Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth. This hearty dish is perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Comforting – Creamy broth with tender chicken and pillowy dumplings.
- One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
- Easy to Customize – Make it creamy, brothy, or add veggies.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
- Great for Cold Weather – A warm, filling dish that soothes the soul.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Soup:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Chicken broth
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (chopped)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt & black pepper
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- Bay leaf
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter (melted)
- Milk
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté Vegetables – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
- Add Garlic & Seasonings – Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken – Pour in chicken broth and add whole chicken breasts. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken – Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Add heavy cream for extra richness.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Stir in melted butter and milk until a dough forms.
- Drop Dumplings Into Soup – Use a spoon to drop small dumpling pieces into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add extra heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Shortcut Dumplings: Use canned biscuit dough for quicker dumplings.
- Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, green beans, or corn.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for both soup and dumplings.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without dumplings for up to 2 months; thaw and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the broth instead of cooking raw chicken.
How do I keep my dumplings from falling apart?
Avoid over-stirring once they are added—just cover the pot and let them cook.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add dumplings in the last 30 minutes.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Overmixing the dough can make them heavy. Mix just until combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
Can I make drop dumplings instead of rolled ones?
Yes! Drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the soup—no rolling required.
What’s the best thickener for the soup?
A flour or cornstarch slurry can be used if you prefer a thicker broth.
How do I prevent dumplings from being gummy?
Make sure the soup is gently simmering (not boiling) while cooking dumplings.
What’s the best side dish for chicken and dumplings?
Serve with cornbread, biscuits, or a simple green salad.
Can I add cheese to the dumplings?
Yes! Mix in shredded cheddar for a cheesy dumpling twist.
Can I make the dumplings in advance?
Dumpling dough is best made fresh, but you can mix dry ingredients ahead and add wet ingredients when ready to cook.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumplings is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and goodness. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a homemade comfort meal!
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Chicken And Dumplings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a warm, comforting, and creamy dish, featuring tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or when you need a little comfort food! 🍗🥣✨
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (for extra creaminess, optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Soup Base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk for extra creaminess (optional).
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried herbs.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined—do not overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and let dumplings cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffy and cooked through (no raw dough inside).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, hearty, and comforting meal!
Notes
Thicker Soup: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce broth before adding dumplings.- Shortcut Dumplings: Use canned biscuit dough—just cut into small pieces and drop into the simmering soup.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.