There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic comfort food features a rich, creamy chicken soup base loaded with tender shredded chicken and fresh vegetables. But the real star of the dish? The fluffy, buttery dumplings that soak up all that delicious broth! Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a bit of Southern-inspired comfort, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it all comes together in just one pot for easy cooking and cleanup. So grab a spoon and dig into this soul-soothing classic!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken 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
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1.5 lbs raw chicken breasts/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 + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
- ¾ cup (6 oz) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken Soup
- Melt butter over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer while preparing the dumplings.
Make the Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
- Create a well in the center and pour in the melted butter and milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
- Gently press the dumplings down so that they are partially submerged in the broth.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer for 15 minutes without removing the lid.
- After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness by cutting one in half. If still doughy, cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Calories: 667 kcal per serving Servings: 6 servings
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Chicken and dumplings trace their roots back to early American settlers who had to make the most of simple ingredients. With just flour, fat, and a little liquid, they created dumplings to stretch meals further and add heartiness to soups and stews. This dish was especially popular in the South, where families would simmer fresh chicken with vegetables and drop soft dough balls into the bubbling broth. The result? A one-pot meal that was filling, economical, and absolutely delicious.
Over time, variations of chicken and dumplings emerged, with different regions putting their own spin on the dish. Some prefer flat, rolled dumplings (often called “slick dumplings”), while others favor the soft, pillowy drop dumplings. Some versions use heavy cream for extra richness, while others rely on a simple broth base. Regardless of the method, one thing remains the same: this dish is the epitome of comfort food.
Why This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Stands Out
There are countless recipes for chicken and dumplings, but this one stands out for several reasons:
1. Perfectly Creamy Broth
Unlike some recipes that result in a thin soup, this version features a rich, creamy broth made with evaporated milk. This gives it a velvety texture without being overly heavy. The balance between the creaminess and the savory chicken flavor makes every spoonful deeply satisfying.
2. Fluffy Homemade Dumplings
The dumplings in this recipe are the real highlight. Made from scratch with simple pantry staples, they puff up beautifully as they cook, absorbing the flavors of the broth while remaining tender and airy. The key to achieving perfect dumplings is using the right amount of baking powder, which helps them rise properly without becoming dense or gummy.
3. One-Pot Convenience
No one wants to spend hours cleaning up after cooking, and with this recipe, you won’t have to. Everything is made in one pot, from sautéing the vegetables to simmering the broth and cooking the dumplings. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or when you just want a simple yet delicious meal with minimal effort.
4. Versatile and Customizable
While this recipe follows a traditional approach, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to your liking:
- Use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken by simmering it in the broth before shredding.
- Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch to thicken the soup and a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
- Add more vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or potatoes to bulk up the dish.
- Experiment with herbs such as rosemary, sage, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
The Secret to Perfect Dumplings
Many people shy away from making dumplings from scratch, fearing they might turn out too dense or doughy. However, following a few simple tips will ensure they come out light, fluffy, and full of flavor:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients come together overworking it can lead to tough dumplings.
- Keep the lid on while cooking. Trapping steam inside the pot helps the dumplings cook evenly and rise properly.
- Use fresh baking powder. This is crucial for getting the right lift. If your baking powder is expired, the dumplings may not rise as expected.
- Make sure the soup is gently simmering. Boiling too vigorously can cause the dumplings to break apart, while too low a heat may not cook them all the way through.
By following these tips, you’ll have dumplings that are as soft and airy as clouds, making your chicken and dumplings truly unforgettable.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal with some sides, here are a few great options:
- A fresh green salad: The lightness of a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted with a touch of olive oil and garlic complement the creamy soup.
- Buttery biscuits or cornbread: While not necessary, extra bread is always a great way to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth.
- Pickled vegetables: A tangy side like pickled onions or cucumbers can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy flavors.
For dessert, a slice of classic apple pie or peach cobbler would be the perfect way to finish off this comforting Southern meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Chicken and dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Store the soup and dumplings separately. Dumplings tend to absorb liquid over time, which can make them mushy. If possible, keep them in separate containers and reheat them together when ready to serve.
- Reheat gently. To warm up leftovers, use the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. The microwave works as well, but be sure to heat in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.
- Freezing isn’t recommended. While the soup itself freezes well, the dumplings can become grainy and lose their texture when thawed. If you plan to make a freezer batch, cook the soup but wait to add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Conclusion:
Homemade chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal it’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or as a dish to share with loved ones, you’ll find that its simple ingredients and classic flavors never go out of style.