Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Recipe that feels like a big hug on a chilly day. This classic dish brings together tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all swimming in a creamy broth that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe promises to be a delicious crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Let me take you through every step to create this soul-satisfying meal that feels like home in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is super simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and comforting warmth. From fresh vegetables adding brightness and sweetness to the creamy broth and tender dumplings, these ingredients come together to make magic.

• Unsalted butter: Acts as the rich base to sauté vegetables and adds depth to the soup flavor.
• Small onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle savory layer.
• Carrots (peeled and sliced): Provide sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
• Celery stalks (sliced): Bring a gentle crunch and earthy aroma.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Enhances the savory flavor with a fragrant punch.
• All-purpose flour: Used for thickening the soup and making the dumplings tender.
• Chicken broth: The hearty liquid base that carries all the flavor.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and tenderness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
• Dried thyme and parsley: Classic herbs that add a comforting, herbal note.
• Heavy cream or whole milk (optional): Adds luxurious creaminess to the broth.
• Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise light and fluffy.
• Garlic powder (optional): Infuses the dumplings with subtle garlicky flavor.
• Milk: Moistens the dumpling dough for the perfect tender bite.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Keeps the dumplings rich and soft inside.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about five minutes until they soften and begin to release their natural sweetness. This gentle sauté is the flavorful foundation of your soup, creating a base full of warmth and comforting aromas.

Step 2: Garlic and Flour Join the Party

Next, stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown to keep the flavor bright. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins the thickening process, which is key to that luscious soup texture you’re after.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Add Chicken

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps and create a smooth base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before stirring in the shredded chicken along with salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. This simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully while infusing the broth with savory goodness.

Step 4: Creamify the Broth (Optional)

If you love a richer soup, now’s the time to stir in heavy cream or whole milk. This addition makes the broth extra creamy and indulgent without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder and dried herbs for that herby punch. Pour in the milk and melted butter, then gently mix until just combined. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky—be careful not to overwork it or the dumplings will turn dense.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings with Love

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the simmering soup. Cover your pot so the steam can work its magic, and let them cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for puffy, cooked-through dumplings—you can cut one open to check that there’s no raw dough inside. This step is pure reward, watching those dumplings swell into light pillows of yum.

Step 7: Serve Up with Fresh Parsley

Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls, then pop a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant note. Now you’re ready to dig into a bowl of creamy, tantalizing comfort food.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a fantastic, simple garnish that brightens the look and adds a touch of herbal freshness to your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. If you want to get fancy, a dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty and filling on its own, keep sides light and complementary. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables work wonderfully. If you want to go truly classic, warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect to sop up any leftover broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or try mini ramekins for individual portions during a dinner party. You can even add a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions on top for extra texture and flavor layers that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe tastes fantastic as leftovers. Transfer what’s left into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well but to keep the best texture, freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible. Store each in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat to prevent the dumplings from becoming tough. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or milk if the soup seems too thick. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the creamy texture perfect.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken, works wonderfully here and makes meal prep quick and easy without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. You might need to adjust moisture slightly since gluten-free flours behave differently.

Is it okay to skip the cream or milk?

Yes, the cream or milk is optional. The soup still tastes delicious without it, but adding it gives a luscious, velvety texture that makes the dish extra comforting.

How do I know when my dumplings are cooked through?

They should be puffed and firm to the touch. The best test is to cut one dumpling open—there should be no raw dough inside, which takes about 12-15 minutes simmering.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Of course! Frozen peas, corn, or green beans can add a nice pop of color and flavor. Just add them toward the end of cooking so they stay tender-crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is one of those beloved dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself any time you crave cozy comfort food. I can’t wait for you to make it and savor the heartwarming flavors that keep us coming back for this timeless classic!

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe features a creamy, comforting chicken soup with tender vegetables and fluffy, soft dumplings. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines wholesome ingredients like shredded chicken, carrots, and celery with a rich broth thickened by a buttery flour base and finished with optional creaminess. The dumplings are light and herby, cooked directly in the simmering soup for convenience and flavor.

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Ingredients

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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 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)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery stalks, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a thickening base for the soup.
4. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
5. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Cream (optional): For a richer, creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or whole milk at this point and combine well.
7. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried herbs. Then add the milk and melted butter. Stir until just combined; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.
8. Add Dumplings to Soup: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly throughout the pot.
9. Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes. They should puff up and be cooked through—test by cutting one open to ensure no raw dough remains.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for a fulfilling, cozy meal.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option for shredded cooked chicken.
• You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream to reduce richness.
• For thicker soup, increase flour slightly in the roux step; for thinner, add more broth.
• Do not lift the lid when cooking dumplings to ensure proper rising.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American