Here’s a cozy, classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe — tender chicken in a rich, creamy broth with fluffy, buttery dumplings on top. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal.
🍗🥣 Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 40–50 min
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 min
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth:
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2 tbsp butter or oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups chicken broth (or stock)
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3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
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2 tbsp flour (to slightly thicken broth — optional)
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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½ cup milk (or buttermilk)
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Optional: chopped parsley or thyme in the dough
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Base:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened (5–7 minutes).
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Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
2. Add Chicken & Broth:
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Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat veggies.
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Pour in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil.
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Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir in cream if using.
3. Make the Dumplings:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Do not overmix — batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Add Dumplings to Pot:
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Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tbsp each) onto the simmering broth.
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Cover the pot with a tight lid and simmer gently (don’t boil) for 15 minutes — no peeking!
5. Finish:
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After 15 minutes, uncover. Dumplings should be puffed and cooked through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
🧊 Storage:
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Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove or microwave — add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
🔁 Variations:
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Add peas or corn for extra veggies.
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Use biscuit dough or canned biscuits cut into chunks for shortcut dumplings.
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Want a crockpot version? I can provide one too!
Would you like a Southern-style (flat noodle) version or a gluten-free twist?