Name: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter

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If you are searching for a soul-soothing meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and pillowy dumplings swimming in a savory homemade broth, every bite feels like a comforting hug. It’s the perfect dish for cozy nights or when you want to impress family and friends with a classic Southern favorite that tastes like it was made from scratch with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a dish that has shredded light brown chicken pieces mixed with thin white noodles. The dish is covered with a light brown sauce that makes the noodles and chicken look glossy and wet. There is a silver spoon placed inside the bowl on the right side, slightly buried in the food. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity, and these essential ingredients build the most delicious, hearty base. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors, developing textures, and adding that inviting color you want in a comforting stew. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the dish providing protein and a tender, hearty bite.
1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps soften vegetables while deepening flavor.
1 onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and aromatic base.
2 carrots, chopped: Offers color and a slight earthy sweetness to the broth.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds freshness and a subtle crunch.
4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid that forms the backbone of the soup.
1 cup milk: Creams the broth and keeps the dumplings tender.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
1 cup flour (for dumplings): The foundation for creating those fluffy, irresistible dumplings.
1½ tsp baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise perfectly while cooking.
½ tsp salt (for dumplings): Seasoning to enhance dumpling taste.
½ cup milk (for dumplings): Binds the flour mixture into a soft dough.
2 tbsp melted butter (for dumplings): Adds richness and smoothness to the dumpling dough.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Stir them gently until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it unlocks a rich depth of flavor and provides the aromatics that make the broth so comforting.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded cooked chicken to your pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to blend beautifully while tenderizing the chicken even further, ensuring every spoonful bursts with warmth.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While your broth is simmering, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings in a bowl. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. It’s important not to overmix here; a light touch keeps the dumplings fluffy and tender once cooked.

Step 4: Drop Dumplings into the Soup

Using a spoon, gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the simmering soup. Make sure the soup is at a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—to cook dumplings evenly without breaking apart.

Step 5: Cover and Cook Dumplings

Cover the pot tightly and cook for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This steam-trapping step is what allows the dumplings to cook fully and puff up to their soft, fluffy glory. Resist the temptation to peek early, as lifting the lid can let the steam escape and affect the texture.

Step 6: Finish with Milk, Season, and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked through, gently stir in the cup of milk to give the broth a creamy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Ladle into bowls and get ready for a heartwarming feast.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with yellow curry with chicken. There are two pieces of chicken placed on top of the dish, with many shredded pieces of chicken mixed throughout a thick, yellow sauce. Green peas are scattered around in the sauce, which has a creamy and slightly shiny texture. Small green leaves of herbs are sprinkled on top for garnish. In the background, there is a white marbled surface visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a pop of color and brightness that perfectly balances the rich broth. A sprinkle of black pepper on top can also enhance the aroma and taste just before serving.

Side Dishes

While this dish is quite filling on its own, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide a refreshing contrast. Cornbread or crusty bread can also accompany the dish beautifully, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the dumplings separately on a platter alongside the chicken broth for dipping, or layer the components in individual ramekins for an elegant, deconstructed presentation. Either way, the heart of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe shines through in every serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, giving you a quick and comforting meal whenever you need one.

Freezing

While the dumplings are best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and broth separately. Freeze them in airtight containers for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook fresh dumplings to maintain that perfect texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheated thoroughly, the flavor will be almost as vibrant as the first time, especially if you add a splash of milk to refresh the broth’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time while keeping this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe quick and delicious.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley can be stirred into the soup to enhance the flavor. You can also add a bay leaf while simmering the broth but be sure to remove it before adding dumplings.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be cautious with baking powder brands to ensure they are gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

You can substitute both the milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to make this chicken and dumplings dish dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

Why can’t I lift the lid while the dumplings cook?

Keeping the lid on traps steam, which cooks the dumplings evenly and helps them rise correctly. Removing the lid lets steam escape and can result in dense, undercooked dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a timeless comfort food that never fails to bring joy and satisfaction to the dinner table. Its simple ingredients combine into a rich, flavorful dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a family gathering or a quiet night in—you’ll quickly understand why it’s a classic favorite.