Name: Easy Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion (diced, medium); 2 carrots (peeled and sliced, large); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt (to taste); 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional (for thickening)); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 3/4 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

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Is there any dish that says “comfort” more than a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings? This recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day, a nostalgic trip back to grandma’s kitchen in a single spoonful. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder, combining a rich, savory chicken soup with tender, fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious broth. Many people believe that making homemade dumplings is complicated, but this easy chicken and dumplings recipe proves that’s a myth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your whole family feeling cozy and satisfied. This is more than just soup; it’s a hearty, soulful stew that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday afternoons.

Contents

Ingredients
For the Soup Base
For the Dumplings
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetable Foundation
Step 2: Build the Savory Broth
Step 3: Thicken the Soup (Optional)
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Step 5: Make the Fluffy Dumplings
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Step 7: Finish and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Q2. My dumplings were dense and heavy. What did I do wrong?
Q3. Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making homemade dumplings?
Q4. How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

Easy Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic

Description
Ingredients

For the Soup Base
For the Dumplings

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Yellow onion, diced	1 medium
Carrots, peeled and sliced	2 large
Celery stalks, chopped	2 stalks
Garlic cloves, minced	3 cloves
Low-sodium chicken broth	6 cups
Bay leaf	1
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Cooked chicken, shredded	3 cups
Heavy cream or half-and-half	1/2 cup
All-purpose flour (optional)	2 tablespoons

For the Dumplings

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Baking powder	1 tablespoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted	2 tablespoons
Whole milk	3/4 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)	2 tablespoons

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

In less than an hour, you can serve up this incredible, soul-warming meal—faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetable Foundation

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute more until fragrant. This aromatic base builds the first layer of flavor for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Savory Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, this step is for you. In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour into the heavy cream until it’s completely smooth. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering soup base. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the soup has slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Gently stir in the 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here! Reduce the heat to a low simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 5: Make the Fluffy Dumplings

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, milk, and optional fresh parsley. Mix with a fork just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Tip: The key to light and fluffy dumplings is to not overmix the dough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 2 tablespoons each) directly onto the surface of the simmering soup. Space them out as they will expand. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Crucial Tip: Do not lift the lid during this time! This allows the dumplings to steam and become wonderfully light and fluffy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

After 15 minutes, remove the lid. The dumplings should be puffed up and cooked through. You can test one by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate per serving, based on the recipe yielding 6 servings.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 20 g
Sodium: 850 mg

This hearty dish is a great source of protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Healthier Alternatives

Leaner Base: To reduce fat, use low-fat milk or omit the heavy cream entirely. The soup will still be delicious, just less rich.
Whole Grains: For a fiber boost, make the dumplings with half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.
Veggie-Packed: Increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like peas, corn, or chopped green beans along with the chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend (with xanthan gum) for the dumplings and to thicken the soup.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot meal is wonderfully complete on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the savory broth.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor right before serving.
Occasion: This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a comforting meal for a friend who is under the weather, or any time you need a delicious and heartwarming dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Working the dough too much develops gluten and results in tough, dense dumplings. Solution: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A shaggy, soft dough is what you’re looking for.
Peeking While the Dumplings Cook: Lifting the lid releases the steam that is essential for cooking the dumplings properly, making them heavy and doughy. Solution: Resist the urge to peek! Set a timer for 15 minutes and trust the process.
Boiling Instead of Simmering: A rapid boil can cause the dumplings to break apart. Solution: Maintain a gentle, steady simmer while the dumplings are cooking. You should see small bubbles, not a rolling boil.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the dumplings will continue to absorb the broth and may soften over time.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the soup if it has become too thick. Avoid boiling, which can make the dumplings fall apart.
Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the dumplings can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and delightfully fluffy dumplings. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table, proving that you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to create a truly memorable and satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

We would love to hear from you! Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. Did you add any creative twists? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more delicious, homestyle comfort food!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can. If using raw chicken (breasts or thighs), cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer in the broth for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, before you add the dumplings.

Q2. My dumplings were dense and heavy. What did I do wrong?

This is usually caused by one of two things: overmixing the dough or peeking while the dumplings were steaming. Be sure to mix the dumpling dough just until it comes together, and keep the pot tightly covered for the full 15 minutes of cooking time to trap the steam.

Q3. Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making homemade dumplings?

You can in a pinch! For a super quick shortcut, you can cut refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and drop them into the simmering soup. They won’t have the same light, fluffy texture as homemade, but they will still be delicious. Cook them according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes.

Q4. How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

The flour in the dumplings will naturally thicken the soup. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip the optional step of thickening the soup with the flour and cream slurry. You can always add a splash more chicken broth when reheating if it becomes too thick overnight.