Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Warm Planning

I absolutely love making chicken and dumplings, especially on rainy days when I crave something comforting and homemade. The aroma that fills my kitchen as the chicken simmers with herbs and broth is just heavenly. This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory flavors. I promise, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your home. It's a wonderful way to warm up with family or friends, and the leftovers are just as delicious!

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:39:34.972Z

When I first learned to make chicken and dumplings, I was surprised by how simple yet rewarding it was. The key is to ensure the broth is flavorful, so I use a combination of fresh herbs and spices. Adding a splash of cream at the end gives the dish a luscious finish that you won’t forget. I recommend simmering the chicken for just the right amount of time to ensure it's fully cooked yet still juicy.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily add your favorite vegetables, like carrots or peas, to make it even heartier. The dumplings themselves are not too complicated but they do require a gentle touch—overworking the dough can lead to tough dumplings. Trust me, the fluffy, pillowy texture is worth the extra care!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Warm and hearty comfort food for all seasons
Fluffy dumplings soak up all the rich flavors
Perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in

Mastering Your Chicken and Broth

The success of chicken and dumplings largely depends on the quality of your chicken broth. Using a whole chicken allows for a rich, homemade broth that infuses the entire dish with flavor. As the chicken simmers, it's essential to skim any foam that rises to the top; this will help achieve a clear and clean broth. Cooking the chicken slowly over medium heat helps to break down the meat and connective tissue, resulting in tender chicken pieces that easily shred.

While simmering, the vegetables not only add flavor but also nutrients. Carrots bring sweetness, while celery contributes aromatic notes. For a slightly different taste, consider adding garlic or a bay leaf to the broth. If you're short on time, store-bought broth can be used in a pinch, but remember that homemade is always best for achieving deep flavors.

Crafting the Perfect Dumplings

Dumpling texture is critical; you want them to be fluffy yet firm enough to hold their shape. When making the dough, avoid overmixing after adding milk and butter; a few lumps are acceptable. For extra flavor, incorporate herbs such as rosemary or thyme directly into the dumpling mixture. If you prefer a herbaceous flavor, just remember to adjust the salt content, as fresh herbs can enhance saltiness.

For those avoiding gluten, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend can work, but be mindful that it may alter the texture. Additionally, using a dairy-free milk instead of regular milk can suit lactose-intolerant diets while still keeping the dumplings tender and fluffy.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Chicken and Broth

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps closely for the perfect chicken and dumplings.

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Make the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Dumplings

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the broth. Cover and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm, delicious meal!

Complete the meal with a light salad for a balanced dinner.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth as it simmers. This adds a nice depth to the dish and elevates the taste.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dumplings will absorb more broth over time, becoming denser but still delicious. When reheating, do so on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist and prevent the dumplings from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and dumplings. However, it’s best to freeze them without the dumplings, as they may become mushy during thawing. Pre-cook and shred the chicken, then store it separately from the broth and dumplings, so you can reassemble them fresh when needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be enjoyed as a standalone meal on chilly nights, but pairing it with a simple side salad can elevate the experience. A light spinach or mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings perfectly. For an extra touch, serve with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce.

Feel free to customize your chicken and dumplings with seasonal vegetables like peas or corn for added color and nutrition. Adding these just before dropping in the dumplings will allow them to cook to tender perfection without losing their bright flavor and crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add the cooked chicken during the dumpling step to heat it through.

→ What if my dumplings are too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough dumplings. Be gentle when combining ingredients.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Yes, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.