Mediterranean Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
A rustic, comfort-food twist with fresh Mediterranean flavors. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy herbed dumplings, and a savory broth enriched with olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon, and vegetables. It’s cozy yet light, making it perfect for a wholesome, hearty meal without feeling heavy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup dry white wine (optional; or use more broth)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp ground turmeric (for color and subtle flavor)
1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional, for briny flavor)
For the Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup milk (or more, if needed)
Instructions
Make the Stew Base:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and brown for 4–5 minutes (no need to cook through). Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in cherry tomatoes, oregano, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Return chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine.
Add the bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes over medium-low heat.
Prepare the Dumplings:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oregano, and basil.
Stir in the fresh parsley.
Add olive oil, Greek yogurt, and milk. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overwork it.
Add Dumplings & Finish the Stew:
Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, and olives (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 1 tablespoon each) directly into the simmering stew. Space them out slightly—they will expand.
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure fluffy dumplings.
Check that the dumplings are cooked through (they should be puffed and no longer doughy inside).
Serve:
Ladle the chicken, broth, and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Optional Additions:
A sprinkle of feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flair.
A dash of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Use artichoke hearts or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Tips for Success
Chicken Options:
Thighs add more flavor and stay tender in stews.
Breasts work too but keep an eye on cook time to avoid dryness.
Don’t Overmix Dumplings:
Mix the dumpling dough just until combined. Overmixing makes dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.
Keep the Lid On:
When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid lets out steam and may collapse the dumplings.
Use Greek Yogurt for Lightness:
Greek yogurt adds tang and keeps the dumplings tender while giving a Mediterranean twist.
Balance the Flavors:
The lemon juice brightens the broth and balances the richness.
Olives add briny depth, but they’re optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
Variations
Make it Creamy:
For a creamier broth, stir in ½ cup of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream just before adding the dumplings.
Vegetarian Version:
Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add More Vegetables:
Try adding:
Zucchini or eggplant (cubed)
Spinach or kale (stir in at the end)
Artichoke hearts (marinated or canned, chopped)
Spice it Up:
Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Use Fresh Herbs Generously:
Fresh mint, oregano, or basil can also be stirred in for extra Mediterranean aroma.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the stew base in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, then prepare and add the dumplings fresh when ready to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt for the dumplings?
A: You can substitute sour cream, buttermilk, or even plain regular yogurt. The texture might change slightly but it will still work.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The chicken stew base freezes well for up to 2 months. However, dumplings are best cooked fresh; they tend to become soggy if frozen and reheated.
Q: How do I know the dumplings are cooked?
A: After 15 minutes of covered simmering, the dumplings should be puffed and firm. You can cut one open—it should be light and fluffy inside, not doughy.
Q: Is this dish very lemony?
A: No—it has a hint of lemon for brightness, not overpowering citrus flavor. Adjust the lemon juice to taste if you prefer more or less.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving—6 servings)
Calories: 390
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 720mg
Nutritional Highlights:
High in lean protein
Contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil
Rich in vitamins A & C from vegetables and herbs
Lower in cream or butter compared to traditional chicken and dumplings
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together cozy comfort food with a fresh, wholesome Mediterranean twist. The result is a satisfying bowl of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy, herbed dumplings simmered in a lemony, garlic-infused broth. It’s perfect for family dinners, easy to customize, and nourishing without being heavy.
Whether you’re craving comfort or something a little lighter but still hearty, this recipe strikes the perfect balance.