Classic Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings to soothe the soul and warm the heart. This beloved classic transcends seasons, offering a comforting embrace with every spoonful. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, a medley of vibrant vegetables, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth, topped with light, fluffy, homemade dumplings. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to grandmother’s kitchen, a hug in a bowl that truly embodies comfort food at its finest.

If you cherish the comforting warmth of a hearty chicken soup, you might also enjoy our delightful Chicken and Gnocchi Soup or the incredibly easy and satisfying Chicken Tortellini Soup.

Chicken and Dumplings stands as a timeless masterpiece in the culinary world, a staple that every home cook should master. While it’s technically a soup, its substantial nature makes it feel like a complete, hearty meal – far more filling and satisfying than your average bowl. And though often associated with chilly winter evenings, this versatile dish is so universally loved that it finds a welcome place on our dining tables year-round, proving its enduring appeal and comforting power.

Why This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting an experience. Our version of Chicken and Dumplings ensures that every element sings in harmony, from the perfectly seasoned, rich, and velvety broth to the tender, succulent chicken pieces and, of course, the star of the show: the incredibly light and pillowy dumplings that cook right in the soup. We’ve meticulously balanced flavors and textures to deliver a dish that’s both deeply traditional and irresistibly delicious. It’s an approachable recipe, even for beginners, promising a comforting reward for your efforts.

The Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; many of these items are likely already in your pantry! This recipe truly comes together quickly once your ingredients are prepped, yielding an incredible depth of flavor from common staples.

For the Rich and Creamy Soup:

• Olive Oil & Butter: The combination of these two fats provides a superior flavor base, with the olive oil offering a higher smoke point and the butter adding a luxurious richness. Feel free to adjust the ratio or use all oil or all butter based on your preference.
• Aromatic Vegetables (Mirepoix): A classic foundation of diced onions, celery, and carrots provides a sweet and savory base. Fresh minced garlic adds an essential pungent note. For a touch of color and sweetness at the end, frozen peas are stirred in, offering a delightful pop of freshness.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is crucial for thickening the soup, creating a velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables. It forms a roux with the fats, ensuring a smooth, lump-free broth.
• Chicken Broth: The quality of your chicken broth significantly impacts the overall flavor of your soup. Opt for a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth to control the seasoning precisely. Homemade broth will elevate the dish even further.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically my go-to for their lean texture and ease of preparation. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor. If you have cooked, shredded chicken on hand, you can certainly use that, adding it towards the end of the soup’s simmering time to prevent it from drying out.
• Simple Seasonings: We keep the spice profile straightforward yet impactful. Dried thyme imparts an earthy, herbaceous note, while a touch of hot sauce (like Cholula) adds a subtle warmth and balances the richness without making it overtly spicy. Of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning to perfection.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to the soup’s luscious, creamy texture and rich mouthfeel. It’s added at the end to prevent curdling and maintain its decadent consistency.

For the Light and Fluffy Dumplings:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for our tender dumplings, providing structure.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is key to achieving those wonderfully light and fluffy dumplings that expand beautifully as they cook in the simmering soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dumplings themselves, ensuring they are flavorful and not bland. You can experiment with adding a pinch of dried herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor.
• Milk: I typically use 2% milk, but any milk you have on hand (whole, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative) should work to bring the dough together.
• Melted Butter: Incorporating melted butter adds moisture, richness, and contributes to the tender texture of the dumplings.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this soulful dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a heartwarming meal:

STEP 1: Sauté the Aromatics. In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

STEP 2: Build the Roux. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and forms a paste with the butter and oil. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and cooking out the raw flour taste.

STEP 3: Simmer the Soup. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these add immense flavor. Add the diced chicken, dried thyme, and hot sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

STEP 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough. While the soup is simmering, it’s time to prepare your fluffy dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Create a small well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Gently stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a more tender dumpling. If the dough seems too thick or dry, add a tiny bit of extra milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency.

STEP 5: Finish the Soup Base. Once the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, stir in the heavy whipping cream and the frozen peas. Allow the soup to heat through for another minute or two, ensuring the peas are tender and the cream is fully incorporated.

STEP 6: Add the Dumplings. Now for the exciting part! Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop (a 1.5-inch scoop works great for medium-sized dumplings) or two spoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of the prepared dumpling dough directly into the hot, simmering soup. Try to space them out and create a single layer of dumplings across the surface of the soup. Avoid piling them on top of each other, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

STEP 7: Cook the Dumplings. Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot tightly with a lid. Allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes. This steaming process is essential for making them wonderfully light and fluffy. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time, as the trapped steam is crucial for their texture. After the cooking time, remove the lid. If any dumplings have stuck together, gently separate them with a spoon. Check one dumpling for doneness by breaking it open with a knife; the center should be cooked through and fluffy, not doughy or raw. If needed, cook for a few more minutes, covered, until fully cooked.

STEP 8: Serve Hot. Your homemade Chicken and Dumplings are now ready! Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

Achieving the perfect bowl of chicken and dumplings is simple with a few insider tips:

• Dumpling Size Matters (to personal preference!): I personally love larger, more substantial dumplings, typically serving 2-3 per person. However, many prefer smaller, bite-sized dumplings for easier eating. Feel free to adjust the size of your scoops to match your family’s preference. Just remember that smaller dumplings will cook slightly faster, while larger ones might need an extra minute or two.
• Checking for Doneness: The key to perfect dumplings is ensuring they are cooked through without being overcooked and tough. At the end of the cooking time, gently lift one dumpling from the center of the pot and break it open with a knife or fork. The inside should be light, fluffy, and uniform in color, with no raw or doughy bits. If it’s not quite ready, cover the pot again and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Chicken and dumplings is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The dumplings, being essentially bread, will continue to absorb liquid from the soup the longer they sit. This can lead to them becoming overly soft or even soggy.
• Leftover Storage: If you anticipate having leftovers, a pro tip is to store the soup and any remaining uncooked dumpling dough (if you didn’t use it all) separately. Cook only the amount of dumplings you plan to eat for that meal. If you do have cooked dumplings leftover in the soup, they are still delicious, but their texture will be softer upon reheating. Store cooked soup and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Making Ahead: You can prepare the soup base (up to the point of adding cream and peas) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the cream and peas, and then proceed with making and cooking the fresh dumplings.
• Freezing: The soup base (without cream or dumplings) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, add cream and peas, and cook fresh dumplings. Freezing cooked dumplings within the soup is not recommended as their texture can become mealy upon thawing and reheating.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Comfort Bowl

While this classic recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like corn kernels, sliced mushrooms, green beans, or a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted).
• Herbaceous Twist: Beyond thyme, consider incorporating other fresh or dried herbs into your soup or dumpling dough. Rosemary, sage, or a bay leaf added to the simmering broth can introduce new layers of aroma and flavor.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken breast, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent bite. Leftover cooked turkey (especially from Thanksgiving) makes an excellent substitute, turning it into a delicious post-holiday meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup base.
• Cheese Dumplings: For an extra decadent treat, fold a quarter cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into your dumpling dough mixture.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is robust enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can make it even more satisfying:

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty French bread or a homemade rustic loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Cornbread: For a true Southern comfort meal, serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making chicken and dumplings:

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes! If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it and add it to the soup after the broth has simmered for 10 minutes (Step 3), right before adding the cream and peas. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough.
• My dumplings are tough, what went wrong? Overmixing the dumpling dough is the most common culprit for tough dumplings. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; a few lumps are fine. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh and active.
• Can I make it gluten-free? For the soup, ensure your broth is gluten-free. For the dumplings, you would need to experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum, as results can vary.
• How long does homemade chicken and dumplings last? Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days. Remember that dumplings will soften over time.

More Heartwarming Comfort Food Recipes

If you love the comforting embrace of homemade meals, explore some of our other cherished recipes:

• Chili Mac – A cheesy, savory blend of chili and pasta.
• Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty classic topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Zucchini Parmesan – A flavorful and lighter alternative to eggplant parmesan.
• Traditional Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze – A classic family dinner with a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Red Beans and Rice with Sausage – A rich and spicy Southern favorite.

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Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

This Classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, topped with light and fluffy homemade dumplings, it’s a dish that promises to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken Soup:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Cholula)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup frozen peas

For the Fluffy Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook an additional minute.
2. Thicken the Soup Base: Add the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly to create a roux and eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Simmer the Chicken Soup: Slowly mix in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken, thyme, and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
4. Make the Dumpling Dough: While the soup is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Make a well in the middle and add the milk and melted butter, then gently stir everything together, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
5. Finish the Soup Base: Stir the heavy whipping cream and the frozen peas into the simmering soup. Allow to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the Dumplings: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop balls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Try to keep them in a single layer, avoiding piling them on top of each other for even cooking.
7. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot tightly and cook for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the dumplings to steam and become light and fluffy.
8. Serve: Remove the lid and gently break apart any dumplings that have stuck together. Check a dumpling for doneness by cutting it open – the center should be cooked through. If not, cook for a couple more minutes, covered. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes:

This is best served just after making. The dumplings will soak up the soup and become soggy if left too long. We suggest storing the soup and dumplings separately if you have leftovers for the best texture upon reheating.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 779 kcal (39% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 57g (19% Daily Value)
• Protein: 44g (88% Daily Value)
• Fat: 41g (63% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 20g (125% Daily Value)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 171mg (57% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1010mg (44% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 797mg (23% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 10g (42% Daily Value)
• Sugar: 6g (7% Daily Value)

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, creamy chicken soup, homemade dumplings, easy chicken recipe, hearty meal, winter recipes, family dinner

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