When it comes to a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, it’s all about creating an experience that engages your senses. You might want to pair this dish with a light salad to balance the richness.
Consider a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay, could elevate the meal further. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sprightly sparkling water with a twist of lime will refresh your palate.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a dish traditionally made of a flavorful chicken stew topped with dumplings or sometimes cooked directly in the broth.
The chicken is simmered to perfect tenderness, while the dumplings create a soft, pillow-like texture. Commonly associated with Southern comfort food, each family adds its unique twist, making the dish even more special.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Imagine savoring the warm, savory notes of tender chicken infused with herbs. The broth is rich yet light, creating a savory base that feels both fulfilling and nourishing.
The dumplings, fluffy and slightly buttery, complement the broth perfectly. You’ll find hints of herbal notes from thyme and rosemary dancing in your mouth, making each spoonful a delight.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Chicken and Dumplings Recipes?
While many recipes rely heavily on canned soups and pre-packaged mixes, this one stands out for its fresh ingredients and rich flavor depth. With my experience as a registered dietitian, I bring a focus on whole, wholesome components.
This dish features savory chicken with a touch of heat from hot sauce and a medley of fresh vegetables. Plus, you’ll be making your dumplings from scratch, which is easier than it sounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, let us look at what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup flour
- 5 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (I use Frank’s hot sauce)
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon each of dried basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
Dumplings:
- 2 cups cake or all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¾ cup cold sour cream
- ¼ cup cold milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Step-By-Step Directions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Next, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. This extra step builds flavor that infuses throughout the dish.
Step 2: Create the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits pack a lot of flavor! Add in the carrots and celery, along with your choice of herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. The chicken will become fork-tender. You can check if the chicken is ready by pulling on it. If it falls apart, it’s done.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
While the chicken simmers, let’s whip up those dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the sour cream and milk.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough should be thick, so don’t over-mix.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to take it out. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the broth.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings
With the broth still simmering, scoop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter right into the pot. Do not overcrowd. Leave space for the dumplings to expand as they cook. Cover the pot tightly, and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and half and half. For the final flavor boost, add a splash of hot sauce if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, it’s time to serve. Ladle generous portions into a bowl, making sure to get plenty of broth and dumplings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips on Making Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a vibrancy that dried herbs can’t replicate. If available, use fresh instead of dried for the best flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk in more flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Allow it to simmer until it thickens.
- Don’t Overmix Dumpling Batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing creates dense dumplings.
- Leftover Chicken? Roast or grilled chicken works fantastic as a shortcut in this recipe.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance. Just add the dumplings and heat through when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g
How Can I Store This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
If you have leftovers (which I hope you do, because it tastes even better the next day), store them in an airtight container. This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out. You can reheat it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutes
Not every kitchen is stocked to the brim. Here are some alternatives if you find yourself lacking:
- Chicken: If you don’t have bone-in skinless chicken, use boneless chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Half and Half: If you’re out of half and half, consider using whole milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour can work, but note the texture may differ.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap the carrots and celery with your favorites. Green beans, corn, or even frozen mixed vegetables can add variety.

Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a technique that allows you to express your culinary creativity while cherishing traditions. Making this recipe brings warmth and joy, not just in the flavor, but also in the memories it evokes. Take your time. Have fun in the kitchen. Share your creation with family or friends, and don’t forget to savor the moment. After all, it’s not just about eating; it’s about connecting. Enjoy!
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Chicken and Dumplings – Easy Meals To Cook
Description
Every family has its treasured recipes, keeping traditions alive through the simple act of cooking. Chicken and dumplings is one such dish cherished in many homes. For me, it's more than a meal; it's a warm hug on a chilly day. The aroma wafting from the kitchen transports me back to my grandmother’s home, where laughter mixed with the scent of chicken simmering on the stove.
This dish is a medley of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth. But let’s be clear—chicken and dumplings are not all created equal. My version brings a twist, ensuring you relish every comforting bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
Seasonings:
Dumplings:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Next, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. This extra step builds flavor that infuses throughout the dish.
Step 2: Create the Broth
-
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits pack a lot of flavor! Add in the carrots and celery, along with your choice of herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. The chicken will become fork-tender. You can check if the chicken is ready by pulling on it. If it falls apart, it’s done.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
-
While the chicken simmers, let’s whip up those dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the sour cream and milk.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough should be thick, so don’t over-mix.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
-
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to take it out. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the broth.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings
-
With the broth still simmering, scoop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter right into the pot. Do not overcrowd. Leave space for the dumplings to expand as they cook. Cover the pot tightly, and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
-
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and half and half. For the final flavor boost, add a splash of hot sauce if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, it's time to serve. Ladle generous portions into a bowl, making sure to get plenty of broth and dumplings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a vibrancy that dried herbs can’t replicate. If available, use fresh instead of dried for the best flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk in more flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Allow it to simmer until it thickens.
- Don’t Overmix Dumpling Batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing creates dense dumplings.
- Leftover Chicken? Roast or grilled chicken works fantastic as a shortcut in this recipe.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance. Just add the dumplings and heat through when ready to serve.