Classic Chicken And Dumplings With Gnocchi

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Creamy, comforting, and undeniably satisfying — this Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Gnocchi recipe brings a delightful twist to the beloved Southern staple. Instead of traditional flour dumplings, pillowy gnocchi soak up the rich, velvety broth, blending beautifully with shredded chicken, tender carrots, and green peas. Every spoonful is packed with warm, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures that make this dish an instant favorite for both weeknights and gatherings.

Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or simply craving something hearty, this dish delivers both nostalgia and a modern touch. It’s one of those meals that wraps you in a blanket of home-cooked goodness while being simple enough to whip up with pantry staples and leftover rotisserie chicken. The creamy gravy, infused with herbs and cooked to perfection, makes this gnocchi variation of chicken and dumplings stand out.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken and Dumplings With Gnocchi

• Combines classic comfort food with a modern twist using gnocchi
• A one-pot wonder that’s easy and quick to prepare
• Rich, creamy texture and layers of flavor in every bite
• Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
• Perfect for meal prepping or using up leftover chicken

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For this comforting dish, you won’t need fancy equipment, but having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for building flavors and maintaining even heat distribution for your creamy base.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To efficiently prep your carrots and other veggies.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures balanced flavoring and perfect proportions of flour, broth, and seasoning.
• Tongs or Fork: For shredding and handling the chicken.

Each of these tools plays a role in helping the ingredients cook uniformly and blend together into a silky, savory stew.

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Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients beforehand — slice the carrots, measure out your spices, and have the gnocchi ready to go. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and enhance flavor. For an extra depth of taste, briefly sauté the vegetables before adding the broth. When adding the gnocchi, let them simmer just until they float; overcooking can make them mushy. Finally, stir gently to keep the chicken chunky and the gnocchi intact while your creamy sauce thickens to perfection.

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Ingredients for this Classic Chicken and Dumplings With Gnocchi

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1 (16 oz) package of potato gnocchi
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and carrots, sautéing for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 2: Season and Thicken

Add dried thyme, parsley, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture.

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Step 3: Pour in Broth and Milk

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Follow with the milk or half-and-half. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

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Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir in the shredded chicken and uncooked gnocchi. Let the gnocchi simmer for 5–7 minutes or until they float to the top and become tender. Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid curdling the milk.

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Step 5: Toss in Peas and Final Simmer

Add the frozen peas during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

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Notes

This version of chicken and dumplings leans heavily into comfort food territory but with minimal effort. Using gnocchi as the dumpling alternative cuts down prep time and adds a pillowy bite that perfectly absorbs the creamy broth. It’s adaptable too — swap in rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist. Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like corn, green beans, or even spinach to elevate the nutritional value.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the gnocchi: They only need to simmer until they float. Leaving them too long will turn them mushy.
• Not stirring the flour well: If the flour clumps or doesn’t cook through, it can leave a raw taste and gritty texture.
• High heat with milk or cream: Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
• Using salty broth or pre-salted butter: This can make the final dish overly salty. Always taste before seasoning further.
• Skipping the roux step: This is essential for achieving that thick, stew-like consistency.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content and gnocchi texture, which can become grainy or overly soft when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes! Homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully. Just ensure they are well-formed and not too soft, so they hold up during simmering.

What if I don’t have half-and-half or whole milk?

You can substitute with 2% milk, though the dish will be slightly less rich. For dairy-free, try unsweetened oat milk and add a splash of coconut cream for body.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and make sure your gnocchi and broth are gluten-free certified.

Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, no need to thaw. Just add them directly into the simmering broth. Cook until they float and become tender.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, though fresh or rotisserie chicken gives a much better texture and flavor.

How can I make this more flavorful?

Add a splash of white wine during the vegetable sauté step or throw in a bay leaf during simmering. You can also stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tang.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, make the entire dish a day ahead and reheat gently. Keep the gnocchi slightly undercooked if storing to prevent them from turning mushy.

What can I serve with this?

A light green salad or some crusty bread goes perfectly with this creamy dish. Garlic-roasted vegetables make a great side, too.

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Conclusion

Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Gnocchi is your new go-to comfort meal with a deliciously easy twist. It combines traditional creamy flavors with soft, hearty gnocchi for a one-pot dish that delivers big on flavor and convenience. Perfect for cozy nights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is one you’ll turn to time and time again.

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