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White bowl with chicken and dumplings inside.

Anne's Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Anne's Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe stands out as a timeless classic. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal for a family gathering or a comforting dish on a chilly night, this recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings into one delicious pot meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 medium carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock for a richer flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 12-ounce bag frozen dumplings (like Anne’s brand)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil then turn to medium low heat.
  • Let the stew simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Add the frozen peas and stir into stew.
  • Drop the thawed dumpling dough over the simmering stew, spacing them out a bit.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
  • Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, gently stir the stew to mix in the dumplings.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • Dumplings: Anne’s brand frozen dumplings are used here, but you can substitute with homemade dough or other store-bought frozen dumplings. Make sure to thaw them first for even cooking.
  • Vegetable Variations: You can add or substitute vegetables like potatoes or parsnips for a heartier stew. Just cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook through in time.
  • Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little broth to create a slurry and stir it into the stew before adding the dumplings.
  • Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and add more flavor to the stew.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving adds a nice touch of color and flavor.