Name: Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for soup); 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional); Dumplings:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed; 1/2 cup milk

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate in home-cooked comfort. The creamy broth is packed with flavor, the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the dumplings are light and pillowy. It’s an easy dish to prepare, made with simple pantry ingredients, and sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. One bowl is never enough.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or butter
Carrots, diced
Celery, diced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Bay leaf
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
All-purpose flour (for thickening the soup and for the dumplings)
Milk or heavy cream
Baking powder
Cold butter (for dumplings)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the vegetables, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add bay leaf and thyme.
Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir in milk or cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
For the dumplings, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk to form a soft dough.
Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of the simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add frozen peas or green beans for extra veggies.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Make the broth extra rich by adding a splash of white wine or extra cream.
For herbed dumplings, mix in chopped parsley, dill, or chives into the dumpling dough.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for both the soup thickener and dumplings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.
You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken when you add the broth.

What kind of flour should I use for the dumplings?

All-purpose flour works best for light and fluffy dumplings.

Can I use biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Yes, store-bought biscuit dough is a quick alternative, though homemade gives the best texture.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and no longer doughy in the center when cut open.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook everything except the dumplings for 4–6 hours on low, then add dumplings in the last hour.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

You can freeze the chicken soup portion, but the dumplings may become soggy after freezing. For best results, make fresh dumplings when reheating.

What can I use instead of milk in the dumplings?

You can use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dough fresh right before cooking, but you can mix the dry ingredients in advance.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. The flavor and texture will still be delicious.

What sides go well with chicken and dumplings?

This dish is complete on its own, but a simple side salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a soul-soothing, hearty meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. With tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s everything you want in a classic comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this one-pot dish is sure to impress and satisfy.