If cozy, classic comfort food is what you crave, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This Southern-inspired favorite is pure kitchen nostalgia: tender chicken swimming in a creamy, savory broth with delicately fluffy dumplings soaking up every drop of flavor. It’s the sort of meal that’s wrapped in the scent of sautéed vegetables and warm family memories, deliciously easy to pull together for weeknight suppers or lazy Sundays. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to leftovers all week, Chicken and Dumplings is guaranteed to give you those feel-good food vibes every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken and Dumplings comes from the honest, wholesome ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each item on this list plays a special part in creating that unforgettable, homespun taste and golden color you love.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Rich, creamy, and essential for sautéing the veggies and adding depth to your broth.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This teams up with butter for a flavor base that brings everything together and keeps the vegetables from sticking.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): The start of classic soup flavor, onion adds mellow sweetness once cooked.
- Carrots, diced (2): Bring a touch of color and natural sweetness to the mix.
- Celery, diced (2 stalks): A signature in any good chicken soup, celery provides subtle freshness and crunch.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds aromatic, never-overpowering depth to the savory broth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient’s flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick that balances out the creaminess.
- Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Just a bit of this herb brings earthy, comforting warmth.
- Poultry seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that amplifies the chicken’s savory notes beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup for soup + 2 cups for dumplings): Thickens the broth and forms the hearty, pillowy dumplings.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The flavorful foundation—use the best quality you can for richer results.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (3 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds silky richness and gives the broth that perfect creamy finish.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The rising star of your dumplings, it makes them wonderfully fluffy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon for dumplings): Simple, crucial seasoning for the dumpling dough.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/4 cup): When cut into the flour, it creates tender, light dumplings.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Brings your dumpling dough together for a smooth, easy texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A pop of bright, herbal flavor and vibrant color for the finish.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes. This step is where you set the tone—sautéing brings out sweetness in the veggies and forms a gorgeous base for the entire pot.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Stir until fragrant, about a minute. The kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma signaling it’s Chicken and Dumplings night!
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring for one minute. You’re making a very simple roux, which thickens the final broth and transforms it into that luscious, creamy soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth, blending out any lumps as you go. Increase the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then shovel the heat back to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The broth will start to smell and look heartier.
Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Cream
Add your shredded chicken and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it all together so the flavors combine and the broth turns beautifully creamy. This is the soul-soothing part that makes Chicken and Dumplings so irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, and salt to blend. Add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour with a fork or your fingers until it’s pea-sized and coarse. Gently stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix or your dumplings may get tough.
Step 7: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right onto the simmering soup. No need for perfection—they’ll puff up into gorgeous clouds as they cook. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes—no peeking! The steam is what makes the dumplings light and fluffy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, lift the lid, and sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the pot. It adds color and the finishing touch of flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy the coziest bowl of Chicken and Dumplings.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing flourish, top your Chicken and Dumplings with a sprinkle of bright chopped parsley. If you want to add even more color, a swirl of extra cream or a touch of cracked black pepper right before serving looks gorgeous and adds lovely aroma.
Side Dishes
With such a rich and hearty main, you really don’t need much on the side. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus are fresh, simple complements, while classic buttermilk biscuits are always a welcome addition for mopping up every last bit of creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle Chicken and Dumplings into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls, then top with a little extra dumpling dough and bake until puffy and golden. You can also spoon the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for an extra cozy and hands-on meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Dumplings will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and the dumplings will continue to soak up deliciousness, becoming even more tender and flavorful with time.
Freezing
If you want to stash some comfort away for later, let the soup cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers. While the dumplings may soften a bit after thawing, everything will still taste wonderful—just make sure to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm Chicken and Dumplings in a pot over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened up in the fridge. Stir gently to keep those dumplings intact and heat until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Add diced raw chicken along with the broth and simmer until it’s fully cooked (usually about 20 minutes), then continue with the recipe as directed.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free?
You can! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for both the soup and the dumplings. The texture may change a bit, but the dish will still be deliciously comforting.
How can I make the dumplings even fluffier?
For extra light dumplings, handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and always use cold butter—these steps guarantee pillowy perfection.
What vegetables can I add?
Green beans, peas, or corn make wonderful additions for a pop of color and sweetness. Toss them in when you add the chicken so they stay vibrant and tender.
Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead for a party?
Definitely! Make the soup base in advance and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bring it back to a simmer and cook the dumplings fresh so they’re soft and fluffy for your guests.
Final Thoughts
No matter the season or the occasion, Chicken and Dumplings brings pure comfort to your table with every spoonful. So go ahead—gather your favorite people (or just your favorite bowl!) and dive into this classic recipe that’s always worth making from scratch. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish, Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern-inspired recipe perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth make this dish a favorite for all occasions.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook. Whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in chicken and cream.
- Make the Dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbs form. Stir in milk. Drop spoonfuls onto the soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts.
- Add peas or green beans for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
