Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Comforting: A velvety cheddar-infused broth makes this dish irresistibly rich.
• Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Wholesome and Hearty: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from broccoli.
• Homemade Dumplings: Light, fluffy, and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ cup milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced chicken and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
• Remove the chicken and set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 3-4 minutes).

2. Simmer the Soup

• Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in broccoli and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

3. Make the Dumplings

• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.

4. Cook the Dumplings

• Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup.
• Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

5. Add Cream and Cheese

• Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
• Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Try Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or spinach make great additions.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: The soup base can be frozen for up to 2 months, but dumplings may become soggy upon reheating. Freeze without dumplings and make fresh ones when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Simply shred cooked rotisserie chicken and add it when simmering the soup.

How do I keep the dumplings light and fluffy?

Avoid over-mixing the dough, and keep the lid on while they cook to trap steam.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just add it directly to the pot without thawing.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add a bit more broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes.

Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for dumplings?

Yes! Simply cut store-bought biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them in.

What’s the best cheddar for this soup?

Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and a thickener like cornstarch instead of flour.

How do I add more protein?

Add white beans or an extra serving of chicken to boost protein content.

What sides go well with this soup?

A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings is a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. With its cheesy broth, fluffy dumplings, and tender chicken, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Try it today for the ultimate cozy dinner!

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, cheesy broth. This one-pot meal is hearty, rich, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for cozy nights when you crave a warm, satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ cup milk

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 3-4 minutes).

2. Simmer the Soup:

1. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in broccoli and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

3. Make the Dumplings:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.

4. Cook the Dumplings:

1. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup.
2. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

5. Add Cream and Cheese:

1. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

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Notes

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gouda or Monterey Jack.
• Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or spinach work well.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.