This Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings comfort food to a new level. With a rich and creamy broth paired with fluffy, homemade dumplings, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The simplicity of this dish makes it suitable for various occasions, from weeknight meals to gatherings. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors that will surely impress your guests.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Save this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Rich Flavor: With a creamy broth and tender chicken, every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand for a personal touch.
Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the fluffy dumplings, making it a hit for dinner time.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can streamline your cooking process, ensuring that your Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfectly. Here are the essential tools you’ll need.

Limited Time Deal

Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!

Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle

Customer Reviews ★★★★★

Finally, a knife that stays sharp and feels comfortable in my hand

Professional quality without the premium price tag

Makes meal prep faster and more enjoyable

Don't Miss Out - Order Now

Only a few items left in stock - order soon

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, which helps in simmering the soup evenly without burning.
Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing ingredients before cooking, keeping your workspace organized.
Whisk: Helps in creating a smooth roux by preventing lumps as you combine the flour with liquids.

Ingredients

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings has a rich and creamy broth with big fluffy dumplings that are made from scratch in just minutes!

For the Soup

6 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup diced celery
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or half and half)
1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock (+1 extra cup of broth if using raw chicken)
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1.5 lbs raw, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
Salt (to taste)

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
3/4 cup (6 oz) whole milk
4 tablespoons butter (melted)

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large heavy-bottomed pot like a dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Add flour and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly add the evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

If using raw chicken: Add an additional cup of chicken broth or water along with the raw chicken. Simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through. Shred the chicken and return it to the soup. Lower heat and let simmer uncovered while preparing dumplings.

If using pre-cooked chicken: Bring soup to a boil then add chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Lower heat and let simmer uncovered while preparing dumplings.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. Whether you prefer it plain or with added elements, the following serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with parsley – Adding freshly chopped parsley gives a burst of color and freshness.
Sprinkle thyme – A touch of thyme on top enhances the flavor profile and aroma.

Accompanied by Biscuits

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits – Serve buttery biscuits alongside for a perfect pairing.
Garlic knots – These add a flavorful twist to your dinner table.

On a Bed of Greens

Mixed greens salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of Chicken and Dumplings.
Spinach salad – Toss in some nuts and cranberries for added texture and taste.

With Hot Sauce

Spicy kick – Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the dish for extra heat and excitement.

How to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t skip the roux – Creating a roux is crucial for achieving that creamy texture in your broth.
Adjust seasoning to taste – Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cook dumplings properly – Ensure they are fluffy by not overcooking them; they should float when done.
Let it simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer develops deeper flavors, so be patient!
Store leftovers wisely – Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Dumplings can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn pairs nicely with this hearty dish.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes complement the textures beautifully.
Green Beans Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans add color and nutrition.
Fruit Salad – A sweet fruit salad provides a light finish after a rich meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Dumplings, there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish.

Ignoring the roux: Failing to stir the flour properly can lead to lumps in your broth. Ensure you whisk constantly while adding liquids.
Overcooking the dumplings: Cooking dumplings for too long can make them tough. Follow the recommended cooking time for fluffy results.
Using low-quality stock: A bland chicken stock will result in a lackluster flavor. Opt for a quality stock or homemade broth for the best taste.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning can leave your dish flat. Always season to your preference throughout the cooking process.
Cutting vegetables too large: Larger pieces may not cook evenly, resulting in crunchy bits in your soup. Dice vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Chicken and Dumplings can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken and Dumplings

Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Chicken and Dumplings to help you perfect your dish.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that typically consists of tender chicken simmered in a rich broth with fluffy dumplings atop.

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use raw chicken by adding it during the cooking process, allowing it to simmer until cooked through before shredding.

What type of flour should I use for dumplings?

All-purpose flour is ideal for making dumplings as it provides the right texture.

How do I make my dumplings fluffier?

Ensure that you don’t overmix the dumpling dough; mixing just until combined ensures they remain light and fluffy when cooked.

Can I customize my Chicken and Dumplings?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or corn or swap out spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers a rich, creamy broth paired with delightful dumplings, making it perfect for cozy dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for added flavor. Try this recipe today, and enjoy comfort food at its finest!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Chicken and Dumplings

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Grace
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken and Dumplings recipe. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings that are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe allows for customization with your favorite vegetables, ensuring every bowl is a personal touch of warmth and flavor. Serve it on chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a comforting meal, and impress your guests with its delicious heartwarming flavors. Gather around the table and enjoy a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

Scale

6 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup diced celery
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 quart (32 oz) chicken stock
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
3/4 cup (6 oz) whole milk
4 tablespoons butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook an additional minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables; stir to combine and cook for one minute while stirring constantly.
Gradually add evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring to avoid lumps.
If using raw chicken, add an extra cup of broth or water; let simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
For pre-cooked chicken, add it along with thyme and pepper after bringing the soup to a boil; let simmer while preparing dumplings.
Prepare dumpling dough by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, milk, and melted butter until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup; cover and cook for about 15 minutes until fluffy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American