If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dish that wraps you up in warmth with every delicious spoonful, look no further than this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. With its tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and creamy, vegetable-packed broth, this meal is pure cozy nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding family or simply gifting yourself some TLC on a chilly night, it’s a recipe that invites everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in simple ingredients working together for maximum flavor, color, and texture. Each component in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe brings something special—don’t skip anything! You’ll find these are pantry staples, but each one shines with a purpose.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a delicious, rich base as it melds with the olive oil for the broth.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the vegetables sauté evenly and lends subtle flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and a savory depth to the soup foundation.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Infuses a pop of color and a lovely hint of natural sweetness.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Brings a slight crispness and “fresh” note to the flavor profile.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Rounds out the aromatics with a gentle bite.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Gives that unmistakable herby essence often found in classic comfort dishes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Crucial for pulling all the other flavors into balance.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of gentle heat to tickle the palate.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup for soup + 1 cup for dumplings): Thickens the soup and forms the tender dumplings.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The command center of flavor—choose a high-quality or homemade broth.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken makes this both easy and delicious.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Offers silkiness and exquisite richness to the finished soup.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons, for dumplings): This makes the dumplings fluff up beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, for dumplings): Ensures those dumplings taste as good as they look.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted for dumplings): Adds moisture and buttery flavor to every dumpling bite.
- Milk (½ cup, for dumplings): Binds and hydrates the dumpling dough for perfect texture.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by heating the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Allow these veggies to sauté for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and the kitchen already smells inviting. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, giving them just a minute to become unbelievably fragrant and mingle with the soft vegetables.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your softened vegetables. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the beginnings of the soup’s body. Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. This helps ensure a smooth, velvety soup with no unwanted lumps. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, thickening gently.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream
Once your soup base has thickened slightly, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and the heavy cream. The cream turns the broth dreamy and rich, while the chicken fills each bowl with hearty goodness. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer while you move on to dumpling prep!
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Pour in the melted butter and milk, and stir until just combined. Remember not to overmix; you want tender, cloud-like dumplings, so a few streaks of flour are okay. This quick batter is simple, but it bakes into something magical.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls (about a generous tablespoon each) of the dumpling dough right onto the gently simmering soup. They’ll float and puff up as they cook. Put a tight-fitting lid on your pot and let the dumplings steam undisturbed—don’t peek—for 15 to 18 minutes. They’ll soak up some flavor and cook all the way through, becoming fluffy masterpieces.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the pot off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like a splash of green. Spoon the creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into big bowls and serve while piping hot. Trust me, this is the ultimate hug-in-a-bowl dinner!
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for both eye appeal and a touch of brightness to balance the rich broth. For an extra savory kick, consider a pinch of cracked black pepper or a swirl of cream across the surface. And if you’re feeling bold, a grating of lemon zest on top right before serving adds a subtle zing that’s surprisingly delightful with this classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal is a star on its own, but it loves some simple sides. Try an easy green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess, or pair it with crusty bread for sopping up every drop. Steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts work beautifully to add a crunchy, fresh element. Sometimes a crisp apple slaw alongside is just the thing to give your meal a refreshing lift.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe by serving it in rustic crock bowls, topped with generous parsley and a sprinkle of pepper. For a dinner party, ladle the soup into small mugs for individual servings, perfect for mingling guests. If you’re prepping ahead, try baking off individual biscuit-style dumplings on a sheet, then float them atop the soup at serving time—everyone gets their very own dumpling “island.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe even more delicious the next day. Just note that dumplings tend to soak up some broth as they sit, so you may want to have extra stock or milk handy when reheating.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! For best texture, freeze the soup portion separately from the dumplings if possible. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If you freeze dumplings in the soup, be prepared for them to be a little softer when reheated, but still tasty!
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low, adding extra chicken broth or milk as needed to achieve your preferred consistency. Stir gently to keep the dumplings from breaking apart. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stopping to stir once or twice so it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a slightly richer flavor and come out just as tender, if not more so. Use what you love or have on hand—dark or white meat are both tasty options here.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken the soup, let it simmer a bit longer before adding your dumplings. For a thinner consistency, add additional chicken broth or a splash of milk until it’s perfect for you.
What vegetables can I add for variety?
Feel free to stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes along with the chicken for extra heartiness and color. Just make sure firmer veggies like potatoes are cooked through before serving.
Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the soup and dumplings. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well—your results should still be irresistibly fluffy and delicious.
Why do my dumplings sometimes turn out dense?
The key to light, fluffy dumplings is twofold: don’t overmix the dough, and don’t peek while they’re steaming! Lifting the lid mid-cook can let out the steam that’s essential for dumpling puffiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe truly lives up to its reputation as a classic comfort food. It’s creamy, satisfying, and filled with rustic charm. If you’ve been searching for a dish that tastes like home—no matter where you are—give this one a try. There’s nothing quite like sharing a steaming bowl with loved ones or savoring it yourself for a dose of pure warmth!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines a rich, creamy chicken soup with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a chilly evening, this classic American favorite is sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and heavy cream. Keep at a low simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
- For the dumplings, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and milk, and stir just until combined (do not overmix).
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid, until they are puffed and cooked through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Avoid over-stirring the dumpling batter for a light texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- The soup can be made thicker by simmering longer before adding the dumplings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
