Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings

Warm up with this easy Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings recipe packed with flavor and simple to make. This comforting dish combines tender turkey, savory broth, and fluffy garlic chive dumplings for a soul-soothing meal that’s perfect any time of year. Whether you’re looking to use leftover turkey or craving a hearty dinner, this recipe delivers classic comfort with a fresh, savory twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and approachable: No complicated techniques, just straightforward steps anyone can follow to create a delicious meal.
• Flavor-packed comfort: The garlic chive dumplings add an herby, mild onion note that enhances the rich turkey broth.
• Uses affordable ingredients: Most pantry staples plus turkey make this a budget-friendly comfort food.
• Perfect for leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose turkey meat into a warm, tasty dish.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors and soft dumplings appeal to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings recipe. Each element plays a role—fresh herbs brighten the broth, broth provides depth, and the dumplings create a tender, pillowy texture.

• Cooked turkey: Shredded or diced, it’s the star protein, offering a lean, tender base.
• Chicken or turkey broth: Creates a rich, flavorful cooking liquid that soaks into the dumplings.
• Flour: Essential for dumpling dough to give it structure and fluffiness.
• Garlic chives: Fresh and aromatic, they add a subtle garlic-onion flavor to the dumplings.
• Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dumplings’ texture.
• Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to make dumplings light and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds richness to the broth and dumplings, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning that balances and enhances all ingredients.
• Onions and carrots: Give the broth a naturally sweet base for depth of flavor.

Variations for Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings

Feel free to put your own spin on this classic! This recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or bold flavor cravings.

• Vegetarian swap: Use vegetable broth and substitute turkey with mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free twist.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to the broth for heat.
• Herb variants: Swap garlic chives with rosemary, thyme, or parsley for different herbal notes.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Cheesy dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar into the dough for an indulgent, melty surprise.

How to Make Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and diced carrots in butter until soft and fragrant. Add broth and bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld while preparing the dumplings.

Step 2: Mix the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped garlic chives. Stir in milk and melted butter until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough perfect for spooning onto the broth.

Step 3: Add Turkey to the Broth

Shred or dice your cooked turkey, then add it to the simmering broth. Let it heat through to infuse the soup with meaty goodness.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through without lifting the lid to keep steam trapped.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine and serve hot, garnished if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings

• Fresh is best: Use fresh garlic chives for vibrant, mild onion-garlic flavor.
• Don’t peek: Keep the lid on while dumplings cook to ensure they steam properly and stay fluffy.
• Consistent dough size: Spoon dumplings evenly sized to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Use homemade broth: If possible, homemade broth adds deeper flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Rest dough before cooking: Letting the dough sit for a few minutes can improve texture.

How to Serve Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or additional chopped garlic chives add a burst of color and fresh flavor on top that complements the savory broth and dumplings perfectly.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or roasted root vegetables bring a crisp texture and balance the richness of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this hearty dish in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side to soak up every drop of the delicious broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover turkey and dumplings with garlic chive dumplings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the dumplings tender.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or cooked turkey works perfectly, saving time and adding great flavor.

Can I make the dumplings without garlic chives?

Yes, if you don’t have garlic chives, substitute with green onions, fresh chives, or skip herbs entirely.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based milk alternative and dairy-free butter or oil to keep it dairy-free while maintaining moisture and flavor.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

Dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through after about 12-15 minutes of steaming—no longer doughy in the center.

Can I use fresh turkey instead of cooked turkey?

It’s best to use cooked turkey so it doesn’t overcook in the broth; however, you can use fresh turkey if you cook it thoroughly first before adding dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey and Dumplings with Garlic Chive Dumplings recipe is pure comfort food magic, perfect for cozy nights or entertaining family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy a bowlful of warmth, tender turkey, and homemade garlic-chive-infused dumplings that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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