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Easy Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

Cozy, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings—this classic comes together in under an hour with simple pantry staples. Perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights alike.

  • Total Time50 minutes
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Soup Base

  • 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))

For the Dumplings

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetable Foundation: In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  2. Build the Savory Broth: Pour in chicken broth; add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Thicken (Optional): Whisk flour into the cream until smooth; slowly stir into the pot. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the Chicken: Stir in shredded chicken. Reduce heat to a low simmer while you make the dumplings.
  5. Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter, milk, and parsley; mix just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms (do not overmix).
  6. Cook the Dumplings: Drop 2-tbsp scoops of dough onto the simmering soup. Cover tightly and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Finish & Serve: Uncover; dumplings should be puffed and cooked through (toothpick comes out clean). Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra parsley.

Notes

For extra depth, swap 1 cup of broth with dry white wine and simmer it down before adding the remaining broth. Rotisserie chicken works great. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Soup
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 850
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 95

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/easy-chicken-and-dumplings-a-comfort-food-classic/