If you have ever craved a bowl of cozy comfort food that wraps you up like a warm hug, then you are going to adore this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying combination of tender chicken swimming in a flavorful broth topped with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish strikes the perfect balance of simple ingredients and heartwarming flavors that make every bite feel like home. With just a few pantry staples and basic techniques, you can whip up this classic Southern favorite and savor that unbeatable homemade goodness.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that create the ultimate comfort dish. From the tender chicken to the tender-crisp celery and the rich, creamy soup base, these essentials come together effortlessly to deliver a deeply satisfying meal.

4 cups cooked chicken or turkey: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, this is the hearty protein that makes the dish filling and flavorful.
1 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Brings smooth creaminess and depth, acting as a comforting base for the broth.
2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth: Enhances the savory taste and ensures the dumplings cook perfectly in a flavorful liquid.
3 cans of water: For thinning out the broth and aiding in making tender dumplings—measured with the empty soup can for convenience.
2 cups self-rising flour: The key to light, fluffy dumplings as the leavening is already built-in, making the dough easy to work with.
¼ cup shortening: Helps create a tender, flaky texture in the dumplings when cut into the flour.
¾ cup boiling water: Added gradually to bring the dough together while keeping the texture just right, neither too sticky nor too dry.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Broth and Chicken

Begin by placing the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it gently simmer. This slow simmer allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is essential for creating tender dumplings with an irresistible crumbly texture.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Slowly pour in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup, and stir until the dough begins to come together. Add more water a little at a time if necessary—the goal is to create a smooth, cohesive ball of dough that’s workable but not sticky.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut it into strips and squares, the shapes that will soon puff up into soft pillows in your simmering broth. This hands-on step is fun and allows you to customize the size of your dumplings.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings in the Broth

Remove the lid from your bubbling pot of broth and carefully add the dough squares one at a time. Quickly cover the pot after adding each batch to keep the heat steady. Let the dumplings cook for about 30 seconds between additions to ensure they begin setting properly before adding more.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Once all the dumplings are nestled in the pot, reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom and allow the dumplings to cook through evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking to bring out all the flavors.

Step 7: Optional Drop Dumplings

If you prefer a softer, fluffier dumpling texture, skip rolling and cutting. Simply pinch off small, uniform pieces of dough and gently drop them into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until they’re cooked through—a perfect shortcut for busy days.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your steaming chicken and dumplings into generous bowls and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can elevate your chicken and dumplings experience. Fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the creamy broth. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top adds just the right amount of kick.

Side Dishes

This dish stands tall on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans delivers a welcome contrast in texture and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, buttery buttermilk biscuits on the side are a match made in heaven with the warm broth and fluffy dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style presentation, serve chicken and dumplings in a large, deep casserole or stew pot, allowing everyone to dig in and share the love. For a more refined touch, use deep soup bowls topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and serve with a warm napkin for a cozy, inviting feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to store this comfort meal for longer, freezing is your friend. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the frozen or refrigerated chicken and dumplings gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving as slow, steady heat keeps the dumplings tender and the broth silky.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?

Yes! If you prefer to cook the chicken fresh, use bone-in, skin-on pieces simmered in the broth until tender, then remove and shred before adding the soup and other ingredients. This adds wonderful extra flavor to the broth.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. This DIY mix works perfectly to achieve those fluffy dumplings.

Can I add vegetables besides celery?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or even corn can add wonderful sweetness and texture. Just add them to the broth along with the celery to cook through.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are ready when they’ve puffed up and feel firm but tender to the touch. Cooking for about 20 minutes on a low simmer usually ensures they’re fully cooked inside and delightfully soft.

Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?

While you can prepare the broth and chicken in a slow cooker, adding dumplings in the same vessel can be tricky as the temperature isn’t always high enough for proper cooking. It’s best to make the dumplings fresh on the stove for ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing an Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s a timeless bowl full of warmth, comfort, and simple goodness that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this cozy classic—you’re sure to create many happy memories with each spoonful.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender cooked chicken simmered in a creamy broth with fluffy homemade dumplings. Quick to prepare and perfect for any season, this classic dish combines savory flavors and a satisfying texture that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth
3 cans of water (use the empty soup can to measure)

Dumplings

2 cups self-rising flour
¼ cup shortening
¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)

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Instructions

Prepare the broth mixture: Place the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
Make the dumpling dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add boiling water to form dough: Gradually pour in the boiling water—starting with about half a cup—and add more as needed just until the dough forms into a ball.
Roll and cut the dough: Dust a clean surface with flour, roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness, and cut it into strips and squares.
Add dumplings to broth: Remove the lid from the pot of boiling broth. Add the dumpling squares one at a time, quickly covering the pot each time to keep the temperature steady. Let them cook for about 30 seconds between each addition.
Simmer dumplings: Once all the dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Alternate dumpling method: For soft, fluffy drop dumplings, skip rolling the dough. Simply pinch off small, uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until cooked through.
Serve: Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm.

Notes

You can use cooked turkey instead of chicken if preferred.
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt; avoid adding extra salt to dumpling dough.
For a richer broth, add a splash of milk or cream before simmering.
Dumplings should be gently stirred occasionally to avoid sticking but not broken apart.
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken chopped finely.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American