Chicken & Dumplings

Name: Chicken & Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup milk

Highlighted under: Cozy Cravings Kitchen

A comforting classic, Chicken & Dumplings is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Tender chicken paired with fluffy dumplings creates a hearty meal that's sure to please.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-02T19:22:02.749Z

This Chicken & Dumplings recipe brings together the flavors of home with its rich broth and tender chicken pieces. It's a dish that evokes comfort and warmth, making it perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for the whole family
Fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth
Simple ingredients that create a complex flavor
A dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day

      

The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals

There's something incredibly soothing about a bowl of Chicken & Dumplings. This classic dish not only warms your body but also your soul. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a satisfying meal that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is a reminder of cozy family dinners and the love that goes into preparing food from scratch.

Home-cooked meals have a way of bringing people together. Whether it's a family gathering or a quiet night in, sharing a pot of Chicken & Dumplings creates an atmosphere of warmth and connection. The aroma of simmering broth fills the air, inviting everyone to the table. It's a dish that encourages conversation and laughter, making it perfect for gatherings of any size.

The Magic of Fluffy Dumplings

Dumplings are the unsung heroes of this dish. Their light and fluffy texture not only adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken and broth but also acts as a sponge, soaking up all the rich flavors. Made with simple ingredients, these dumplings elevate the meal, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste. The secret to perfect dumplings lies in mixing just until combined, keeping them tender and airy.

Beyond their texture, dumplings add a comforting element to Chicken & Dumplings. They serve as the perfect vehicle for the flavorful broth, making each spoonful a delightful experience. As they cook, they transform into fluffy pillows of goodness, making the dish feel indulgent yet accessible. It's no wonder this dish has become a family favorite across generations.

A Dish for Every Occasion

Chicken & Dumplings is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner with friends or looking for a way to impress guests, this dish fits the bill. Its simplicity allows you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones while the flavors meld beautifully in the pot. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

What’s more, this recipe offers a blank canvas for creativity. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the dish to your liking. Whether it's peas for a pop of color or fresh parsley for added flavor, the options are endless. Chicken & Dumplings can easily adapt to suit your taste, making it a staple in any home cook's repertoire.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Chicken & Dumplings.

For the Chicken & Broth

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

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup milk

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chicken & Dumplings.

Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.

Add Dumplings to the Pot

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken & Dumplings!

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken & Dumplings turn out perfectly, start with high-quality chicken thighs. They offer more flavor and tenderness compared to leaner cuts, making them ideal for this comforting dish. Additionally, don’t skip the step of letting the broth simmer; this is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that make the meal memorable.

When preparing the dumplings, remember that over-mixing can lead to dense dumplings. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the fluffiest results. If you’d like to experiment with flavors, consider adding herbs like rosemary or parsley to the dumpling batter for an extra layer of taste.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their deliciousness. Allow the Chicken & Dumplings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Be mindful that the dumplings may absorb some broth during storage, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty without the fuss of cooking from scratch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more easily.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze Chicken & Dumplings?

Yes, but it's best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings.