Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The comforting aroma of tender chicken simmering with vegetables and fluffy, pillowy dumplings is enough to transport anyone back to their grandmother’s kitchen. Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory broth, succulent chicken, and soft, cloud-like dumplings in one heartwarming bowl. This classic American dish has stood the test of time for good reason – it delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. You’ll learn how to create this soul-soothing meal from scratch, with tips to achieve the perfect dumpling texture and a rich, flavorful broth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite for numerous reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness – while it tastes like it’s been simmering all day, it can be on your table in just over an hour. The contrast between the silky, aromatic broth and the tender, pillowy dumplings creates a textural masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

The chicken becomes incredibly juicy and fall-apart tender as it cooks in the flavorful broth, while the vegetables add both nutrition and depth of flavor. The dumplings themselves are magical – light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly firmer exterior that holds up beautifully in the stew.

What truly sets this chicken and dumplings dish apart is its versatility. It can be dressed up for Sunday dinner or kept simple for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it practical for busy home cooks who don’t want to sacrifice taste for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion (about 1 cup/150g), diced
• 3 medium carrots (about 1 cup/135g), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 celery stalks (about ¾ cup/100g), diced
• 4 cloves garlic (about 2 tablespoons/12g), minced
• ⅓ cup (45g) all-purpose flour
• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1½ teaspoons fresh, chopped)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
• ¾ cup (100g) frozen peas

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Pro Tips

Achieve Perfect Dumplings: The secret to light, fluffy dumplings is minimal handling of the dough. When mixing your dumpling ingredients, stir just until combined – overmixing develops gluten and creates tough dumplings. For even more tender results, let the dumpling batter rest for 10 minutes before dropping it into the simmering stew. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the baking powder to activate.

Master the Cooking Technique: When adding dumplings to your chicken and dumplings soup, ensure your stew is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Once you’ve added all the dumplings, immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and resist the urge to peek for at least 12 minutes. The steam trapped inside the pot is crucial for cooking the dumplings properly, giving them that perfect texture – fluffy inside with a slight firmness outside.

Develop Deep Flavor: For an intensely flavorful broth, take the time to properly brown your chicken pieces before adding other ingredients. This creates fond (those brown bits on the bottom of the pot) that forms the flavor foundation of your stew. Additionally, consider using bone-in chicken thighs and removing the bones before adding the dumplings – the bones add incredible richness to the broth. If using boneless chicken, a splash of white wine during the vegetable sautéing stage will add depth and complexity to your homemade chicken and dumplings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Brown the chicken on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding (about 3-4 minutes per batch). Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Stew Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Return the browned chicken to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the stew has thickened slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the stew simmers, make your dumpling mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon just until combined. If using, fold in the chopped parsley. The dough should be sticky and thick – resist the urge to overmix!

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Once the chicken is tender, stir in the heavy cream (if using) and frozen peas. Taste the stew and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the simmering stew, leaving some space between them as they will expand while cooking. You should get approximately 12-16 dumplings.

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the dumplings to steam cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe hot in bowls, ensuring each serving includes both the chicken stew and dumplings.

Variations

Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings: For a more traditional southern approach, make flat dumplings instead of the fluffy drop-style ones. Roll the dumpling dough out to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into 1×2-inch rectangles. These denser, noodle-like dumplings absorb the broth differently, creating that distinctive southern-style chicken and dumplings texture that many find nostalgic and comforting.

Herb-Infused Dumplings: Elevate your chicken and dumplings recipe by incorporating fresh herbs into the dumpling mixture. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like dill, thyme, chives, or a combination to the dry ingredients. This simple addition infuses the dumplings with aromatic flavors that complement the chicken stew beautifully.

Gluten-Free Option: Those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this comforting dish. Replace the all-purpose flour in both the stew and dumplings with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dumpling mixture if your gluten-free blend doesn’t already include it. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic comfort food.

Storage and Serving

This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the dumplings will continue to absorb broth as they sit, so the dish will thicken considerably in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the consistency back to your preference. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For serving, pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew. A side of cranberry sauce offers a sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory flavors beautifully. For a complete comfort food experience, serve your chicken and dumplings with warm, buttery biscuits or a chunk of crusty sourdough bread for sopping up every last bit of the delicious broth.

For an elegant presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and a light dusting of cracked black pepper.

FAQs

Why are my dumplings doughy in the middle?
Dumplings that remain doughy in the center typically need more cooking time. Ensure your stew is at a gentle simmer, not a full boil, and that you’re keeping the lid tightly closed during the entire cooking process. The steam trapped inside is crucial for proper cooking. Give them an additional 3-5 minutes if needed.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs in this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. However, reduce the initial simmering time to about 10-12 minutes as breast meat cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
For best results, prepare the chicken stew portion a day ahead, but add the dumplings just before serving. Reheat the stew until simmering, then proceed with the dumpling steps. This ensures your dumplings remain light and fluffy rather than soggy.

Why did my broth turn out thin?
If your broth lacks thickness, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the simmering stew before adding dumplings, which will help thicken the consistency.

Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
While you can freeze the chicken stew portion, dumplings don’t freeze well as they become soggy when thawed. If planning to freeze, do so without dumplings and add freshly made ones when reheating the stew.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a soul-warming bowl of tender chicken, vegetables, and pillowy dumplings that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that bridges generations, bringing together traditional cooking methods with modern convenience. Whether you’re making this on a chilly winter evening, serving it to a family member who needs comfort, or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, these chicken and dumplings deliver warmth and nourishment in every bite. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a timeless classic in your cooking repertoire that will be requested time and again.

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