Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

The rich aroma of simmering Chicken & Dumplings fills your kitchen with the promise of comfort and satisfaction. This classic Southern dish combines tender chunks of chicken swimming in a velvety broth, topped with pillowy dumplings that are somehow both light and hearty at once. There’s something magical about the way the dumplings soak up the savory chicken flavor while maintaining their distinct, cloud-like texture. You’ll learn how to create this beloved comfort food from scratch, with tips to ensure your Chicken & Dumplings turn out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken & Dumplings recipe strikes the perfect balance between homemade goodness and achievable effort. Unlike many comfort foods that require hours of tending, this version delivers maximum flavor in about an hour of cooking time. The contrast between the silky, rich broth and the fluffy, tender dumplings creates a textural symphony that’s incredibly satisfying.

Each spoonful offers the perfect bite – succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, savory broth, and a dumpling that’s firm on the outside yet tender at the center. The aromatics in this dish build a complex flavor profile that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even when it hasn’t.

This recipe is wonderfully versatile too. You can adjust the consistency to your preference – make it more stew-like or soupier depending on your mood. The homemade chicken and dumplings experience evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort that simply can’t be replicated with canned or restaurant versions. Plus, this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a family over several days.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup/160g), diced
• 3 medium carrots (about 1 cup/135g), sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks (about 1 cup/120g), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour
• 6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup (20g) fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons (42g) cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) cold milk

The chicken thighs provide more flavor than breasts, while fresh herbs brighten the rich broth. The heavy cream is optional but adds luxurious richness to the final dish.

Pro Tips

Perfect Dumplings Every Time: The secret to fluffy, tender dumplings is minimal handling. Mix the dumpling ingredients just until combined – overmixing develops gluten and makes them tough. For extra-light dumplings, replace half the milk with sour cream. When cooking, remember that dumplings need to steam properly – once you add them to the pot, keep that lid closed! Every peek releases precious steam and can result in dense, gummy dumplings.

Building Flavor Foundations: The flavor magic happens in the first 10 minutes of cooking. Take time to properly brown your chicken pieces before removing them from the pot. Then, cook your vegetables in the same pot to capture all those caramelized bits (fond) from the chicken. This creates the deep, rich base flavor that makes homemade chicken and dumplings superior to quickie versions. Don’t rush this step – it’s where the complex flavor develops.

Consistency Control: The thickness of your chicken and dumplings is completely customizable. For a thicker stew, use a bit more flour in your roux (up to 1/3 cup). For a thinner, more soup-like consistency, use less flour or add additional broth. Remember that the dish will naturally thicken as the dumplings cook and release some of their starch into the broth, so it’s better to err on the thinner side initially.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet – that’s okay!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a light roux.

Step 3: Create the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and sage. Return the chicken to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the broth simmers, prepare your dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold milk and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix – lumps are actually good here!

Step 5: Add the Dumplings
Taste your broth and adjust seasonings if needed. If using heavy cream, stir it in now. Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth, leaving some space between them as they’ll expand. You should get about 12-16 dumplings. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 6: Cook and Finish
Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes without peeking! The dumplings need the steam to cook properly. After 15 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling to check for doneness – it should come out clean. Gently stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Remove the bay leaves and let stand for 5 minutes before serving your homemade chicken and dumplings in wide, shallow bowls.

Variations

Herb and Cheese Dumplings: Elevate your chicken and dumplings recipe by adding 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (like chives, dill, or parsley) to your dumpling mixture. The cheese adds a savory depth while the herbs bring brightness to contrast with the rich broth.

Southern-Style Drop Biscuit Version: For a more traditional Southern approach, replace the dumpling recipe with your favorite drop biscuit dough. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the dry ingredients and use buttermilk instead of regular milk. This creates a tangier dumpling with a more biscuit-like texture that many find reminiscent of grandma’s traditional chicken and dumpling recipe.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This comfort classic can easily accommodate dietary restrictions. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the broth and dumpling components. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dumpling mixture if your blend doesn’t already include it. The dumplings may be slightly more delicate, so handle with extra care when serving.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb broth as they sit, so when reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze the chicken base without the dumplings, as they can become soggy upon thawing. When ready to serve, thaw the base overnight in the refrigerator, reheat to simmering, and make fresh dumplings to add.

Serve your chicken and dumplings in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful components. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For special occasions, serve with a side of cranberry sauce or quick-pickled vegetables to add bright, tangy contrast to this comforting dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. If using breasts, reduce the initial browning time and check for doneness earlier in the cooking process. For best results, use bone-in breasts for more flavor, removing the bones before serving.

Why are my dumplings turning out dense or gummy?
Dense dumplings typically result from overmixing the dough or lifting the lid during cooking. Mix the dumpling ingredients just until combined and avoid peeking while they cook. Also, ensure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when adding the dumplings.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
The chicken base can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat the base until simmering, then make fresh dumplings and add them just before serving for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe faster?
For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth. Add the chicken toward the end of cooking, just before adding the dumplings. You can also use canned biscuit dough, cut into quarters, as a time-saving dumpling alternative.

My broth is too thin/thick – how can I adjust it?
To thicken broth, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering broth. To thin overly thick broth, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Dumplings is comfort food at its finest — a heartwarming bowl of tender chicken, vegetables, and pillowy dumplings swimming in rich, velvety broth. It’s the kind of dish that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen table, regardless of whether chicken and dumplings were part of your childhood. The balance of flavors and textures creates something greater than the sum of its simple parts, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a family on a chilly evening or looking for the perfect dish to take to someone in need of care, these chicken and dumplings deliver warmth in every single bite.

Print