Imagine the warm, soothing aroma of chicken simmering gently on the stove. That’s the magic of chicken and dumplings. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s been popping up on TikTok and Pinterest, bringing smiles and cozy vibes to kitchens everywhere!
This delightful dish combines tender chicken, hearty broth, and fluffy dumplings into one cozy pot. It’s like your grandma’s version but faster and super simple, perfect for those busy weeknights. Full details in the blog!
I have fond memories of making this dish with my mom on chilly afternoons. The kitchen would fill with laughter and the delicious smell of home. Trust me, I’ve perfected it, and you’ll love the secret to those fluffy dumplings!
This chicken and dumplings recipe is a creamy homemade chicken dumplings comfort food perfect for any season. It offers an easy one pot chicken dumpling stew that your family will love. Try this cozy southern style drop dumplings chicken dish for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast or thighs see notes
Salt/Pepper to taste
5 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion diced
1 cup carrots diced
2 sticks celery diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Teaspoon hot sauce I use Franks hot sauce
1/3 cup flour
4 ½ cups chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube optional
1 ½ cups half and half
¾ cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon EACH: dried basil parsley thyme rosemary mustard powder
¼ teaspoon ground sage
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sugar
¾ cup cold sour cream
¼ cup cold milk
4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Season the chicken with salt and pepper then heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until it develops a light brown color. Remove and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and stir to loosen any browned bits. Add diced onion carrots and celery and cook until softened for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic Worcestershire sauce hot sauce and the combined seasonings then cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually pour in chicken broth stirring continuously and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Add half and half in the same way and include bouillon cube if desired.
Stir in the frozen peas and bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer uncovered while preparing dumplings.
To make dumplings combine flour baking powder baking soda salt garlic powder and sugar in a bowl. Add milk sour cream and melted butter then fold together gently until dough forms but do not overmix.
Return chicken and any juices to the soup and stir well. Lower heat to low then use a small scoop to drop dumplings evenly over the soup surface. Spoon a little liquid on top of each dumpling.
Cover tightly and increase heat slightly to reach a gentle simmer. Cook with lid on for 15 minutes without lifting the lid so dumplings can steam.
Check dumplings by inserting a toothpick into the center to test doneness. If it comes out clean the dumplings are done otherwise cover and simmer a few more minutes.
When dumplings are fully cooked garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Chicken: Bone-in chicken breast or chicken thighs will add the most flavor to the broth
You can also use 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts or about 1
25 lbs
You can also use 3 cups cooked leftover chicken
Add it just before the dumplings are added (when the freshly seared chicken is added back to the soup)
Flavor Enhancers: The mustard powder and Worcestershire sauce are flavor enhancers in this recipe and can’t be tasted outright
Sodium: To control the sodium in this recipe you can omit the bouillon cube and use unsalted butter and or low or no sodium chicken broth
Be sure to try my Chicken Stew recipe next It’s similar to this but with potatoes instead of dumplings! This recipe is on page 90 of my 2nd cookbook Lets Eat!
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 bowl
Calories:657kcal
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This chicken and dumplings recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the comforting memories that come rushing back with each spoonful. Think back to chilly evenings when the kitchen would fill with laughter as we gathered around the table, sharing stories over a hearty meal.
What makes this dish a standout? Well, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want an enjoyable meal without too much fuss. Plus, the combination of succulent chicken, rich broth, and pillowy dumplings creates a wholesome experience that everyone in the family will cherish.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this cozy dish to life. Here’s a handy breakdown:
Chicken: Bone-in skinless chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully. They add the most flavor to our comforting broth.
Vegetables: Diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic create the aromatic backbone of our dish.
Dumplings: The star ingredient! Cake flour gives those dumplings their light texture; you could also use all-purpose flour.
Flavor boosters: Worcestershire sauce and a touch of hot sauce elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t forget the herbs!
Tools: A large pot is essential for our one-pot wonder. You’ll also need a silicone spatula and a small cookie scoop for those perfect dumplings.
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready to dive into this heartwarming recipe? Here’s how to make it, step-by-step, without any stress.
Sear the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil for about 3 minutes on each side until golden (it’s okay if the inside isn’t cooked through yet).
Build the Soup: Melt butter in the same pot, toss in your diced veggies, and cook until soft. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, cooking for just a minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir for a couple of minutes to create a roux.
Add Liquid: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Add peas, and bring it to a gentle boil!
Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Gently combine with milk, sour cream, and melted butter to form a dough.
Cook the Dumplings: Add the chicken back in, spoon the dumpling batter over the soup, cover tightly, and let it steam for 15 minutes without peeking!
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to make your cooking experience even smoother? Here are some tips and tricks to elevate this cozy meal:
For Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the soup simmer a bit longer after adding the broth and cream for deeper flavors.
Swap It Up: If you prefer a lighter version, sub in your favorite cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the cream slightly for a more guilt-free dish!
A Little Spicy: Not a fan of heat? Feel free to omit the hot sauce or adjust according to your family’s taste.
How to Serve & Store
This chicken and dumplings meal isn’t just delicious fresh out of the pot; it’s also fantastic for leftovers. Here’s how to enjoy it:
Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the dumplings may absorb some liquid.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth to the pot to keep everything juicy and delicious!
Step
Time
Prep Ingredients
20 minutes
Cook Chicken
6 minutes
Sauté Veggies
6 minutes
Add Liquids & Simmer
30 minutes
Steam Dumplings
15 minutes
And there you have it your go-to chicken and dumplings recipe ready to be savored. I hope it brings the same joy and warmth to your family as it has to mine! Feel free to share your cooking adventures in the comments below; I’d love to hear how yours turned out!
Expert Says
Chicken and dumplings is not only a comforting dish but also a great way to combine protein from the chicken with carbohydrates in the dumplings. When simmered together, the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the broth’s richness. Remember, allowing the soup to thicken slightly helps create a heartier, more satisfying meal.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Long Road to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
After countless attempts at chicken and dumplings that left my family either too soupy or too dry, I finally found the sweet spot. Each pot was filled with laughter and a sprinkle of chaos, until I mastered the dumpling texture that holds just the right amount of broth. It’s comfort food my family craves on chilly evenings.
FAQs ( Chicken and Dumplings )
Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Absolutely! Store-bought dumplings can save time and still provide great flavor. Choose a type you enjoy, and add them to the simmering chicken broth for a quick and delicious meal.
What type of chicken should I use?
For the best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, like thighs or breasts. If you’re looking for convenience, rotisserie chicken works well and makes for a quick one-pot meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, portion out servings and keep in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this meal can be prepared ahead. Cook everything except the dumplings, then refrigerate. Just add the dumplings when you’re ready to serve, so they stay tender and fresh.
Conclusion
And there you have it a hearty chicken and dumplings recipe that’s as comforting as an old blanket! With just a little prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll fill your home with the warm, delightful aroma of simmering chicken and fluffy dumplings. Trust me, your family will come running, and you’ll love how it warms the soul!
Feel free to jazz it up! Swap in your favorite veggies, or grab a rotisserie chicken for a quicker feast. If you have leftovers, just toss a splash of broth when reheating to keep everything cozy. It’s a little trick I picked up from my aunt, and it works wonders!
I’d love to hear about your adventures with this recipe! Did you grow up with something similar? Share your photos and stories in the comments. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe it’s a labor of love that deserves a place in every home, just like the memories it creates!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
