Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dish that brings cozy, homespun goodness to your table, this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is sure to hit the spot. Imagine tender shredded chicken, pillowy-soft dumplings, and a creamy, aromatic broth brimming with savory vegetables and fresh thyme. This recipe weaves together classic flavors and a touch of nostalgia—the kind you’d expect from a recipe passed down through generations. Whether you’re feeding a group or simply craving a bowl of comfort, this dish delivers every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is all about familiar ingredients transforming into something extraordinary. Simple as they may be, every component adds its own charm—be it depth of flavor, irresistible texture, or a pop of color that instantly brightens your bowl.
- Butter: Start with butter to build a rich, silky flavor base for the broth.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion softens and melts into the soup, offering sweetness and subtle complexity.
- Matchstick carrots: These add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Provides crunch and earthiness, key to classic soup flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings warmth and a gentle kick that enhances every spoonful.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy broth and giving structure to the dumplings.
- Evaporated milk (or half and half): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being heavy.
- Chicken stock: Forms the backbone of the soup’s savory depth—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
- Shredded cooked chicken: You can use leftovers or poach chicken just for this—either way, it’s juicy and satisfying.
- Fresh thyme (or dried thyme): Offers a lightly floral and earthy aroma; fresh is best but dried is totally fine in a pinch.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Perks up the flavor and adds just the right amount of heat.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors, so don’t skimp—taste as you go!
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): The base for delightful, soft dumplings.
- Baking powder: Makes dumplings puff up into tender clouds.
- Whole milk: Keeps the dumplings moist and tender, blending with the butter for a rich dough.
- Melted butter (for dumplings): Infuses the dumplings with buttery flavor in every bite.
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables for a Flavorful Start
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, matchstick carrots, and celery. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften up and the aroma fills your kitchen. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting the flavor bloom without browning.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir everything together, making sure each veggie is coated. Cook, stirring constantly for just a minute—it helps remove that raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock, all while stirring. This is your roux in action! It will thicken the soup and set you on the path to that signature creamy texture. Keep stirring to avoid lumps or any burning bits on the bottom—patience pays off here.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Let It Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add in the shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to a happy simmer and let it bubble gently, uncovered, while you whip up those homemade dumplings. The chicken softens further, absorbing all the savory goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, fresh (or dried) thyme, salt, and pepper for the dumplings. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk and melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to gently mix until a soft dough forms—it should be just moist enough to pull together. If it feels dry, simply add a dash more milk.
Step 5: Drop the Dumplings Into the Soup
Once your dough is ready, grab a medium cookie scoop or a couple of spoons to form small, uniform dumplings (about 2 tablespoons each). Drop them with care around the simmering soup so they don’t pile in the same spot. Once all are added, give them a gentle press so the tops touch the soup—this ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Place a lid on your pot and lower the heat so the soup stays at a gentle bubble. Let the dumplings cook, covered, for about 15 minutes. About halfway through, gently press any floating dumplings down and break apart any that are sticking together. Give one a quick cut to check for doneness—they should be light and cooked all the way through. If needed, simmer an extra 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 7: Serve Steaming Hot!
Once the dumplings are cooked and the soup is beautifully thickened, ladle generous portions into bowls and serve immediately. Feel free to let your guests help themselves—this is the kind of meal that invites second helpings!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Bring an extra layer of beauty and flavor to your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe by sprinkling on a handful of fresh chopped parsley, a few thyme sprigs, or an extra dash of cracked black pepper. These fresh touches offer vibrant color and a pop of herbal aroma that awakens the senses.
Side Dishes
The creamy, savory broth pairs perfectly with simple sides—think buttered green beans, crisp salad, or warm, crusty bread for mopping up every drop. Classic steamed or roasted vegetables round out the meal and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in rustic soup bowls or even wide mugs for a homey, cozy vibe. For family gatherings, dish it up family-style in a Dutch oven at the center of the table. And for a fun twist, portion into mini cocottes or ramekins for individual servings—perfect for dinner parties or holiday feasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe keeps its flavor wonderfully for up to 4 days. The dumplings may continue to absorb broth, so expect a thicker, stew-like consistency after a day or so.
Freezing
You can freeze the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe too! For the best texture, freeze the soup and dumplings in separate containers if possible. If they’re already combined, that’s fine—just note that dumplings may get a little softer once thawed, but the flavors will still be spot-on. Use within 2–3 months for best taste.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, warm slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up if needed. If you’re microwaving individual portions, cover loosely and stir every minute or so to guarantee even heating. Avoid boiling to keep the dumplings tender.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Simply add raw, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in step 3, simmer until fully cooked, then remove, shred, and return to the pot before adding the dumplings.
What’s the best way to make fluffy dumplings?
The secret is not to overmix! Stir until just combined and always use fresh baking powder—this ensures your dumplings rise into tender, fluffy clouds.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or diced potatoes for extra color and heartiness. Just add firmer veggies early so they have time to soften.
How do I avoid gummy dumplings?
Make sure your broth is actively simmering before adding the dough, and cook the dumplings covered, undisturbed, until set. Resist stirring too much while they’re cooking!
Is the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe gluten-free?
As written, it’s not, but you can try swapping in your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for both the soup and dumplings. The results may vary slightly, but many home cooks have success with this substitution.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into your kitchen—it’s pure comfort, perfect for sharing, and promises to soothe both heart and soul. There’s nothing quite like a bowlful of homemade goodness, so why not create those cozy memories today?
Print
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty homemade chicken and dumplings recipe that is perfect for cozy family dinners. This classic dish features tender shredded chicken in a creamy soup base with fluffy, herb-infused dumplings on top.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk or half and half
- 1 quart (32 oz) chicken stock
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Soup: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic, then stir in flour. Slowly add milk and chicken stock, bring to a boil, then add chicken, thyme, pepper, and salt. Simmer.
- Dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pepper, salt, and thyme. Add milk and butter, mix until dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust seasoning and thickness of soup as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, homemade, cozy, family dinner
