This Recipe for Easy Chicken and Dumplings Could Not Be More Perfect ❤️
Comfort Food at Its Absolute Best
This recipe for easy chicken and dumplings could not be more comforting, more satisfying, or more foolproof. It’s one of those dishes that instantly takes you back to childhood — the smell filling the kitchen, the pot simmering on the stove, and everyone hovering around asking, “Is it ready yet?”
I’ve made a lot of chicken and dumplings over the years, but this version is the one I always come back to. It’s simple, hearty, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. No fancy steps. No complicated techniques. Just pure, cozy, homemade comfort food that tastes like it cooked all day.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family, feeding a crowd, or just craving something warm and nostalgic, this easy chicken and dumplings recipe never disappoints.
Why This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Works Every Time
✔️ One-pot comfort meal
✔️ Tender shredded chicken
✔️ Soft, fluffy dumplings (not gummy!)
✔️ Rich, creamy broth without being heavy
✔️ Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays
This is the kind of recipe that gets passed down, scribbled on recipe cards, and requested over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Base:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3–4 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or thyme)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¾ cup milk
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Build the Flavor
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Do not overmix — the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Drop the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Make sure the soup is gently bubbling.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfect
Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This steam is what makes them fluffy.
Step 6: Finish It Off
Stir in the milk or cream. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until thick and comforting.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings cook — resist the temptation!
Smaller dumplings cook more evenly.
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
If you like thicker broth, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Variations You’ll Love
Southern-Style: Skip the veggies and focus on broth, chicken, and dumplings.
Creamy Version: Add an extra ½ cup of cream.
Herb-Lovers: Add fresh parsley or thyme at the end.
Leftover Turkey: Swap chicken for turkey after the holidays.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Freezing: The soup freezes well, but dumplings may soften slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my dumplings tough?
Overmixing the dough or boiling too aggressively can make dumplings dense. Gentle simmering is key.
Can I use canned biscuits?
Yes! Cut them into quarters and drop them in for an ultra-easy shortcut.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.
Final Thoughts ❤️
This recipe for easy chicken and dumplings is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and made with love — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Timeless comfort.
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