If you want comfort food that warms your soul, the Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is perfect. The creamy broth, tender chicken and soft dumplings make it a family favorite.
I love making this dish on chilly nights when the kitchen smells of garlic, butter and herbs. Every bite feels cozy and satisfying.
Today, I will show you how to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings at home with easy steps. You’ll also get a clear list of ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings to make it simple.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this recipe, I was nervous about the dumplings. I had heard they can be tricky. But when I dropped the dough into the simmering chicken soup, the aroma of herbs and chicken filled my kitchen.
The dumplings puffed up perfectly, soft and fluffy. My family gathered around the table, and I knew this dish would be a new favorite. Now, I make it whenever we want a warm, hearty meal.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 grams boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk (for dumplings)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add butter to the pot. Stir in onion, carrots and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic and Flour
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons flour and stir well to make a roux.
4. Pour in Chicken Stock
Slowly add chicken stock while stirring. Let the mixture thicken slightly over medium heat.
5. Return Chicken and Add Milk
Put the chicken back in the pot. Pour in milk. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer gently.
6. Prepare Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, baking powder and ½ cup milk. Stir until soft dough forms.
7. Drop Dumplings into Pot
Spoon small dumplings onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook 15 minutes.
8. Finish and Serve
Check that dumplings are cooked through. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough.
- Simmer gently to keep dumplings soft.
- Use a heavy pot for even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding dumplings when the soup is boiling too hard.
- Overcooking the chicken—it should stay tender.
- Forgetting to season the broth properly.
- Using cold milk directly in the dough—it may not mix well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken and dumplings with a side of fresh bread or a simple green salad. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. A sprinkle of parsley on top adds color and freshness.
Variations You Can Try
- Add frozen peas for color and sweetness.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of regular carrots.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dumplings for warmth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking dumplings.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the broth creamy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Health Benefits
This dish is comforting and nourishing. Chicken provides lean protein and vegetables give vitamins and fiber.
Homemade broth and herbs add natural flavors without extra additives. It’s a wholesome meal that fills you up while keeping things light and tasty.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 500 grams boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for dumplings
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk for dumplings
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add butter to the pot. Stir in onion, carrots and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Flour
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons flour and stir well to make a roux.
Pour in Chicken Stock
- Slowly add chicken stock while stirring. Let the mixture thicken slightly over medium heat.
Return Chicken and Add Milk
- Put the chicken back in the pot. Pour in milk. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer gently.
Prepare Dumpling Dough
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, baking powder and ½ cup milk. Stir until soft dough forms.
Drop Dumplings into Pot
- Spoon small dumplings onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook 15 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- Check that dumplings are cooked through. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough.
- Simmer gently to keep dumplings soft.
- Use a heavy pot for even cooking.
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work great. They stay juicy and add extra flavor to the broth.
Q2: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s better to add dumplings right before cooking. They stay soft and fluffy.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the soup, but dumplings may get mushy. Add dumplings fresh after reheating.
Q4: How do I make the broth richer?
Use homemade chicken stock or add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a classic comfort dish. It’s easy, flavorful and perfect for family dinners. The creamy broth, soft dumplings and tender chicken are irresistible.
Once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your home too. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors with your loved ones.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!