Try This Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Tonight

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this classic chicken and dumplings recipe that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Generations of home cooks have perfected their own chicken and dumplings technique, but this version stands out with its rich, creamy broth and tender, pillowy dumplings.

Hearty chicken simmers alongside herbs and vegetables, creating a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Flavorful and comforting, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite brings memories of family dinners and cozy evenings around the table.

the blend of succulent chicken and soft, cloud-like dumplings makes this recipe a true Southern treasure.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why Chicken & Dumplings Is a Favorite

• Elevate your home cooking with this soul-warming chicken and dumplings recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal everyone will adore.
• Learn professional-level cooking skills like perfectly sautéing vegetables, creating smooth sauces without lumps, and making fluffy dumplings with minimal culinary expertise.
• Customize this versatile dish by adjusting vegetable quantities, using different herbs, or swapping chicken with turkey for a personalized dinner that suits every family's taste preferences.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates into a complete, nutritious meal requiring minimal dishes and maximum flavor.

Chicken & Dumpling Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.

• Evaporated Milk: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
• Chicken Stock: Delivers a deep, savory flavor foundation for the entire recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour: The key structural component for creating light and fluffy dumplings.
• Milk: Helps bind the dumpling ingredients and adds moisture.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a tender dumpling texture.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic trio that builds a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent depth to the overall dish.

• Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt: A simple yet essential combination that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

• Flour: Used to create a smooth, thickened soup base and as a primary ingredient in the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and lightness to the dumpling texture.

Cooking Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame.

Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery.

Cook these vegetables until they soften and become fragrant.

Add minced garlic and quickly stir to prevent burning.

• onions
• carrots
• celery
• garlic

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over softened vegetables and stir thoroughly.

This process removes raw flour taste and begins thickening the soup.

Gradually pour in evaporated milk and chicken stock while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3: Build Soup Depth

Add shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and salt to the simmering liquid.

Reduce heat and let ingredients mingle, developing rich flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough

• flour
• baking powder
• pepper
• salt
• thyme

Create a center well and pour in milk and melted butter.

Stir until a soft dough forms, adding extra milk if needed for proper consistency.

Step 5: Drop Dumplings

Use a cookie scoop or spoons to create dough balls.

Gently drop dumplings into simmering soup, spreading them evenly.

Press dumplings slightly so they’re mostly covered by broth.

Step 6: Steam And Cook Dumplings

Cover pot with lid and reduce heat to low.

Allow dumplings to steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Check doneness by cutting a dumpling in half.

Cook additional 3-4 minutes if needed.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Stir soup one final time.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately while dumplings remain light and fluffy.

Tips for Chicken & Dumpling Success

• Whisk continuously when adding milk and stock to ensure a smooth, silky texture without unwanted flour clumps.
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Adjust thyme quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more to suit your taste.
• Add milk to dumpling dough sparingly, creating a soft but not sticky consistency for perfect texture.
• Use rotisserie or freshly shredded chicken for maximum flavor and tender meat that blends seamlessly into the soup.

Keep Chicken & Dumplings Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dumplings separately as they might lose texture.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir carefully to keep dumplings intact and heat until thoroughly warm.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Check temperature and consistency, adding a little broth if needed to maintain original texture.

Great Sides for Chicken & Dumplings

• Pair Creamy Comfort with Bold Red Wine: Opt for a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir that complements the rich, hearty chicken and dumplings without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Toss a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's creaminess and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm dish.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Herbal Tea Finale: Brew a soothing chamomile or ginger tea after dinner to aid digestion and complete the comforting dining experience with a gentle, warming touch.

Chicken & Dumplings Recipe Twists

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dumplings and soup thickening. Use cornstarch as an alternative thickener for the soup base.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace evaporated milk with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute dumplings with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use xanthan gum or arrowroot powder as a low-carb thickening agent for the soup.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a complete vegetarian meal.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the dumplings?

The dumplings require flour, baking powder, pepper, salt, thyme, milk, and melted butter. These simple pantry staples create fluffy, tender dumplings that perfectly complement the soup.

• How do I know if the dumplings are cooked correctly?

Cut a dumpling open to check its doneness. It should look light, fluffy, and fully cooked through without any raw dough in the center. If needed, cook an additional 3-4 minutes.

• Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time?

No, dumplings are best prepared and cooked immediately. Premade dough can become dense and lose its light texture. Mix the dumpling ingredients just before dropping them into the simmering soup for the best results.

• Why do I need to cook the flour in the vegetable mixture?

Cooking the flour removes its raw taste and helps thicken the soup. This step is crucial for developing a rich, smooth base and preventing a floury flavor in your chicken and dumplings.

The Best Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort classics reach new heights with this chicken and dumplings recipe, blending Southern hospitality and hearty flavors. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables:

• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk or half and half
• 1 quart (32 ounces / 946 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
• Salt, to taste

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces / 177 milliliters) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a robust pot over medium-high temperature until melted. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for approximately 5 minutes until they soften, then quickly incorporate minced garlic for an additional minute.
2. Dust softened vegetables with flour, stirring consistently to eliminate raw flour taste and initiate sauce thickening. Gradually incorporate evaporated milk and chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Allow mixture to reach gentle boiling point, then introduce shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Reduce heat to low simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
4. Prepare dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, seasonings in a mixing bowl. Create central cavity, pour milk and melted butter, then mix with wooden spoon until dough consistency forms. Adjust liquid if needed for proper texture.
5. Utilize cookie scoop or spoons to create uniform dough portions. Gently drop dumplings across simmering soup surface, ensuring even distribution. Softly press dumplings to submerge slightly beneath broth.
6. Cover pot and reduce heat to low, allowing dumplings to steam for 15 minutes. Minimize lid lifting to maintain steam environment. After cooking duration, verify doneness by cutting a dumpling center. Extend cooking an additional 3-4 minutes if required.
7. Complete preparation by stirring soup thoroughly, then serving immediately in warm bowls. Enjoy while dumplings remain exceptionally light and broth remains piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly dice vegetables into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in every spoonful.
• Create extra-fluffy dumplings by handling the dough minimally and using cold milk to prevent overworking the mixture.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for dairy-sensitive individuals without compromising the recipe’s creamy texture.
• Boost protein content by adding additional shredded rotisserie chicken or mixing in white beans for a heartier version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg