Name: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and black pepper to taste; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 3/4 cup milk

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There are few meals that capture the heart and soul of homemade cooking quite like a comforting bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This is the dish I turn to when I want all the cozy, nostalgic magic of family dinners—it’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely loaded with tender chicken and pillowy dumplings. With nourishing veggies, aromatic herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, it’s comfort food at its best and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re making this for a crowd or curling up with a steaming bowl on a chilly night, this classic never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction.

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how each ingredient in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe brings its own charm to the pot. Nothing overly fancy—just real, honest basics that create layers of richness, color, and wholesome goodness. Ready to unpack what makes this recipe tick?

Olive Oil: My go-to for sautéing the vegetables, bringing rich depth and a hint of fruitiness.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Essential for the comforting savoriness—it forms the flavor base alongside garlic.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and that crave-worthy kitchen smell we all love!
Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): For a pop of color, sweetness, and that classic stew vibe.
Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Balances flavors with gentle bitterness—plus, the crunch cooks into tender perfection.
Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle earthiness for that signature home-cooked taste.
Dried Parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the whole dish with a fresh, herbal note.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your heart’s content—taste as you go for balance!
Chicken Broth (6 cups): The flavorful canvas that brings everything together—use homemade if you have it.
Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie makes this easy, but poached or roasted works wonderfully too.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, optional): Stirred in at the end for extra creaminess—go for it if you’re feeling indulgent.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups, for dumplings): The backbone of tender, fluffy dumplings.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Lifts those dumplings to airy heights—don’t skip it!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, for dumplings): Brings out the other flavors in the dough.
Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich flavor and soft texture to each dumpling bite.
Milk (3/4 cup): Binds the dough and keeps dumplings ultra-moist.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let everything cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften up and the onions are translucent—about 5–7 minutes. This first step builds the savory base that really makes the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe shine.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper, stirring gently so those fragrant herbs coat the veggies. This quick step infuses every bite with layers of homey, herby flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the carrots or the earthiness of the celery.

Step 3: Pour in Broth & Simmer

Carefully pour in the chicken broth and nudge the heat up to bring it all to a simmer. As it bubbles away, the veggies soften further and the broth starts to taste like it’s been simmering for hours. Stir in the shredded chicken, letting it soak up all that savory goodness while you prep the dumplings.

Step 4: Mix Up the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, then stir gently just until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overwork it—a light hand means light, fluffy dumplings. These little clouds are about to take your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe over the top.

Step 5: Drop & Steam the Dumplings

Using a spoon, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of dough into the simmering soup. Don’t worry about making them perfect—the rustic look is part of the charm. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and resist the urge to peek! Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes, undisturbed, so they turn out delicately puffed and tender.

Step 6: Add Cream & Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked through, gently stir in the heavy cream (if you like your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe luxuriously creamy). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and prepare yourself for blissful comfort in a bowl!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper instantly make each bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe extra inviting. If you want more color or zip, a tiny dash of smoked paprika or finely sliced green onions does the trick. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this is your ultimate comfort dish, so have fun!

Side Dishes

This dish is unmistakably hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies offers a fresh break from the richness. Flaky buttermilk biscuits or a warm baguette are practically tailor-made for dunking, too. If you’re like me, sometimes all you need is an extra spoon and a big glass of sweet tea.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, ladle Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into rustic soup bowls or vintage mugs for a true farmhouse feel. For a crowd, serve from a deep Dutch oven right at the table—let everyone scoop their own. Or, dish it up family-style with mini cast-iron pots so each guest gets plenty of dumplings and a touch of nostalgia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken and Dumplings Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen, making your leftovers taste even cozier the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze for future cravings, let the soup cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. The dumplings will soften but still retain their charm. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup if it thickens too much. Microwave works too, just cover to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts so the dumplings stay fluffy.

FAQs

Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend in both the dumplings and for thickening the broth (if needed). Keep an eye on the texture—some GF blends require a touch less liquid.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Definitely. Leftover turkey works beautifully! It picks up the flavors of the broth and makes this a perfect post-holiday or Sunday dinner recipe.

What kind of chicken is best for Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds loads of flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken works well. Poached, roasted, or even leftover grilled chicken will fit right in.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make and cook the dumpling dough fresh just before serving, so they stay fluffy and tender. However, you can prep the dry mix ahead and store it sealed, then add the wet ingredients when ready.

What can I add for extra flavor?

A bay leaf simmered in the broth, a splash of white wine, or a dash of smoked paprika can all give a unique twist. Experiment and find your family’s special spin on this classic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a homespun dinner that tastes like a big, warm hug, you simply can’t go wrong with this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s the perfect bowlful for making memories around the table, and I hope you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Give it a try—you just might discover a new tradition!

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and topped with fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

For the Dumplings:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup milk

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Instructions

Main Soup: In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth and shredded chicken. Simmer.
For the Dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Drop spoonfuls into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in cream.