Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy chicken and dumplings on a chilly day. This comfort food classic is hearty, satisfying, and—best of all—easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy dinner for the family, this recipe has got you covered.
A Comfort Food Classic
Chicken and dumplings date back generations and remain a staple in Southern kitchens. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings makes for the ultimate one-pot meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly at home—like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s beginner-friendly and foolproof.
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
- One pot = easy cleanup.
- It’s the perfect comfort food.
This dish isn’t just about food—it’s about memories, warmth, and simplicity.
Ingredients Needed
Before you dive into cooking, let’s talk ingredients. The best part? You probably already have most of these at home.
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 ½ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for creaminess)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Tools You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Having everything prepped and ready will make this cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a hearty pot of chicken and dumplings in no time.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add oil or butter, and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown—about 4–5 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavor. Once browned, remove and set the chicken aside.
Step 2: Making the Broth
In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they start to soften and become aromatic. Add in the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken again, shred it using two forks, and add it back into the pot.
Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow everything to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is where the magic starts happening!
Step 4: Preparing the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk and melted butter, and stir just until combined. The dough should be thick and sticky—don’t overmix it!
Step 5: Cooking the Dumplings in the Stew
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the hot stew. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15–18 minutes. No peeking! Lifting the lid releases the steam and can ruin the rise of your dumplings.
Once they’re puffed up and cooked through, you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Dumplings
Getting the dumplings just right can make or break this dish. Here are some pro tips to help ensure they come out light, fluffy, and totally irresistible:
- Don’t overmix the dough: This is the number one rule. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough and dense. Stir until everything is just combined.
- Keep the lid on: When steaming the dumplings, resist the urge to lift the lid. Steam is essential for the dumplings to cook properly and rise beautifully.
- Use fresh baking powder: Expired baking powder can mean flat dumplings. Always check the date to ensure they’ll puff up properly.
- Drop dough into simmering—not boiling—liquid: Boiling can break apart your dumplings or cook them unevenly. A steady simmer is just right.
- Size matters: Try to keep your dough balls around the size of a tablespoon. Larger ones may not cook through properly in the center.
With these little tricks, you’ll get restaurant-worthy dumplings every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, some slip-ups can lead to a kitchen disaster. Avoid these common mistakes when making chicken and dumplings:
- Using too much flour in the dumplings: Makes them dense and chewy.
- Letting the broth boil while dumplings are cooking: This leads to uneven cooking and a broken stew texture.
- Adding dumplings too early: Wait until your soup base is fully cooked and flavorful before adding the dumpling dough.
- Overcrowding the pot: Give dumplings room to expand; otherwise, they’ll clump together.
- Skipping the rest time: After dumplings finish cooking, let the stew sit for 5 minutes to thicken up and settle.
Avoid these blunders, and you’ll end up with a dish worthy of second (or third) helpings.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish is just as tasty the next day—sometimes even better! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing:
- Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the stew portion without the dumplings. Dumplings tend to change texture when frozen.
Reheating:
- For best results, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of broth or milk to keep it from drying out.
- Stir gently so you don’t break apart the dumplings.
Bonus tip: A sprinkle of fresh herbs when reheating can bring the flavors back to life!
Variations You Can Try
Want to give your chicken and dumplings a twist? There are endless ways to make it your own:
- Add herbs to the dumplings: Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill can add great flavor.
- Spicy version: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the soup and dumplings.
- Vegetarian alternative: Swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms and use veggie broth.
- Crockpot version: Cook everything except the dumplings on low for 6 hours, then add dumplings and cook on high for 1 more hour.
Feel free to get creative—this recipe is super forgiving.
Serving Suggestions
A bowl of chicken and dumplings is a full meal in itself, but if you want to elevate it, here’s what to serve alongside:
- Fresh green salad: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the creamy stew.
- Buttered cornbread: A Southern classic that pairs perfectly.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Light veggies add a nice contrast.
- Apple crisp or cobbler: For dessert, something sweet and warm completes the comfort food vibe.
Pair it with your favorite cozy drink—maybe hot tea or apple cider—and you’re all set.
Nutritional Information
While chicken and dumplings are indulgent, you can still enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on a standard 6-serving recipe):
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 kcal |
| Protein | 28g–32g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g–40g |
| Fat | 18g–22g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g–10g |
| Fiber | 3g–4g |
| Sodium | 600mg–800mg |
| Sugar | 3g–5g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. To lighten up the dish, use low-fat milk and cut down on butter or cream.
FAQs about Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves cooking time. Just shred the meat and add it when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.
Q2: What type of dumplings are best—drop or rolled?
Both are great! Drop dumplings are quicker and fluffier, while rolled dumplings are denser and more traditional. Choose based on your texture preference.
Q3: Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the base ahead and store it in the fridge. Add dumplings and simmer fresh when ready to serve for best results.
Q4: How do I thicken the chicken and dumpling broth?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering broth for a thicker texture.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but note that dumplings may soften upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove for best texture.
Q6: What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Carrots, peas, celery, and onions are popular additions. They add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your meal.
Q7: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the chicken and veggies on low for 6 hours. Add dumplings in the last hour and cook uncovered until done.
Conclusion
There you have it—a hearty, delicious, and easy chicken and dumplings recipe that you can master without stress. This one-pot wonder brings comfort, flavor, and tradition into your kitchen with every spoonful. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quiet weeknight dinner or serving it to guests on a cozy weekend, it never fails to impress.
Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, sharing, and creativity. So make this dish your own, add your personal touches, and enjoy every bite with those you care about.
