Name: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings is pure comfort in a bowl — warm, creamy, and brimming with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and aromatic veggies. Every spoonful will remind you of cozy gatherings and home-cooked Southern meals, all with perfectly balanced textures and flavors. Whether you’re winding down on a Sunday evening or hoping to surprise someone with a hearty homemade treat, this recipe promises both nostalgia and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient steps up to play an essential role, lending depth, richness, or a pop of freshness. Gather these kitchen heroes, and let’s make something truly special!

Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps soften the veggies for that savory base.
Olive Oil: Keeps the butter from burning while lending a subtle, earthy aroma.
Onion: Brings sweet, mellow undertones to balance the dish.
Carrots: Add color and natural sweetness for a well-rounded broth.
Celery: Delivers classic soup flavor and a bit of vegetal crunch.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic depth that ties all flavors together.
All-purpose Flour (for soup): Helps thicken the broth into a luxurious, velvety base.
Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of this classic comfort dish.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie makes it extra easy and incredibly flavorful.
Dried Thyme: Brings gentle herbal notes perfect for poultry and dumplings.
Dried Parsley: Lends a mild, grassy freshness – beautiful both in taste and looks.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
Heavy Cream: Enriches the soup with creamy decadence and a smooth finish.
All-purpose Flour (for dumplings): Creates hearty, pillow-soft dumplings.
Baking Powder: Gives the dumplings their rise and irresistible fluffiness.
Salt (for dumplings): Highlights the simple flavors of the dough.
Whole Milk: Keeps the dumplings soft and moist inside.
Melted Butter: Offers buttery undertones and a tender crumb to the dumplings.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. As they first sizzle together, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let these veggies sauté for about five minutes until they begin to soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. Stir in the minced garlic and continue for just another minute, releasing that wonderful garlicky scent as your flavor foundation builds.

Step 2: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed veggies. Stir well, making sure all the pieces are coated. This step is what transforms your broth into that signature velvety soup. Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Taking your time ensures a smooth consistency—no pesky lumps. Bring everything gently to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and the broth thicken.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Herbs

Stir in your cooked shredded chicken, followed by thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Scoop in a hearty half-cup of heavy cream to enrich the mixture, lowering the heat to keep things just at a low simmer. This is where Chicken and Dumplings really starts to look (and smell!) irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings

While your soup base simmers, grab a mixing bowl for the dumplings. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the whole milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined—overmixing makes the dumplings tough, and we want them cloud-soft. Your batter will be thick and a bit shaggy, which is perfect.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon, drop mounds of dumpling batter gently onto the simmering soup, spacing them out so they have room to expand. Cover the pot with a lid and let the whole thing cook (no peeking!) for 15 minutes. The steam helps the dumplings puff up and cook through. To make sure they’re done, insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your Chicken and Dumplings is ready to serve!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over each bowl brings a pop of green and bright herbal aroma. For an extra cozy finish, a light crack of black pepper or a touch of smoked paprika can take the flavor to the next level. If you love a bit of tang, a few drops of lemon juice just before serving will make everything sing.

Side Dishes

This rich, hearty dish shines all on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery corn on the cob. Flaky biscuits or warm sourdough bread make the perfect partners for soaking up every last drop of broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken and Dumplings in rustic bowls for a homestyle vibe, or ladle it into large mugs for an extra snuggly presentation. For a fun family dinner, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone help themselves. If you’re hosting, try individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—your guests will feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to three days. The soup tends to thicken as it cools, which makes every serving even more comforting. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it up to your ideal texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, portion cooled Chicken and Dumplings into freezer-safe containers. While the dumplings may soften a bit after freezing, they will still be delicious. For best results, freeze the soup and dumplings separately, then combine and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Chicken and Dumplings over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or milk to thin the soup if needed. Avoid bringing it to a full boil to keep the dumplings tender. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave on a medium setting works too—just cover loosely to prevent splatters and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach or roast chicken thighs, shred the meat, and use it in place of rotisserie chicken. Thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, making your Chicken and Dumplings even more craveworthy.

What’s the secret to fluffy dumplings?

The key is to mix the dumpling batter until just combined—no more. Also, keep the pot covered during cooking so the steam gently cooks and puffs up the dumplings.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, both in the soup and the dumplings. Double-check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Do I have to use heavy cream?

While heavy cream adds richness, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter touch. You could also skip it entirely if you prefer a brothier Chicken and Dumplings.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, corn, or diced potatoes make wonderful additions to Chicken and Dumplings. Just add them when you add the chicken so everything cooks through nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about homemade Chicken and Dumplings that feels like a heartfelt hug in food form. If you’re looking to warm up your week or pamper someone special, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple, soul-satisfying, and delicious it turns out every single time!

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty Southern American dish, Chicken and Dumplings is a classic recipe perfect for cozy nights. Tender shredded chicken in a creamy broth with fluffy dumplings makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Main Dish: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic, sprinkle flour, then gradually add chicken broth. Simmer, then add chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and cream. Keep at a low simmer.
For the Dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt. Stir in milk and butter until combined. Drop spoonfuls onto simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Serve warm.