If you’re craving a heartwarming, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meal that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth with fluffy, pillowy dumplings creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. This classic dish is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, a creamy texture, or vibrant color to the dish. Together, they create a soulful meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Butter: Six tablespoons to start, providing richness and a perfect base for your veggies and flavors to unfold.
- Diced yellow onion: One cup adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
- Matchstick carrots: One cup for a subtle natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Diced celery: One cup contributes a slight crunch and herbaceous undertones that complement the chicken.
- Minced garlic: Four cloves infuse the dish with a savory warmth and enticing aroma.
- All-purpose flour (for base): Three tablespoons to thicken the broth and create that luscious, hearty texture.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz can): Adds creamy richness without overwhelming the broth’s lightness.
- Chicken stock (32 oz quart): The soul of the dish, providing a savory, savory depth to the filling broth.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Four cups for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the delicious broth flavors.
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): Two cups form the base of those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings.
- Baking powder: One tablespoon to give the dumplings their airy lift and lightness.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, matchstick carrots, and celery, and let them gently soften for about five minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness and aroma of the veggies, which makes the broth exceptionally flavorful. Add the minced garlic last, cooking everything together for an additional minute to let those garlicky notes bloom.
Step 2: Create the Broth Base
Sprinkle three tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly for one minute. This little trick helps thicken your stew and gives it that velvety consistency we love in chicken and dumplings. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps, building a creamy and rich base that will hug every bite of chicken and dumpling.
Step 3: Add Your Chicken
If you’re using raw chicken, now’s the time to add it along with an extra cup of broth. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes to cook the chicken through perfectly. Afterward, shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot, ensuring every piece gets coated in that delicious broth. For pre-cooked chicken, just toss it into the simmering liquid along with your seasonings and bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
While the chicken simmers, mix the dumplings. Combine two cups of flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, salt, pepper, melted butter, and milk in a bowl. Stir just until everything comes together — no overmixing here, as that’s the secret to keeping the dumplings soft and fluffy once cooked.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of your batter gently into the simmering broth. Leave them uncovered and let them cook for about 15 minutes. As they steam, your dumplings will puff up, becoming tender clouds that soak up the savory, aromatic broth. It’s pure comfort food magic in the making.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled over the finished dish adds a hit of fresh green color and a gentle herbal brightness that cuts through the rich flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of cracked pepper just before serving amps up the aroma and taste for a truly satisfying bowl.
Side Dishes
This dish shines all on its own, but if you want to turn it into a heartier meal, a crisp side salad or some roasted green vegetables balance the creamy texture with fresh crunch and vibrant color. Simple garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in sturdy, rustic bread bowls—your guests will love eating the entire bowl! Or for a family-style presentation, a large, deep casserole dish keeps everything warm and inviting, making it easy to dish out generous helpings of dumplings and chicken goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially without the dumplings, which can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. Store your leftover broth and shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding freshly made dumplings.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the broth has thickened, add a splash of chicken stock or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. For best results, cook fresh dumplings separately and add them in right before serving to enjoy that signature fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded leftover chicken is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just add it to the simmering broth and let it heat through before dropping in the dumplings.
What’s the best flour to use for dumplings?
All-purpose flour is ideal for dumplings because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Avoid using whole wheat flour, as it can make dumplings dense and heavy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and swap evaporated milk with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty and comforting.
How can I tell when the dumplings are done?
When cooked properly, the dumplings will puff up and become fluffy. You can check by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Avoid undercooking to keep the texture just right.
Can I prepare the dumpling batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours, but be sure to give it a gentle stir just before spooning it into the broth, as some ingredients may settle.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that brings people together around the table. Its comforting aroma and cozy flavors create a sense of home with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your soul.
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and fluffy homemade dumplings. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners and chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (32 oz) quart chicken stock
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Create Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour into the pot, stirring constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to create a smooth broth.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: If using raw chicken, add the raw meat along with an extra cup of chicken stock and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot. If using pre-cooked chicken, add the shredded chicken directly along with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: While the broth simmers, mix together the 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, melted butter, and milk in a bowl. Stir just until combined without overmixing to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter carefully into the simmering broth. Allow the dumplings to cook uncovered for approximately 15 minutes until they puff up and become fluffy. Avoid stirring to keep dumplings intact.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover or rotisserie chicken for faster preparation.
- Do not overmix dumpling batter to avoid dense dumplings.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance flavor.
- If desired, vegetables can be varied or omitted according to preference.
- For thicker broth, simmer longer before adding dumplings.
