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Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Enjoy Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings Recipe featuring shredded chicken, buttery dumplings, carrots, celery, spices, and smooth creamy soup base.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle (for serving)
  • Rolling pin (optional, depending on dumpling style)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs boneless, skinless
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream optional but recommended

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter cold, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

  • Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant—about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and let it cook for another minute.
  • This step is where the soul of the Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings begins to develop.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Add chicken pieces directly into the pot. Pour in chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25–30 minutes.
  • The chicken will become tender and soak up all those flavors.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

  • Remove chicken pieces carefully, shred them using two forks, and return them to the pot. Stir well.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

  • In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Slowly add milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
  • Don’t overmix—it should be slightly sticky and soft.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

  • Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let them cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • This is the magic moment of the Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

Step 6: Finish with Cream (Optional)

  • Stir in heavy cream for extra richness. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

  • Ladle into bowls and serve warm. The dumplings should be fluffy, and the broth creamy and flavorful.
Keyword Pepper Belly Pete Chicken and Dumplings Recipe