Chicken and Dumplings

A Classic Comfort Meal

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft dumplings in creamy broth.

Perfect for cold days, family dinners, or cozy meals, this dish is hearty, filling, and sure to satisfy both adults and kids alike.

Why This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Is Special

• Creamy and hearty: The broth is rich yet light, perfect for soaking up flavors.
• Soft dumplings: Fluffy dumplings rise perfectly in the savory broth.
• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked together.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or vegetables for a personal touch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for dumplings)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
• 1/2 cup milk (for dumplings)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dumplings)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until softened.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
4. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to gentle simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter until a sticky dough forms for dumplings.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto simmering chicken mixture.
7. Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
8. Stir gently to incorporate dumplings, being careful not to break them.
9. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Fluffy dumplings: Do not overmix dumpling dough; handle gently.
• Simmer gently: Keep heat low to allow dumplings to cook without falling apart.
• Add vegetables: Peas, corn, or green beans can enhance flavor and color.
• Make ahead: Prepare chicken and broth ahead; add dumplings just before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
• Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze without dumplings for up to 2 months; add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Chicken and Dumplings

Tender shredded chicken cooked with vegetables in a creamy broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. The ultimate comfort food for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme

Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until softened.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup flour to make a roux, cooking 1–2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and 1 cup milk until smooth.
4. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to gentle simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup flour, baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tbsp butter until sticky dough forms for dumplings.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto simmering chicken mixture.
7. Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are cooked and fluffy.
8. Stir gently to incorporate dumplings without breaking them.
9. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix dumpling dough. Store leftovers in airtight container for 3 days. Freeze without dumplings for up to 2 months.