Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food in our home. It’s a bowl of pure warmth and nostalgia, with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth that wraps you in a hug with every bite.

This recipe is my go-to when I want to create something hearty and filling, perfect for chilly evenings or when someone in the family needs a little pick-me-up. It’s simple, wholesome, and always leaves everyone coming back for seconds. What I love most is that this dish brings people together—whether it’s at a Sunday dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just add it towards the end to avoid overcooking.

Q: What kind of dumplings are in this recipe?
A: This recipe uses drop dumplings, which are soft, pillowy, and super easy to make. You can also make rolled dumplings if you prefer a denser texture.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the dumplings and ensure the broth is gluten-free as well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings, if possible. The dumplings can become soggy if left in the broth for too long. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and peas are classic additions that add color and flavor to the dish.

What You Need to Make Chicken and Dumplings

• For the Chicken Stew:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup whole milk

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Submerge the chicken in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
3. Shred the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves and give the stew a gentle stir. Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, keep the lid closed to trap the steam that makes them fluffy.
• Add Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for an extra-rich broth.
• Make It Your Own: Add peas, corn, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley, they can elevate the flavor of the dish.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is the ultimate comfort food! The dumplings were light and fluffy, and the chicken was perfectly tender.” – Sarah

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I added some peas and a splash of cream to the broth—it was a hit with my family!” – Emily

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy to make and so flavorful. My kids devoured it and asked for seconds.” – Michael

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used leftover rotisserie chicken, and it came together so quickly. Perfect weeknight dinner!” – Amanda

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The dumplings were the best I’ve ever made. This recipe is going into my regular rotation!” – Lisa

Printable Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is comfort food at its finest! Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together in a rich and flavorful broth.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Stew:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• For the Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Stew:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Add the chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

• Submerge the chicken in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Make the Dumpling Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Shred the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Cook the Dumplings:

• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam.

Serve:

• Remove the bay leaves and give the stew a gentle stir. Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls and serve hot.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of recipe that warms the heart and soul. If you loved this dish, please share it with your family and friends on social media. Spreading the love of home-cooked meals is a beautiful way to bring joy to others. Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your amazing creations!