Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is both hearty and satisfying. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors that come together in a comforting and delicious way.
- Quick and easy prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Ideal for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Used for both the dumplings and the soup base.
- Broiler/fryer chicken: Adds protein and flavor to the dish.
- Canola oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a savory element to the soup.
- Chicken stock: Provides a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess to the soup.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme add freshness and depth to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown in canola oil.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, then stir in chicken stock, wine/cider, sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through, then remove and shred.
- In a bowl, mix dumpling ingredients, then drop spoonfuls into the soup.
- Once dumplings are cooked, stir in cream, herbs, and season to taste.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey for a delicious twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For light and fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough.
- Season each component of the dish separately for a well-balanced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chicken and dumplings with a side of green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or apple cider for a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the integrity of the dumplings. Add a splash of chicken stock if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-made dumplings for this recipe?
- Yes, store-bought dumplings can be used as a time-saving alternative.
- Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
- While possible, the texture of the dumplings may be affected by freezing and reheating.
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings with this easy and delicious recipe. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of this classic dish!
PrintChicken and Dumplings
This comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken in a rich broth with fluffy dumplings, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (about 3 pounds), cut up
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup white wine or apple cider
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 whole peppercorns
Dumplings:
- 1–1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Soup:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture. In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in oil. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot, saute onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender. Stir in remaining flour. Gradually add stock, wine, sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Return chicken to pot.
- Make Dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and butter to form a thick batter. Drop by spoonfuls onto simmering chicken mixture. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in cream, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Discard bay leaves and peppercorns. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like peas or potatoes for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg