Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Learn how to make tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, cozy broth in one pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, and feeding the whole family with love.
There’s something magical about settling into your kitchen on a quiet evening and letting a pot of chicken and dumplings simmer away. It fills your home with the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander in and ask, “What smells so good?” I’ve always believed that comfort food has a special way of bringing people together. Maybe it is the warmth, or maybe it is the memories tied to each bite.
If you love cozy bowls of soup, you might also enjoy my chicken tortilla soup. And on days when I want something simple and full of flavor without hovering over the stove, I often turn to my slow cooker honey garlic chicken.
For me, this recipe brings back sweet evenings with my kids gathered around the table. Back then, I’d make a big pot hoping for leftovers, but somehow the spoon always scraped the bottom. Cooking something warm and soothing just feels like taking care of the people you love.
This recipe stays true to old-fashioned flavor while keeping things simple. If you’ve never made dumplings before, don’t worry. You and I will walk through it together, just like two friends chatting in the kitchen.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
The magic of great chicken and dumplings starts with simple, humble ingredients. Each one plays a part in building that creamy, cozy bowl of goodness we all crave.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter
A rich beginning that softens the veggies and gives the base its classic flavor. - Onion, Carrots, and Celery
This classic trio adds sweetness, depth, and comfort. - Garlic
Fresh garlic brightens the flavor and adds warmth. - All-Purpose Flour
Helps create a roux that thickens the broth into a creamy, spoon-coating texture. - Evaporated Milk or Half and Half
Adds the velvety smoothness that makes every bite feel like a hug. - Chicken Stock
The flavorful backbone of the soup. - Cooked or Raw Chicken
Cooked chicken makes this recipe fast. Raw chicken gives a slightly deeper flavor. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, delicious bites. - Thyme, Salt, and Black Pepper
These bring brightness and balance to the entire dish.
If you like dumpling-style dishes, you might also enjoy my shortcut-friendly Bisquick chicken and dumplings recipe. And for a classic dinner favorite, my cozy chicken parmesan recipe pairs beautifully with a hearty bowl of comfort food like this.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
Sometimes you want to stay traditional. Other times, you want to use what is already on hand. Luckily, chicken and dumplings is wonderfully flexible.
Here are a few additions you can try:
- Frozen Peas
Add at the end for color and sweetness. - Fresh Parsley
A bright finishing touch. - Corn
A sweet pop that kids often love. - Heavy Cream
If you want the broth extra silky, swap this for the evaporated milk. - Bone-In Chicken
If you have time, simmering bone-in chicken gives a rich, homemade flavor.
This recipe is easy to adjust to suit your mood or pantry. And if you want a comforting chicken dish that cooks low and slow, check out my tender and flavorful crock pot marry me chicken.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
There are a few tricks that truly elevate chicken and dumplings. These tips come from years of stirring pots, rushing dinner on busy nights, and finding joy in little kitchen victories.
If you’re a fan of slow cooked comfort meals, you might also appreciate my slow cooker honey garlic chicken. But for today, let’s focus on dumplings.
- Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough
This is the number one dumpling rule. Overmixing creates dense dumplings. Less stirring means fluffier results. - Keep the Soup at a Low Simmer
Boiling aggressively can make dumplings break apart. A low simmer helps them puff up gently. - Drop Dumplings in Different Spots
Spacing them out helps prevent sticking. Give each dumpling its own little space. - Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Helps
A small detail that makes a big difference. It boosts warmth, aroma, and flavor depth. - Press Dumplings Down Midway
A gentle push lets them soak in more flavor without sinking to the bottom. - Taste as You Go
Broths vary. Butter adds richness. Chicken adds salt. Your taste buds will tell you what’s missing. - Let the Soup Rest
Those last five minutes off the heat help the broth settle and the flavor bloom.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Let everything soften and build flavor. - Step 2
Stir in the garlic. Add the flour and let it cook until it forms a soft paste. - Step 3
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock. Stir constantly so the roux blends smoothly. - Step 4
Add the chicken. If raw, simmer until fully cooked. If cooked, continue to the next step. - Step 5
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This is the perfect temperature for dumplings. - Step 6
Mix the dumpling dry ingredients. Add milk and melted butter. Stir lightly to form a loose dough. - Step 7
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup. Space each one out gently. - Step 8
Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes. Check a dumpling for doneness and serve warm.
Additional Guide: Variations and Special Techniques
Once you’ve mastered classic chicken and dumplings, it’s fun to explore new variations.
- Herbed Dumplings
Add rosemary, sage, or parsley for deeper flavor. - Vegetable-Loaded Soup
Toss in mushrooms, peas, or green beans. - Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
A quick and flavorful option for busy days. - Slow Cooker Version
Let the broth simmer for hours in the slow cooker. Add dumplings during the last 30 to 45 minutes. - Creamier Broth Trick
Stir in heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
FAQs About Chicken and Dumplings
What spices go well with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings shines with simple, comforting flavors, so you don’t need anything fancy. The classics are thyme, parsley, and a little black pepper. A touch of garlic powder or onion powder adds warmth. If you like a deeper flavor, a pinch of paprika or dried rosemary works well too. Just keep the spices gentle so they complement the broth instead of overpowering it.
What ingredients do I need for dumplings?
Most dumplings only need a few pantry staples: flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and a little butter. Some people use shortening instead of butter, and others swap milk for heavy cream to make the dumplings extra tender. If you prefer biscuit-style dumplings, you can even add an egg for a firmer texture. The beauty of dumplings is how simple and flexible they are.
What are the common mistakes while making chicken and dumplings?
The biggest mistake is lifting the lid during cooking. Dumplings need steam to rise, so opening the pot too early can make them dense and gummy. Another issue is making the dough too wet, which can cause it to fall apart. Some cooks also simmer the broth too aggressively, which breaks the dumplings apart. A slow, steady simmer and a hands-off approach are the keys to success.
How to keep dumplings from falling apart in chicken and dumplings?
The trick is to keep the dough firm enough to hold its shape. Mix the dough gently until it comes together, but don’t make it runny. When you drop the dumplings in, the broth should be at a gentle simmer, not boiling hard. After that, put on the lid and leave it closed for the full cooking time. This helps the dumplings steam properly and stay fluffy instead of dissolving.
Conclusion
There you go, friend. A big, cozy pot of chicken and dumplings that fills your home with comfort and your bowl with warmth. Recipes like this remind me why I love cooking so much. It’s not only about feeding the people you care about. It’s about creating moments, slowing down, and savoring something homemade.
My name is Angela, and from my warm Florida kitchen to yours, I’m cheering you on. Grab your spoon, settle in, and enjoy every bite of this comforting classic.
Chicken and Dumplings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Warm a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery until the onions soften.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
- To make the dumplings, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth, spacing them slightly so they have room to puff up.
- Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will steam and become fluffy.
- Remove the lid and gently stir the broth. Let everything simmer for another few minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked.