Chicken and Dumplings

Few dishes feel as comforting as a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This cozy, hearty classic is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a chilly evening, a Sunday family dinner, or a night when you just need something soothing and familiar. With tender chicken, a creamy, well-seasoned broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe delivers rich flavor and pure comfort. You can go fully from-scratch or take a shortcut with refrigerated biscuits—either way, it’s guaranteed to warm your home and your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
• From-scratch or shortcut friendly: Homemade dumplings or easy swaps both work.
• Flavor-packed: Layered seasonings create a rich, cozy broth.
• Family favorite: Filling, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken and build flavor.
• Bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2 lbs): Creates a richer, more flavorful broth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and soup base.
• Butter (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and body to the soup.
• Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Provides a savory aromatic base.
• Carrots (1 cup, diced): Add sweetness and color.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Brings classic soup flavor and balance.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds warmth and depth.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
• Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Thickens the soup into a creamy consistency.
• Chicken broth (4½ cups): Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
• Chicken bouillon cube (optional): Boosts chicken flavor even more.
• Half and half (1½ cups): Makes the soup rich and creamy.
• Frozen peas (¾ cup): Add freshness and a pop of color.

Seasoning Mix

• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory flavor.
• Dried basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): Create a balanced, herby profile.
• Ground sage (¼ teaspoon): Adds warmth and classic comfort-food flavor.
• Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Adds gentle spice.

For the Dumplings

• Cake flour or all-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates tender, fluffy dumplings.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps dumplings rise.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Adds lightness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the dough.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle flavor.
• Sugar (2 teaspoons): Enhances browning and taste.
• Cold sour cream (¾ cup): Keeps dumplings soft and tender.
• Cold milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture.
• Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes per side, until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove, let rest for 10 minutes, discard bones, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Soup Base

Combine all seasoning mix ingredients and set aside. In the same pot, melt the butter and scrape up any browned bits. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning mix. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring until smooth. Stir in half and half and the bouillon cube if using. Add peas, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Add sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix, or the dumplings will be dense.

Assemble and Cook

Return the chicken and any juices to the pot and reduce heat to low. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the soup. Spoon a little hot broth over each dumpling. Cover tightly and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid while the dumplings steam. Check doneness with a toothpick; if needed, simmer a few more minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Bone-in chicken creates the most flavorful broth.
• Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings cook to ensure they stay fluffy.
• Stir gently to keep dumplings intact.
• Adjust thickness with a splash of broth or milk if needed.

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cookie scoop or spoon for dumplings

Recipe Variations

• Shortcut Version: Use refrigerated biscuit dough cut into small pieces.
• Creamier Chicken and Dumplings: Add an extra ¼ cup of half and half.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add mushrooms or corn for extra texture.
• Herb Boost: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade chicken and dumplings with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper adds a lovely finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken?
Yes, add about 3 cups of cooked chicken just before adding the dumplings.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but dumplings are best fresh. Reheat gently with extra broth.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
The soup freezes well, but dumplings may soften when thawed.

Why are my dumplings dense?
Overmixing the dough or lifting the lid while cooking can cause dense dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this classic dish never disappoints. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful.

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