A cozy, old-fashioned comfort food with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth.
Recipe Card
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 generous portions
Dietary Badges
Comfort Food | Family-Friendly | Nut-Free | One-Pot Meal
Ingredients Checklist (No exact measurements here – scroll for full quantities below)
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Carrots
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Salt & pepper
- Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, potatoes) in butter until tender.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, and a pinch of salt to form a thick batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
- Cover and let dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and fluffy.
- Stir gently to thicken the broth slightly.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or black pepper if desired.
Notes & Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Dumplings need steam, not stirring – keep the lid on while they cook!
- This dish is naturally nut-free.
- Make it creamier by adding a splash of cream at the end.
A Comfort Food Classic
Creamy, savory, and soul-soothing – this chicken and dumplings recipe is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Inspired by the kind of meal grandma would simmer on a Sunday, it’s simple to make and full of cozy flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a rainy day.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Sauté the Veggies
In a large pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes until soft – about 10 minutes.
Tip: The potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
2. Add Chicken & Broth
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken and season well with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Tip: Use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie for speed.
3. Make the Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, milk, and salt until you get a thick, dropable batter.
Tip: Don’t overmix – lumps are okay!
4. Drop the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the batter into the bubbling broth. Try to space them out evenly across the top.
5. Steam and Simmer
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time – the dumplings cook in the steam.
Tip: If the dumplings are sticky, they need more time. They should be dry and fluffy inside when done.
6. Finish and Serve
Gently stir to let some dumplings break up and thicken the broth. Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or black pepper.
Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Ingredient Highlights
- Shredded Chicken: Use dark meat for richer flavor, or a mix of both white and dark.
- Potatoes: Yukon golds or russets work best.
- Baking Powder in Dumplings: This gives rise and fluffiness – don’t skip it.
Substitutions
- Milk in dumplings: Use unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free.
- Butter: Can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 blend for GF version.
- No chicken? Try turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Equipment Swaps
- No Dutch oven? Use any large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
- No ladle? Use a large spoon to drop dumplings.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Twists
- Add a pinch of thyme or poultry seasoning to the broth for herbal notes.
- Stir in frozen peas at the end for color and sweetness.
- Drop in 1 tsp Dijon mustard to boost flavor.
Dietary Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for mushrooms, chickpeas, or plant-based “chicken” and use veggie broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF flour and baking powder for the dumplings.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and oil.
How to Serve
- With a slice of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
- Pair with a light green salad for a full meal.
- Great for potlucks or big family meals – just double the recipe!
Pairings
- White wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Drink: Apple cider or ginger beer for a non-alcoholic option.
- Vibe: Light acoustic folk music makes the perfect kitchen backdrop.
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
Storage Instructions
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- The broth will thicken slightly as it sits – that’s normal.
Freezer Tips
- Freeze in single portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from frozen by simmering gently or thaw overnight.
Reheating
- Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat gently over medium.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The broth (with chicken and veg) can be made a day ahead – just reheat and add dumplings fresh.
- Dumpling batter is best made just before cooking, but dry ingredients can be pre-mixed.
Shelf Life
- Best enjoyed within 2 days for dumpling texture.
- Still delicious on day 3 or 4, but dumplings may soften further.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Allergens: Contains Dairy, Gluten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out quicker.
Q: Why are my dumplings gummy inside?
A: They might not have steamed long enough or were stirred too early. Make sure to cover and simmer undisturbed.
Q: Can I freeze the dumplings?
A: Yes, freeze after they’re cooked. They reheat well in broth.
Q: Can I use Bisquick for the dumplings?
A: Yes – follow package directions for drop dumplings and cook the same way.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This dish takes me straight back to my childhood kitchen, watching my mom drop dumplings into a pot of bubbling chicken stew. The smell alone meant comfort, safety, and home. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the seasoning and added a few veggie boosts, but the soul of the dish remains unchanged: cozy, nourishing, and made with love.
Your Turn!
Have you made this cozy classic?
Leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag me – I love seeing your spins on it!