and sauté them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Thicken the Base:
- Sprinkle the 1 tbsp of all-purpose white wheat flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add Liquids and Chicken:
- Slowly pour in the 1 cup of chicken gravy, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream until well combined.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the creamy mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Prepare the Dumplings:
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour and a dash of salt.
- Add the 1/3 cup of sparkling water to the flour mixture and stir until it forms a soft dough.
6. Cook the Dumplings:
- Once the chicken is cooked, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the top of the simmering chicken mixture.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes. Do not lift the lid frequently, as the steam is needed to cook the dumplings through.
7. Serve:
- Once the dumplings are cooked and fluffy, remove from heat.
- Serve the creamy chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- For an added layer of flavor, sear the chicken thighs until they develop a golden-brown crust before adding other ingredients.
- Chop the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent textures in each bite.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid burning the ingredients and maintain a steady simmer.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
- Ensure the dumpling batter is slightly thick but not too dense to achieve light and fluffy dumplings.
- Allow the dumplings to cook thoroughly without lifting the lid too often to prevent steam from escaping.
Creamy chicken dumplings are a delightful and filling meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table. By following this recipe, you'll create a savory dish that's perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors and the satisfying texture of the homemade dumplings.