Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the rich flavors. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal, this dish is a true family favorite.
The best part? You don’t need to be an expert cook to make it. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a steaming pot of delicious chicken and dumplings on the table in under an hour.
For the Chicken and Soup Base
- Chicken – Bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs bring the most flavor. Boneless or leftover cooked chicken also works well.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken (optional, but adds depth of flavor).
- Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery – The classic base that creates an aromatic, hearty broth.
- Garlic – For warmth and depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A subtle umami kick you’ll notice in every spoonful.
- Hot Sauce – A small splash to balance the creaminess (Frank’s works perfectly).
- Flour – Helps thicken the soup into a stew-like consistency.
- Chicken Broth – The heart of the dish; use low-sodium to manage salt levels.
- Bouillon Cube – Optional but adds a punch of savory richness.
- Half and Half – Gives the broth a creamy, velvety finish.
- Frozen Peas – Stirred in at the end for sweetness and color.
For Seasonings
- Onion Powder – Boosts the flavor without overpowering.
- Dried Basil, Parsley, Thyme, and Rosemary – Classic herbs that add depth and earthiness.
- Mustard Powder – Adds a tangy complexity.
- Sage and Pepper – Warm spices that complete the cozy flavor profile.
For the Dumplings
- Cake Flour or All-Purpose Flour – Cake flour makes lighter dumplings, but either will do.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Help the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
- Salt & Garlic Powder – Season the dumplings from the inside.
- Sugar – A small touch for balance.
- Sour Cream & Milk – Keep the dough soft and tender.
- Butter (melted) – Adds moisture and richness.
Chicken and Dumplings
This classic chicken and dumplings comes together easily on the stovetop. Make tender homemade dumplings or use refrigerated biscuit dough—either way, it’s creamy, hearty, and irresistibly comforting.
Course: Main Course Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken and Dumplings Prep Time: 20minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40minutes minutes Total Time: 1hour hour Servings: 6
Ingredients and Seasonings:
For the Chicken Soup:
- 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in, skinless preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 bouillon cube (optional)
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp hot sauce
- ½ cup frozen peas
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups flour (cake or all-purpose)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Base: In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Thicken the Broth: Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bouillon cube, and seasonings.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes (until fully cooked). Remove chicken, shred it, then stir back into the soup. Add half and half and peas.
- Make the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Stir in sour cream, milk, and melted butter until dough forms.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid (dumplings will puff up and cook through).
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!
Tips & Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking dumplings – they need the steam to rise and cook properly.
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie to save time.
- Add extra veggies like corn, green beans, or mushrooms for variety.
- For lighter broth, replace half and half with milk.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 150% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and cuts down cooking time.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the soup base in advance and add fresh dumplings right before serving.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
4. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, but freeze without dumplings. Make fresh dumplings when reheating the soup.
5. Can I make the dumplings dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free sour cream.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, rich broth, and pillowy dumplings, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it on a cozy weekend or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, flexible, and guaranteed to warm your soul.
