If you have a heart craving for warmth and comfort wrapped up in one dish, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s a soul-soothing, hearty meal that brilliantly balances tender shredded chicken, silky vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a creamy broth. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, perfect for chilly days or when you just need a satisfying taste of home. This recipe captures all those comforting flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from building a rich, flavorful base to creating light, airy dumplings that melt in your mouth. These essentials come together to give you a dish that’s both rustic and indulgent.

Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a deeper flavor.
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Balances the butter with a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking.
Medium onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic foundation.
Carrots, 2 peeled and sliced: Bring color and a hint of natural sweetness to the stew.
Celery stalks, 2 sliced: Adds freshness and a slight crunch to the base.
Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Delivers a cozy punch of flavor that complements the herbs.
Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering.
Dried thyme, ½ teaspoon: Introduces an earthy, savory note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
All-purpose flour, ¼ cup (for stew): Thickens the broth to a pleasant, velvety consistency.
Low-sodium chicken broth, 6 cups: The hearty liquid base that ties everything together.
Cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups: The protein star, tender and perfect for absorbing flavors.
Frozen peas, 1 cup: Add pops of sweetness and a lovely green accent in the stew.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Dumpling flour, 1¾ cups all-purpose: The foundation for dumplings with the perfect texture.
Baking powder, 1 tablespoon: Gives the dumplings their light, fluffy rise.
Dumpling salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances flavor right in the dough.
Whole milk, ¾ cup: Keeps dumplings tender and moist.
Melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons (for dumplings): Enriches the dough and adds a subtle buttery flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base, as these veggies release their natural sweetness and aromas.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, letting everything cook together for about a minute. This quick step lets the garlic mellow out and the spices start to infuse the veggies with their warm, savory notes, making your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This creates a silky, thickened base filled with rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Peas, and Cream

Mix in the cooked shredded chicken, frozen peas, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything evenly and give the stew a lovely creamy texture that’s perfectly balanced by the tender chicken and sweet peas. The cream adds that luscious richness that makes this dish comfort food at its finest.

Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Batter

While the stew simmers, whisk together the dumpling flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be a bit lumpy, ensuring light and fluffy dumplings after cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering stew, spacing each dumpling slightly apart so they can expand as they cook. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will puff up beautifully, turning soft and fluffy while soaking up the savory broth flavors.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy stew. For a little extra, a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving lifts the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe shines best on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add a crunchy texture and lightness that complements the richness of the stew. A crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Give this classic a rustic twist by serving it in individual ramekins or deep bowls for a charming, homey feel that’s perfect for family dinners. You could even turn it into a pot pie by baking the dumplings on top of the stew in an oven-safe dish, creating a golden crust that adds another texture dimension worth experiencing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dumplings may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or the next day.

Freezing

Chicken and dumplings don’t freeze as well because the dumplings tend to become mushy when thawed and reheated. If you want to freeze the meal, consider freezing the stew and dumplings separately to help preserve texture and flavor. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or milk while reheating can help restore the creamy consistency and prevent the dish from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also great for soaking up all the delicious flavors in the stew. Just shred or chop it before adding.

Is there a way to make the dumplings lighter?

Yes, make sure not to overmix the dumpling batter—lumps are perfect! Overmixing develops gluten and can make the dumplings dense. Using baking powder gives them their fluffy lift.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or oil and swap heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milks. It will change the flavor slightly but still taste comforting.

Can I use a slow cooker for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

You can, but you’ll want to add dumplings near the end of cooking to prevent them from dissolving. Typically, cook the stew on low for 5-6 hours, then add the dumpling batter and cook for another 30-45 minutes until fluffy.

What are some good additions to the basic recipe?

For extra depth, try adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth or a splash of white wine. You could also incorporate mushrooms or corn for added texture and flavor variety.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food with its velvety broth, tender meat, and pillowy dumplings. It’s an amazing dish to share with family or friends, bringing warmth and happiness to any meal. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a timeless, satisfying dinner that tastes like it came straight from your best friend’s kitchen.