If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming meal, nothing beats this classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It combines tender shredded chicken, velvety broth enriched with cream, and pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra coziness in your life. Its combination of hearty vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich textures makes it an irresistible and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe truly special are the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to build incredible flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a key role, from the freshness of the vegetables to the seasoning that elevates the chicken broth and the dumplings that bring everything home with their soft, tender crumb.

2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing vegetables, providing a rich, silky base.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aroma and a subtle kick of warmth.
3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Contributes natural sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a mild, fresh crunch that balances the dish.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides an earthy, herbal note.
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A classic blend that complements the chicken perfectly.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the stew and binds the flavors.
6 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, delivering savory goodness.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein star, tender and flavorful.
1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color at the end.
2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings): Forms the soft dumpling dough.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures light and fluffy dumplings.
1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings): Balances the dumpling flavor.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth to dumplings.
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley: For freshness and slight herbiness in the dumplings.
3/4 cup milk: Moistens the dumpling dough to perfect consistency.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dumplings and helps tenderize them.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, then sauté them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. This softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base for your stew that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Seasonings

Next, add the minced garlic along with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute, letting those lovely herbs and spices bloom and meld with the softened veggies.

Step 3: Add Flour to Thicken

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cooking the flour for about 2 minutes removes the raw taste and helps it combine smoothly into the liquid you’ll add next, ensuring a perfectly thickened stew.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Boil

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which activates the thickening power of the flour and breaks down the flavors into a comforting, hearty broth.

Step 5: Simmer with Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked shredded chicken. Let the stew cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the cream to enrich the broth and the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the stew simmers, mix together the dumpling ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Gradually stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined. Keep the mixture slightly lumpy to ensure the dumplings stay tender and airy once cooked.

Step 7: Drop Dumplings into the Stew

Use a spoon to drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough carefully into the simmering stew. These dumplings will gently float on top and cook through as they puff up.

Step 8: Cover and Cook Dumplings

Cover your pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow the dumplings to steam to perfection, ensuring they become light and fluffy inside.

Step 9: Add Peas and Finish Cooking

After uncovering, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through, adding a splash of green and a sweet burst of flavor to your stew.

Step 10: Ready to Serve

Now your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is complete, a hearty and warming meal that’s loaded with comforting flavors and textures!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme. This adds a vibrant freshness and lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise, giving each bite a bright and inviting finish.

Side Dishes

While this recipe is a meal on its own, feel free to pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add contrasting textures and keep the meal balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew in rustic bowls for that cozy, homestyle feel, or ladle it into mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation that feels extra special. You can also accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making reheated portions even more delightful. Just be sure to gently reheat to avoid drying out the dumplings.

Freezing

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that dumplings might change texture slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze the stew without dumplings and make fresh dumplings when you reheat for a freshly made experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the dumplings separately, add freshly prepared dumplings while reheating the stew so they cook perfectly and maintain their fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, whether from a roast or rotisserie, works beautifully in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, but keep in mind the broth will be a bit lighter in texture. Adding a small amount of cream cheese can also add creaminess.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use hearty vegetables or plant-based protein instead of chicken. The dumplings remain the same.

How do I know when dumplings are cooked?

Dumplings are done when they are puffed up and springy to the touch. Cooking them covered for 15 minutes as directed ensures they cook through without overcooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and texture to your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed to keep vegetables tender.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a timeless, heartwarming dish that never fails to bring comfort and joy. Its rich flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together in a way that feels like home on a plate. I can’t recommend it enough – try it out, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy dinners with family and friends.