If you’ve ever craved a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is pure comfort food bliss. It combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth simmered with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies, this recipe is a classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making a truly unforgettable Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base and helps soften the vegetables while adding a silky mouthfeel.
- Onion (small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup as it cooks down.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Bring a subtle earthiness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Contribute a mild, aromatic crunch that balances the other veggies.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a warm, unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (for thickening and dumplings): Essential for creating the perfect soup consistency and fluffy dumplings.
- Chicken broth: The hearty base that carries all the flavors, making the soup deeply satisfying.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
- Dried thyme and parsley: Add herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (optional): For those who love an extra creamy, luscious finish.
- Baking powder: This leavens the dumplings, making them light and fluffy.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory punch to the dumplings.
- Milk and melted butter (for dumplings): These bring moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring tender bites every time.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once bubbly, add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness, creating the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook just long enough for its fragrance to bloom, about 30 seconds. Then, sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir it constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, which will help thicken your broth beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to become smooth and slightly thickened. Bring this comforting base to a gentle simmer, ready to welcome the juicy shredded chicken and herbs that follow.
Step 4: Season and Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken along with salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. The herbs provide a wonderful earthy aroma that melds perfectly with the chicken, grounding the flavors as the soup simmers gently, melding everything together.
Step 5: Make it Creamy (Optional)
If you adore a creamier soup, now is the moment to stir in heavy cream or whole milk. This addition makes the broth luxuriously smooth and rich, turning your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into an irresistible indulgence.
Step 6: Whip Up the Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder if using, and dried herbs. Pour in the milk and melted butter, then gently stir until just combined. The dough should be soft, a bit sticky, and definitely not overmixed to keep the dumplings tender after cooking.
Step 7: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for 12 to 15 minutes. They will puff up and cook through, becoming delightfully fluffy and light. A quick cut test ensures they are fully cooked before serving.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hearty soup and puffy dumplings into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color, and dig in while hot. This is a bowl of comfort you’ll want to savor slow and often.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only brightens the look but adds a gentle herbal freshness that complements the richness of the soup. You could also try chopped chives or a tiny sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a bit more personality.
Side Dishes
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables. A simple slice of crusty bread or buttery biscuits can round out the meal perfectly, soaking up every savory drop of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with dumplings piled high. If hosting guests, consider serving in small individual ramekins with a delicate herb garnish on top to impress and delight. Either way, this dish will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken and dumplings keep beautifully refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. Reheating is a breeze and tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this meal later, freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible. Dumplings can become a bit softer when frozen, but the flavors will stay intact. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best texture. Add a splash of broth or milk to refresh the soup’s creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme and parsley can be a wonderful substitution. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried to maintain the right balance of flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or tapioca for the broth. Just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free too.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumpling dough is best made fresh right before cooking to keep it tender. However, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a day, just keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.
What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can also use leftover roast chicken or poach your own chicken breasts and shred them for fresh results.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
When the dumplings have puffed up and feel firm yet tender, they’re ready. To be sure, cut one open—the inside should be cooked through with no raw dough.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe that warms both the body and the soul. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your recipe arsenal, perfect for sharing with loved ones and celebrating the simple joy of homemade comfort food. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds and your heart will thank you.
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy vegetable broth, topped with fluffy, soft dumplings cooked directly in the soup. Perfect for a warming family meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and to slightly thicken the base.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to keep the mixture smooth and prevent lumps from forming.
- Add Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream or whole milk, if using, to add extra richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried herbs. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; be careful not to overmix—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Drop Dumplings into Soup: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Check one by cutting it open to ensure it’s fully cooked with no raw dough inside.
- Serve: Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before adding dumplings.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough to keep it light and fluffy.
- Heavy cream is optional but adds richness to the soup.
- Check dumplings for doneness by slicing one open before serving.
