Go Back
Delicious chicken and dumplings in a bowl with herbs and vegetables

Chicken and Dumplings

A cozy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy broth and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the broth
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth Using low sodium helps control salt.
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots sliced thin Optional but adds sweetness.
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced Optional.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Plus more to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning Optional.
  • 1/3 cup flour For thickening.
  • 1 cup milk or half and half For creaminess.
  • 2 cups frozen peas Optional, add at the end.
For the dumplings
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3/4 to 1 cup milk Add slowly to achieve a thick, sticky dough.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a big pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion looks soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until it smells good.
  2. Add the chicken, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning if using. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Turn the heat down and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 18 to 22 minutes.
  3. Pull the chicken out onto a plate and shred it with two forks. Set it aside.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour while you whisk or stir constantly to thicken the broth. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the milk or half and half and stir until creamy.
  5. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Dumpling Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter, then add milk a bit at a time until it looks like a thick, sticky dough.
  2. Drop dumplings onto the simmering soup using a spoon. Cover the pot and keep at a gentle simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Uncover and gently stir. Add peas if desired and let them warm through for 2 minutes. Dumplings should look set and feel fluffy.

Notes

For variations, try using rotisserie chicken for a quick dinner. A splash of lemon juice can brighten flavors, and adding fresh herbs or a bit of spice enhances the dish. Keep a gentle simmer to avoid overcooking dumplings.