Name: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings – Creamy Comfort Food Dinner
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk or half-and-half; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk or half-and-half
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Dumplings

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Add the cooked chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Pour in the milk or half-and-half and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg if using.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Stir in the broccoli florets and simmer for 5–7 minutes until tender. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15–18 minutes, without lifting the lid, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Notes

Do not uncover the pot while the dumplings cook. Steam is essential for light, fluffy dumplings. Stirring or lifting the lid can cause them to collapse or cook unevenly.