Cozy Up with Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Warm, comforting chicken and dumplings have a magical way of soothing souls on chilly evenings, especially when crafted using this classic Barefoot Contessa chicken and dumplings recipe.

Ina Garten’s approach turns a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece that beckons you to the kitchen.

Her expertise shines through every delicate dumpling and tender chicken piece.

The recipe balances rustic charm with elegant technique, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and refined.

Layers of flavor meld together, promising a dining experience that transcends ordinary comfort food.

Each spoonful tells a story of careful preparation and love.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this soul-warming classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 462 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients List for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich foundation for sautéing vegetables with a subtle fruity undertone..
• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Classic mirepoix blend creating a deeply aromatic vegetable base with sweet and earthy notes..
• Garlic: Adds bold, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's complexity..
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces delicate herbal warmth and a sophisticated woodsy essence..
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and sharp background spiciness..
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile..

• White Wine: Introduces bright acidity and sophisticated depth to the sauce..
• Unsalted Butter: Creates silky texture and rich, creamy undertones..
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and provides smooth, consistent consistency..
• Whole Milk: Delivers creamy, luxurious base with gentle sweetness..
• Homemade Chicken Stock: Provides robust, authentic chicken flavor and additional body..

• Chicken: Tender, protein-rich centerpiece offering hearty, satisfying main ingredient..
• Frozen Peas: Adds vibrant color, sweet pop of freshness, and nutritional boost..
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, clean garnish with refreshing herbal notes..

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates soft, tender dumpling structure..
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy dumpling texture..
• Garlic Salt: Introduces savory, aromatic dimension..
• Milk: Binds dumpling ingredients.

Kitchen Essentials for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for cooking the entire dish and creating deep flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing dumpling ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry dumpling ingredients smoothly.
• Small ice cream scoop or measuring cup: Helps create uniform dumpling sizes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping vegetables.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for prep work.
• Toothpick: Helps check dumpling doneness.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

Cozy Chicken Comfort Pot

• Vegetable Foundation Warming up a large pot, we'll create a flavor base with chopped carrots, celery, and onions. These veggies will dance together, softening without browning, releasing their gentle aromas.
• Herb and Wine Magic Sprinkle fragrant garlic and thyme into the mix, letting their warmth bloom. A splash of wine will add depth, simmering and concentrating its rich essence.
• Creamy Transformation Dust flour over the vegetables, creating a silky blanket. Slowly pour milk, stirring until a smooth, luxurious sauce emerges.
• Chicken Harmony Nestling tender chicken pieces into the bubbling liquid, we'll let everything mingle and simmer. The chicken will become fork-tender, absorbing all the surrounding flavors.
• Dumpling Cloud Formation In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and seasonings. Gently fold in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
• Dumpling Cloud Placement Delicately scoop pillowy dough balls onto the simmering chicken. Cover and let these clouds steam and puff, transforming into tender morsels.
• Final Flourish Scatter fresh parsley and sweet peas across the top. Ladle this comforting mixture into waiting bowls, inviting everyone to dive into pure, warm deliciousness.

Tips & Tweaks for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during cooking.

Add smoked paprika or fresh rosemary to the dumpling mixture for an unexpected herbal and smoky twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Prepare the chicken base one day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to deepen overnight. Reheat gently and add fresh dumplings just before serving for maximum convenience.

Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed mushrooms like cremini and shiitake for a hearty plant-based version that maintains the comforting texture and warmth of the original dish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating on the stovetop with a splash of extra chicken stock to maintain moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming dry or tough.

Creative Ways to Serve Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

• Serve with Rustic Bread: Slice a crusty sourdough or country bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the dish.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and dumplings.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, savory flavors of the chicken and dumplings.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh, bright taste that elevates the entire dish.

Leftover Storage Guide for Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool the chicken and dumplings completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Comfort: Package leftover portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring a delicious emergency meal is always ready.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a covered pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide the recipe into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach prevents repeated reheating, which can compromise the quality of dumplings and chicken's tenderness.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s classic chicken and dumplings recipe delivers comforting Southern-style warmth with tender chicken and pillowy dumpling clouds. Home cooks can easily master this hearty one-pot meal that promises satisfying flavor in each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 680 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 60 g unsalted butter (2.1 oz)
• 60 g all-purpose flour (2.1 oz)
• 220 g all-purpose flour (7.8 oz)
• 1.1 l homemade chicken stock (37 fl oz)
• 240 ml dry white wine (8 fl oz)
• 120 ml whole milk (4 fl oz)
• 140 g frozen peas
• 3 medium carrots, halved lengthwise, sliced 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) thick
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) thick
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 30 ml olive oil (1 fl oz)
• 15 g fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped (0.5 oz), plus more for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 15 g baking powder (0.5 oz)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 30 g unsalted butter, melted (1 oz)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Foundation: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion with salt and pepper until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and thyme, stirring briefly to release intense flavors. Deglaze with white wine, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate.
3. Creamy Base Construction: Incorporate unsalted butter, dust vegetables with flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in whole milk for a silky smooth texture.
4. Protein Integration: Add chicken pieces and homemade stock to the vegetable mixture. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken becomes perfectly tender and infused with vegetable essence.
5. Finishing Touches: Fold in chopped parsley and frozen green peas. Prepare dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, seasonings, melted butter, and milk until a consistent dough forms.
6. Dumpling Technique: Using an ice cream scoop, portion dumplings directly into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes until dumplings expand and become fork-tender.
7. Presentation: Ladle the rich, comforting chicken and dumplings into warm serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Avoid browning vegetables by maintaining medium-high heat and stirring frequently for even softening.
• Control Roux Consistency: Whisk flour and milk slowly to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth base for the dish.
• Dumpling Technique: Use an ice cream scoop for uniform dumpling size, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Timing is Crucial: Watch dumpling cooking carefully – 10-15 minutes maximum to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 462
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 115mg