Classic Chicken and Dumplings – A Cozy, Hearty One-Pot Meal

The Ultimate Comfort Food That Feels Like Home

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of classic chicken and dumplings on a chilly day. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food for generations. If you grew up eating homemade chicken and dumplings, you know that every spoonful is like a hug in a bowl—tender shredded chicken, rich, creamy broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that goodness.

I still remember the first time I watched my grandmother make this dish. She didn’t follow a recipe—just instinct, memory, and years of experience. The aroma of simmering chicken, the sound of dumplings gently bubbling in the pot, and the anticipation of that first bite made it feel like magic. This recipe is a nod to those classic, old-fashioned flavors, but with simple techniques to make it foolproof every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in the same pot for easy cleanup.
• Rich, Creamy Broth – Slow-simmered to develop deep, comforting flavors.
• Tender Shredded Chicken – Juicy and full of flavor.
• Light and Fluffy Dumplings – The perfect balance of soft yet hearty.
• Better Than Takeout – No canned soup, just real, homemade goodness.

The Secret to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Making homemade chicken and dumplings is easier than you think. The key is balancing texture and flavor—rich, savory broth and light, tender dumplings that don’t turn gummy or dense. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Step-by-Step Guide to Classic Chicken and Dumplings

1. Cook the Chicken & Make the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Stir in 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.

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2. Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter until crumbly. Stir in ¾ cup milk until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

3. Thicken the Broth

In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup flour with ½ cup cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering broth to thicken. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.

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4. Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon, drop small scoops of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover and let cook for 12-15 minutes, until the dumplings are soft and cooked through.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper. Serve warm for the perfect cozy meal.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough – This makes them dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Boiling Instead of Simmering – High heat can cause the dumplings to break apart.
• Skipping the Thickener – The broth should be creamy, not watery. Use a flour slurry for the best consistency.

Variations and Additions

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What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

• Cornbread – A classic side that complements the rich broth.
• Green Beans – Adds freshness and color to the meal.
• Mashed Potatoes – For the ultimate comfort-food combination.
• Crispy Roasted Vegetables – Balances out the richness with texture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

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Classic Chicken and Dumplings – A Cozy, Hearty One-Pot Meal

This classic chicken and dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and light, fluffy dumplings made from scratch. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, southern

Servings 6 people

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken & Broth:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces
• ¾ cup milk

For Thickening the Broth:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold water

Instructions

 

Cook the Chicken & Make the Broth

• In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Pour in chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir, then add chicken breasts. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.

Make the Dumpling Dough

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in milk until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

Thicken the Broth

• In a small bowl, mix flour with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Drop & Cook the Dumplings

• Using a spoon, drop small scoops of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let cook for 12-15 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked.

Serve & Enjoy

• Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper if desired.

Notes

• For extra creamy broth, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough—it should be just combined for the fluffiest texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keyword chicken and dumplings, homemade dumplings, southern confort food

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought dumplings?
A: Yes! While homemade dumplings taste the best, you can use frozen or refrigerated biscuit dough in a pinch.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and broth in advance, then add the dumplings fresh when ready to serve.

Q: How do I prevent dumplings from being gummy?
A: Make sure you don’t overmix the dough, and always simmer instead of boiling. Keeping the lid on while they cook helps them stay light and fluffy.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken, broth, and vegetables on low for 6-7 hours. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes, then cover and cook until done.

Save This Recipe for Later

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Classic chicken and dumplings is one of those meals that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or just because you need a little extra comfort, this recipe is a go-to. Save this recipe to your “Comfort Food Favorites” board on Pinterest so you can make it again and again!