Name: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; ½ cup cream or milk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk (for dumplings)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a comforting embrace, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. It pairs tender, shredded chicken with fluffy, pillowy dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy broth that’s packed with fresh vegetables. Each bite combines savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it an instant classic that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with cozy joy. Whether for a chilly evening or a family dinner, this dish will quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thin yellow noodles soaked in a light brown broth, topped with pieces of shredded chicken that are light tan in color, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the butter that sautés the veggies to the baking powder that makes those dumplings wonderfully airy and light. These essential components come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and perfect texture.

2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing and adding rich, creamy flavor to the base of the broth.
1 onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
2 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle crunch.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides freshness and a slight earthiness.
3 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid that holds the entire meal together.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein that makes the soup hearty.
½ cup cream or milk: Gives the broth its smooth, velvety texture.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The key ingredient that forms the fluffy dumplings.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
½ cup milk (for dumplings): Binds the dumpling dough perfectly for luscious softness.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these together until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables soften just a bit, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas. This mix is the heart of your broth and sets the tone for all the delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with the cream or milk. This will give your broth a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the savory richness of the chicken and veggies. Let everything mingle and heat through so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the broth simmers, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Slowly add the ½ cup of milk, stirring until you get a smooth, thick dough. This dough is what will puff up into those beloved fluffy dumplings that make this recipe so special. Be careful not to overmix, or the dumplings could become tough.

Step 4: Drop and Simmer Dumplings

Once your soup is simmering gently, take spoonfuls of the dough and drop them right onto the surface. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook without lifting the lid, as the steam helps them rise perfectly. After about 15 minutes, the dumplings should be puffed up and tender, soaking in all that comforting broth flavor.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy yellow soup with chunks of white shredded chicken and scattered green peas. On top, there are pieces of light brown dumplings with a soft, smooth texture. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh touch. A silver spoon is placed on the right side, partially in the soup. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Some fresh garnishes really elevate this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Feel free to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for color and a hint of herbal brightness. A twist of cracked black pepper also adds a nice touch of warmth without overpowering the creamy broth.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to build out your meal, simple green salads or steamed green beans complement it beautifully. Their crispness contrasts the velvety soup, adding a fresh bite and balancing the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to get creative, serve this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in small rustic bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra cream for garnish. For a cozy twist, pair it with warm flaky biscuits on the side to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken and dumplings keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the soup and dumplings together in an airtight container to maintain the fluffy texture of the dumplings and the rich flavor of the broth.

Freezing

You can freeze the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, but dumplings tend to lose their texture after freezing. If you want to freeze it, store the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings, then add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. This way, your soup stays creamy and the dumplings remain soft and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It adds convenience and saves cooking time while still delivering tender, flavorful protein.

What can I add for extra vegetables?

Peas, corn, or green beans are wonderful additions to brighten the dish and add a bit more texture and color. Just toss them in along with the broth to cook gently.

Is there a shortcut for the dumplings?

Yes, you can substitute biscuit mix for the flour, baking powder, and salt to save some prep time. The texture will still be deliciously fluffy and light.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or any plant-based milk for the cream and dumplings. The dish will remain creamy and satisfying.

How long will the dumplings stay fluffy?

Dumplings are best eaten freshly cooked, as they can soften over time soaking in the broth. To keep them fluffy longer, store broth and dumplings separately if not eating right away.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the kind of meal that warms you inside and out. It’s straightforward, comforting, and always hits the spot no matter the occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the cozy goodness in every spoonful just like I always do.

Chef MARTHA

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need