Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together all the elements of comfort food in one pot. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, the vegetables add heartiness, and the dumplings are soft and pillowy, soaking up all the savory broth. It’s a satisfying meal that can feed a family and is just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken (thighs, breasts, or a mix)
• Chicken broth
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Butter or oil
• All-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Milk or cream
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)
• Salt and pepper

For the dumplings:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Butter
• Milk

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter or oil until softened.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in flour to coat the chicken and vegetables, then slowly add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until chicken is cooked through and tender (about 20 minutes). Remove chicken, shred, and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in milk or cream and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. To make dumplings, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, then stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover with a lid and cook for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra vegetables.
• Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
• Add a splash of white wine for depth of flavor.
• Make it creamy with extra heavy cream or keep it light with only broth.
• Season the dumplings with herbs like dill, thyme, or chives for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth or milk if the soup thickens too much. You can also freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 3 months, but it’s best to make fresh dumplings when reheating since they don’t freeze well.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Do I need to cook the dumplings separately?

No, they cook directly on top of the simmering broth, soaking up all the flavor.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the chicken, vegetables, and broth for 6–7 hours on low, then add dumplings during the last 30 minutes.

Can I use Bisquick for the dumplings?

Yes, it’s a quick and easy substitute for homemade dumpling dough.

How do I keep the dumplings fluffy?

Don’t overmix the dough and avoid lifting the lid while they cook.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk/cream with a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for both the broth thickener and dumplings.

How do I thicken the broth more?

Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or more flour before simmering.

Can I add more flavor?

Yes, add herbs like rosemary or bay leaf, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The chicken and broth freeze well, but make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish that brings warmth to the table. With tender chicken, a flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect recipe for family dinners or cozy nights in. Simple, satisfying, and timeless, this classic comfort food will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

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Homemade chicken and dumplings is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, a creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings cooked right on top. It’s a classic, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or a mix)
2. 6 cups chicken broth
3. 3 carrots, sliced
4. 2 celery stalks, sliced
5. 1 medium onion, diced
6. 3 garlic cloves, minced
7. 2 tablespoons butter or oil
8. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
9. 1/2 cup milk or cream
10. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
11. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12. Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

1. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, coating the chicken and vegetables.
3. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Stir in milk or cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently.
5. To make dumplings, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a soft dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering broth. Cover and cook without lifting the lid for 12–15 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Stir gently, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add peas, corn, or green beans for more vegetables.
• Use white wine for depth of flavor.
• Add herbs like rosemary or bay leaf for aromatic richness.
• Don’t lift the lid while dumplings cook to keep them fluffy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 95mg