A bowl filled with soft chicken pieces in a warm creamy broth with a pleasant pop of lemon, is something special. This recipe for Lemony Creamy Chicken & Dumplings is a twist on the classic southern comfort food with a refreshing and light take.
Perfect for a quiet weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe will thrill lemon-lovers and comfort-food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper are to taste
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (for dumplings)
Instructions
1) Start by warming a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Combine the butter and olive oil in a pan and heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook in the oil and butter for 5 to 7 minutes, being sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once they start to soften, add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2) Next, add chicken pieces to the pot. Lightly season with salt and pepper and add the dried thyme. Stir until chicken is browned on the outside. Gradually add the chicken broth and using your spoon or spatula, scrape and stir the browned bits from the bottom. Turn down the heat and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes so the chicken can finish cooking.
3) Dumpling batter can be made while the soup is simmering. Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, then gently mix in the whole milk. This will create a soft batter, so try to avoid overmixing. When the chicken is almost done, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4) Spoon the dumpling dough directly onto the simmering soup and space them so they do not clump together. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook for 15 minutes or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
5) Prior to servings, sample the broth and modify the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice. Add a bit of fresh parsley to each bowl for garnish and serve hot.
What makes this recipe special is how the tender chicken and juicy dumplings pair with zesty citrus. This is all about lemon fans and families looking for a hit of comfort or a warm evening meal.
If you want to lower the fat content, you can use light cream or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Also, if you need to, gluten-free flour will work for the dumplings. If you are a first time dumpling lover or a long time lover of Southern comfort food, this recipe is sure to add a little sunshine to every bite of this lemony dish.
