Dinner

Hearty Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Winter Comfort Food Recipe

Byanna orden January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This classic chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food for cold winter evenings. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings come together in a warm, satisfying stew that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has a light beige color. Inside the soup, there are several dumplings with a smooth, slightly yellow dough, floating on the top. Small pieces of green herbs and orange carrot bits are scattered inside the soup, adding color and texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and soft pink flowers can be seen blurred in the background. The overall look is warm and comforting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine the chicken thighs, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined, forming a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
Step 4: With the stew simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the broth. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam and puff up fully.
Step 5: After the dumplings are cooked through, season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and serve hot for a cozy winter meal.

Tips & Variations

For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
Keep the pot tightly covered while cooking dumplings to trap steam and help them rise properly.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the stew for extra aroma and depth.
Using skinless chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy meat without excess fat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwave reheating as it may make the dumplings tough.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup showing several golden dumplings floating on top, each dumpling having soft, slightly wrinkled surfaces. The soup is light beige with small bits of green herbs and orange carrot pieces scattered around. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft pink flowers blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

While you can freeze the stew, dumplings may become soggy after thawing. For best results, freeze the stew and add freshly made dumplings when reheating.