Chicken & Dumplings

Highlighted under: Warm Meal Recipes

Delicious and comforting Chicken & Dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-02T17:31:02.282Z

Chicken & Dumplings is a classic dish that warms the heart and soul. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings for a meal that’s sure to please.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners
  • Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a rich broth
  • Fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors

A Comforting Classic

Chicken & Dumplings is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The dish is not only delicious but also brings a sense of nostalgia, often reminding us of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

The beauty of Chicken & Dumplings lies in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, allowing you to enjoy the process of cooking while delivering satisfying results.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. In the colder months, it serves as a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, while in the warmer months, it can be a delightful dish to make when you want something comforting without heating up the kitchen too much. It's also a great option for feeding a crowd, making it an ideal choice for potlucks and family reunions.

Chicken & Dumplings can also be easily customized to fit your family's tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or corn, or swap out the chicken for another protein. The dumplings can also be made with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, ensuring that this classic dish can adapt to any preference.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, Chicken & Dumplings stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the dumplings from becoming soggy, it's best to store them separately from the broth. You can place the chicken and vegetables in one container and the broth in another, ensuring both stay fresh longer.

When reheating, simply warm the broth on the stove and add the chicken and dumplings until heated through. This method helps retain the dish's texture and flavor, making it just as enjoyable the second time around. You can also freeze the chicken and broth separately for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy this cozy meal anytime.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Broth

In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chicken thighs, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Chicken

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and shred.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until combined.

Add Dumplings to the Pot

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Combine and Serve

Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir gently, and serve warm.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken & Dumplings!

Tips for Success

To ensure your dumplings are perfectly fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; a few lumps are completely acceptable. This will help create a light texture that soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.

Using bone-in chicken thighs can add even more flavor to the broth. If you prefer, you can remove the bones after cooking. This will enhance the richness of your dish without compromising on ease of preparation.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch of flavor, garnish your Chicken & Dumplings with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh taste that elevates the dish.

Pair your Chicken & Dumplings with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that satisfies all the senses. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may require slightly less cooking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and chicken in advance. Just add dumplings when ready to serve.

→ What should I serve with Chicken & Dumplings?

This dish is hearty on its own, but a side salad or steamed vegetables can complement it well.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Chicken & Dumplings

Delicious and comforting Chicken & Dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Warm Meal Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken & Broth

  1. 4 cups chicken broth
  2. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  3. 1 medium onion, diced
  4. 2 carrots, diced
  5. 2 celery stalks, diced
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 cup milk
  5. 1/4 cup melted butter

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chicken thighs, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and shred.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until combined.

Step 04

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 05

Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir gently, and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 25g