Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or for a family gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy. Learn how to make Chicken and Dumplings from scratch with this step-by-step recipe that guides you through creating tender chicken, a rich broth, and light, fluffy dumplings.
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
What is Chicken and Dumplings?
This timeless dish combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with soft, pillowy dumplings. The comforting blend of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings creates a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. While many variations exist, the essentials remain the same—a flavorful broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings.
Why Chicken and Dumplings is the Perfect Comfort Food
This dish has earned its place as a beloved classic, and for good reason. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create the ultimate comfort food. It’s especially satisfying during colder months when you crave something warm and hearty. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
To make Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll need:
- Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor, or opt for boneless chicken breasts for a leaner alternative.
- Broth: A high-quality chicken broth is essential for the base of this dish. If you have time, consider making your own homemade chicken broth.
- Vegetables: Classic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are used to build a flavorful broth.
- Dumplings: These are made from simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and salt.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
- Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Season the broth well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to infuse the soup with richness.
- Make your own broth if possible, for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Preparing the Chicken for Your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
How to Cook Chicken for Chicken and Dumplings
There are a few ways to cook chicken for this dish. The most traditional method is to boil bone-in, skin-on chicken in water until it’s fully cooked, which creates a flavorful broth in the process. Alternatively, you can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience—just shred it and add it to the broth at the end. The key is to cook the chicken until it’s tender and easy to shred.
The Best Chicken Cuts for Chicken and Dumplings
For the best flavor, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the ideal choice. The bones impart extra flavor to the broth, and the skin helps keep the chicken juicy. If you prefer a leaner cut, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work as well, but they may not be as flavorful.
Shredding vs. Chopping Chicken for Dumplings
Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll need to shred or chop it. Shredded chicken blends more easily into the broth, while chopped chicken gives a chunkier texture. Both options work well, but shredded chicken tends to absorb more of the broth and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth for Extra Flavor
For a richer, more flavorful dish, consider making your own chicken broth. Simmer bone-in chicken with carrots, celery, and onions to create a deep, savory base. Adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves enhances the flavor even more. Let it cook for 1-2 hours to fully develop its taste. Once done, strain the broth before incorporating it into your soup.
Making the Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients for Fluffy Dumplings
The key to fluffy dumplings lies in the ingredients. You’ll need:
- Flour: This forms the base of your dumplings.
- Baking Powder: This helps the dumplings rise and become light and airy.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dumplings.
- Milk: Helps bind the dough together and gives the dumplings their moist texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
How to Make Perfect Dumplings Every Time
Making dumplings is quick and easy. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add the milk. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Spoon the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, and cover the pot. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, which ensures they remain light and fluffy.
Variations for Dumplings: Herbs, Cheese, and More
While basic dumplings are delicious on their own, you can customize them for extra flavor. Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a handful of grated cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist. These small additions can elevate the flavor and make the dish uniquely yours.
The Right Dumpling-to-Soup Ratio
The number of dumplings you add to the soup depends on your personal preference. If you like more dumplings in each bowl, add more—around 12 to 16 dumplings for a large pot. For fewer dumplings and more broth, use fewer spoonfuls. The key is to find the right balance based on your taste.
Cooking Chicken and Dumplings Together
Bringing the Chicken and Broth Together
Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to combine them. Stir the shredded or chopped chicken into the simmering broth, allowing it to enhance the flavor and create a rich, savory base. Let it cook for a few minutes before gently adding the dumplings.
How to Cook Dumplings in the Broth
Once the broth is simmering, carefully drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve risen and are fully cooked through. Be sure not to lift the lid during this time, as it can cause the dumplings to collapse.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency for Your Soup
If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water to adjust the consistency. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a bit of heavy cream or whole milk near the end of cooking. For a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
How Long Should You Simmer Chicken and Dumplings?
Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the dumplings become fully cooked and fluffy. Insert a toothpick into a dumpling to check if the inside is still doughy. Once they’re ready, serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storing Chicken and Dumplings
How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings
Once your Chicken and Dumplings is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This dish is best enjoyed while it’s hot, so gather around the table and dig in!
Storing Leftovers: Tips for Reheating Chicken and Dumplings
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat, adding a bit of extra broth to loosen up the soup. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the dumplings from becoming too soft.
Freezing Chicken and Dumplings for Later
While it’s possible to freeze Chicken and Dumplings, the dumplings may lose their texture once frozen. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the broth, cook fresh dumplings, and combine.
Pairing Chicken and Dumplings with Side Dishes
Chicken and Dumplings is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side salad, sautéed green beans, or mashed potatoes can make the meal even more satisfying. The lightness of the salad or greens will balance the richness of the dish.
Making this dish from scratch is easier than you think, and the result is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth in every bite!