Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
When the chill of winter sets in or you find yourself yearning for something that envelopes you in warmth and nostalgia, there’s nothing quite as soothing as a steaming bowl of homemade chicken & dumplings. As comfort food goes, this classic dish brings the perfect balance of hearty flavors, tender chunks of chicken, and fluffy dumplings, making it a family favorite that transcends generations. I remember my grandmother in the kitchen, her hands working the dough for the dumplings, while the fragrant aroma of simmering chicken filled our home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create your own comforting homemade chicken & dumplings from scratch. You’ll discover not only the ease of preparation but also how ingredients come together to produce a bowl that your family will eagerly gather around. This dish is special because it embraces simplicity while delivering grand flavors, creating a fulfilling experience for your taste buds and soul alike. Let’s dive into making a dish that’s just as delightful to prepare as it is to enjoy.
What is Homemade Chicken & Dumplings?
Homemade chicken & dumplings is a beloved dish rooted deeply in American cuisine, especially in the Southern states. Traditionally, it consists of a creamy, savory chicken broth filled with tender, shredded chicken, vegetables, and topped with soft, pillowy dumplings. The dumplings can be prepared in various ways, but they usually take on a biscuit-like texture, absorbing the broth to enhance every bite.
The origins of chicken & dumplings date back to the early 18th century, influenced by European culinary traditions where stews and dumplings were staples. The key flavors of this dish come from the slow simmering of the chicken alongside aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf. The gentle cooking process transforms simple ingredients into something heartwarming. With every spoonful, you’re reminded of the comfort of family gatherings and shared meals filled with laughter.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
- Hearty and Comforting
- Nutrient-Dense
- Quick and Easy (one-pot!)
- Customizable with add-ins
- Leftovers taste even better
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Pure nostalgic comfort
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup milk
How to Make Homemade Chicken & Dumplings (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Base
Melt butter → sauté onion, celery, carrots (5 min).
Step 2: Add Chicken + Seasonings
Pour broth, add chicken, salt, pepper, thyme → simmer gently.
Step 3: Make Dumpling Dough
Mix flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt → stir in milk → thick sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Drop Dumplings
Spoon dough directly onto simmering broth → dumplings float.
Step 5: Steam the Dumplings
Cover tightly (no peeking!) → simmer 15–20 min.
Step 6: Adjust Broth & Serve
Thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed. Add parsley, enjoy warm!
Chef’s Tips, Variations & Substitutions
- Add cream or half-and-half for richness
- Add peas, corn, or green beans
- Use gluten-free flour for dumplings
- Add fresh dill or parsley to dumpling dough
- Swap chicken for turkey or sausage
What to Serve With Chicken & Dumplings
- Crisp green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Warm buttered cornbread
- Garlic breadsticks
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: 3–4 days (store dumplings separately if possible)
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (freeze broth/chicken mixture without dumplings)
- Reheat: Stove on low, add extra broth if thick
Nutrition Highlights
- Lean protein from chicken
- Veggies add fiber + vitamins A & C
- Comforting but adjustable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—add dumplings just before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—just cook longer until fully done before shredding.
Can I substitute the protein?
Turkey, sausage, or rotisserie chicken all work.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Do NOT overmix the dough, and do NOT lift the lid while cooking.
