If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying meal, look no further than chicken and dumplings. This beloved dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, a flavorful creamy broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest—a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You Will Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Hearty and Filling – A complete one-pot meal with protein, vegetables, and dumplings.
Rich, Creamy Broth – Full of savory depth and comfort.
Pillowy Dumplings – Soft and satisfying, with just the right bite.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Use rotisserie chicken or add your favorite vegetables.
What Are Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a traditional Southern American dish. It features chunks of tender chicken cooked in a thick, savory broth, topped or simmered with doughy dumplings made from flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. The dumplings steam and puff up as they cook, soaking in the broth and forming a thick, hearty dish.
While the recipe has roots in both American and European kitchens, it’s best known as a staple of Southern comfort food cuisine.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken Stew:
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (or rotisserie)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
¾ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add thyme, salt, pepper, and shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in milk and parsley until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Stew
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid.
Check that dumplings are puffed up and cooked through by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
1. Don’t Peek While Dumplings Cook
Lifting the lid lets steam escape, which can cause dense dumplings.
2. Use Cold Butter for Flaky Dumplings
Just like biscuit dough, cold butter creates tender dumplings with a nice texture.
3. Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling the stew while dumplings cook. A gentle simmer yields better results.
4. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
Parsley, thyme, or even dill can enhance both the stew and dumplings.
Dumpling Styles Explained
Drop Dumplings
Soft and spooned into the stew—fluffy and biscuit-like.
Rolled Dumplings
Flattened dough cut into strips, similar to noodles—denser and chewier.
Bisquick Dumplings
A shortcut using baking mix—fast and reliable for weeknight meals.
Chicken Options: From Scratch or Store-Bought
Rotisserie Chicken
Quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy cooks.
Boiled Chicken Breasts
Healthier and leaner—great if you’re controlling fat intake.
Leftover Roast Chicken
Add leftover meat from another meal to cut down on prep.
Popular Variations to Try
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
Add more heavy cream and a splash of white wine or sour cream.
Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Add rosemary, chives, or thyme to your dumpling dough.
Vegetable-Loaded Version
Toss in green peas, corn, or diced potatoes for more texture and nutrition.
Spicy Southern Style
Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to the broth for a bold twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Cook the stew and refrigerate overnight.
Make the dumpling dough fresh just before reheating and serving.
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the stew.
Freezing Tips
Freeze just the chicken stew portion (without dumplings) for best results.
Dumplings don’t freeze well once cooked—they tend to break down when thawed.
What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings
Although it’s a one-pot meal, you can round it out with a few simple sides:
Green Salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
Buttered Cornbread – A Southern classic pairing.
Steamed Green Beans – Light and healthy contrast to the creamy stew.
Pickles or Chutney – Add a bit of acid to balance richness.
Healthy Swaps and Dietary Adaptations
Low-Fat Version
Use low-fat milk instead of cream.
Skip the butter or use a lighter hand.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour blend for dumplings and thickening.
Ensure broth is labeled gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Version
Substitute olive oil for butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk for cream.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for dumplings?
Yes, you can. Cut into pieces and simmer as you would with homemade dough.
Q2: Why are my dumplings gummy?
Lifting the lid or overmixing the dough can make them dense or undercooked.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the stew on LOW for 6 hours. Add dumplings in the last hour with the lid on.
Q4: What’s the best pot for cooking chicken and dumplings?
A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid works best to retain heat and moisture.
Q5: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great use for leftover holiday turkey.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a memory in the making. With its rich, creamy base and tender dumplings, this dish has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort food in many homes. Once you master the basics, the recipe becomes a blank canvas for your creativity, whether you keep it classic or mix in your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies.
So, whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply in need of a warm, satisfying dinner, chicken and dumplings is always the answer. Try this recipe once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.