Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat the Butter or Oil:
    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

  2. Season the Base:
    Sprinkle the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat and let the flavors meld for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Broth

  1. Add Chicken Broth:
    Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to fully soften.

  2. Incorporate the Chicken:
    Stir in the shredded chicken and continue simmering for 5 minutes, giving the chicken time to absorb the flavors of the broth.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

  1. Add Milk or Cream:
    Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream, stirring to combine. If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk the flour into the milk before adding it to the pot.

  2. Simmer the Soup:
    Let the soup simmer gently over low heat for another 5 minutes. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the cream to curdle.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
    Stir in the melted butter and buttermilk until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

  1. Drop the Dumplings:
    Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the simmering soup. Space them out evenly; they will expand as they cook.

  2. Cover and Cook:
    Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings evenly.

Step 6: Final Touches

  1. Check the Dumplings:
    After 15-20 minutes, use a toothpick to check if the dumplings are done. It should come out clean, and the dumplings should be firm and fluffy inside.

  2. Adjust the Seasoning:
    Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken and Dumplings hot, straight from the pot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.