I remember the first time I made Chicken and Dumplings—it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and my best friend invited me over for dinner. She served Southern chicken and dumplings that smelled like a warm hug on a plate. The dumpling dough recipe was simple, and the homemade chicken stew was rich and comforting. What really stuck with me was how effortlessly it brought everyone around the table close together. That moment made me realize that Chicken and Dumplings aren’t just about the food; it’s about the joy of sharing something homemade and soothing with people you care about.
Since then, this comfort food chicken recipe has found a permanent spot in my regular rotation. Weeknights get hectic, and this dish answers the call every time—it’s reliable, affordable, and fills the house with inviting aromas. Making Chicken and Dumplings feels like a small celebration of simple ingredients coming together. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress without requiring a fancy pantry or hours slaving away.
If you’re a home cook searching for a dish that feels both classic and doable, I promise you’ll love this Chicken and Dumplings. It’s the kind of recipe that you can trust will turn out well, even if your days are packed. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that always inspires second helpings and smiles all around. I’m excited to share my tips and tricks with you so you can whip up this wonderful chicken casserole with dumplings anytime you want. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s exactly what you need for your Chicken and Dumplings:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s flavorful)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (you’ll find this in the spice aisle near rosemary)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
No problem if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand; dried thyme always comes through in my Chicken and Dumplings. And if you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen carrots and celery can be great budget-friendly stand-ins. This Chicken and Dumplings is affordable because it uses pantry staples and easily found ingredients. The dumpling dough recipe is straightforward and lets you put together fluffy dumplings without fuss.
If you’re prepping in advance, chop your veggies and shred your chicken ahead of time. Stored in airtight containers, shredded chicken can last up to 4 days in the fridge, so you can plan to make your Chicken and Dumplings on a busy night without stress.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Ready to make your Chicken and Dumplings? Follow these easy steps:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavorful base of your homemade chicken stew.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Add your shredded chicken to the pot. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
- While the stew simmers, it’s time to make your dumpling dough recipe. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be slightly lumpy. This step is what keeps your dumplings tender and fluffy.
- Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. They’ll puff up and become light as air.
- If your Chicken and Dumplings looks a bit too thick, simply add more broth to loosen the stew. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it cook a bit longer—easy adjustments.
From start to finish, this Chicken and Dumplings takes about 45 minutes, which is perfect for a weeknight meal. While the dumplings cook, pour yourself a cozy drink and set the table. The aroma of simmering chicken and herbs will have you eagerly waiting for the first bite.
Over time, I learned that letting the dumplings sit undisturbed while cooking is key—avoid peeking too much so they don’t lose their fluffiness. Sometimes, I use leftover homemade chicken stew as a base—it saves time and tastes just as good.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Chicken and Dumplings shines when served with simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. The freshness of greens contrasts beautifully with the creamy, hearty stew.
I often pair it with a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth—that’s comfort food chicken recipes 101.
My favorite way to enjoy this Chicken and Dumplings is on a cool night when everyone’s craving something filling. It makes a perfect family dinner or a dish to bring to potlucks since it feeds a crowd and tastes just as good warmed up the next day.
Leftovers? No problem. I love turning leftover Chicken and Dumplings into a pot pie filling or reheating it for an easy lunch. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top brightens it right up.
Seasonally, you can tweak this dish by adding root vegetables in the fall or swapping dumplings for homemade noodles in warmer months. Friends always tell me this dish makes them feel right at home—there’s a real down-to-earth charm that comes with every spoonful.
Your Questions Answered
I hear from home cooks all the time with questions about Chicken and Dumplings. Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I make this Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
You sure can. The stew and dumplings taste even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just reheat gently on the stove. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the stew and dumplings separately for best texture.
What’s the best substitute for milk in the dumpling dough recipe?
I’ve swapped milk with buttermilk or even plain yogurt diluted with a little water and the result was fantastic. It adds a slight tang but keeps dumplings tender.
How do I adjust this Chicken and Dumplings for more or fewer servings?
Simply scale the ingredients up or down. The process stays the same. For a larger group, doubling is easy and I often turn this into a chicken casserole with dumplings to simplify serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. There’s even a lovely easy chicken and dumpling recipe with rotisserie chicken on Facebook that I recommend for busy nights.
How can I make Southern chicken and dumplings from this recipe?
To get that true Southern flair, add a bit of cooked bacon or use homemade chicken stock for a deeper flavor. You could also add a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
Can I make dumplings in advance?
Dumplings are best cooked fresh and added to the stew right before serving, but you can prepare the dough beforehand and keep it chilled for a few hours.
Any tips for perfect dumplings?
Don’t stir the dumplings once added to the stew. Cover the pot and let steam work its magic. Resist lifting the lid too often.
For more ideas and variations on Chicken and Dumplings, you might like this Award Winning Chicken and Dumplings recipe – Grandbaby Cakes or the easy to follow Chicken and Dumplings – The Cozy Cook.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Dumplings hold a special place in my recipe box. It’s a recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create something hearty and homey. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things about making it truly shine.
- Use flavorful broth to build a rich stew base
- Don’t overmix dumpling dough—keep it light and tender
- Let dumplings cook undisturbed for fluffiness
I’ve tested several variations like chicken casserole with dumplings, Southern chicken and dumplings with a touch of spice, and even using biscuit dough for dumplings. The most requested version in my house is the classic homemade chicken stew with fluffy dumplings—always a winner.
If you want a recipe that’s flexible, comforting, and impresses with every serving, this Chicken and Dumplings is for you. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but special enough for company. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll be one of those dishes you keep coming back to.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the Mediterranean chicken and orzo or my fresh chicken salad chick grape salad for a lighter contrast. Happy cooking, friend!
Chicken and Dumplings
Classic Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting Southern dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy broth with soft, pillowy dumplings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a large pot and cover with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
- Remove chicken from broth and set aside to cool. Strain broth to remove solids, then return broth to pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in milk and melted butter to form a soft dough.
- Shred the cooled chicken, discarding bones and skin.
- Add diced celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to the broth. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Gently drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are cooked through.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra creamy broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving or add fresh thyme for added flavor.