Quick Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium carrots or 8 ounces butternut squash
peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces, about 1 cup
- 1 medium leek
trimmed, white and pale green portion halved lengthwise and thinly sliced, about 1 cup
- 2 medium celery stalks
peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick, about 2/3 cup
- 3 garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package fresh or shelf-stable store-bought gnocchi
16-ounce
- 1/2 small store-bought rotisserie chicken
skin and bones discarded, meat torn into bite-size pieces, 3-pound
- Fresh tarragon
parsley or dill, for garnish
Directions
- 1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium. Add the carrots, leek, celery, garlic, rosemary, thyme and poultry seasoning, if using. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Sprinkle with the flour, then cook, stirring, 2 minutes. (This cooks the flour to soften its raw flavor.) Gradually stir in the stock and cream, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 3
Once the mixture boils, stir in the gnocchi, reduce the heat to medium and cook until gnocchi and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken in the last couple of minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with fresh tarragon and more black pepper, if desired.
Quick Chicken and Dumplings
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Based on 3,947 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort of chicken and dumplings but short on time? This Quick Chicken and Dumplings recipe is your new weeknight hero, delivering all the warmth and flavor you desire without the lengthy preparation.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by cleverly leveraging kitchen shortcuts to achieve incredible depth in minutes. The genius lies in combining tender, flavorful store-bought rotisserie chicken with soft, pillowy gnocchi, which stand in perfectly for traditional dumplings. Simmered in a rich broth infused with fragrant rosemary and thyme, this dish brings cozy comfort to your table with remarkable speed and ease.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted by a luxuriously creamy, savory broth that envelops tender shreds of chicken and soft, chewable gnocchi. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of textures, from the silky broth to the sweet crunch of carrots and the gentle oniony notes of leeks. The fresh herbs and optional poultry seasoning create a complex, homey flavor profile that tastes like it simmered for hours, not minutes. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-satisfying meal perfect for any evening when you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
Customization & Variations
This versatile soup is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. Feel free to swap the carrots for an equal amount of butternut squash, or add other aromatic vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, fennel, or shallots for additional layers of flavor. For a brighter finish, consider stirring in a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Serving & Context
Serve this cozy Quick Chicken and Dumplings piping hot for a satisfying family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh tarragon, parsley, or dill to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.