The Best Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Recipe

I’ve always found chicken and dumplings to be the ultimate comfort dish, but getting the perfect texture and flavor can be tricky. Over time, I’ve refined a recipe that balances tender chicken, a rich, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for guests. If you want to elevate your cooking game, discovering the secrets behind this dish might just change your kitchen routine.

Recipe

If there’s one dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe—trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat. Crafted with tender chicken, creamy broth, and pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth, this recipe is a game-changer.

The secret? A dash of thyme and a splash of heavy cream that take the flavor to a whole new level. Every spoonful is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, with the dumplings soaking up all that savory goodness.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday afternoon, this dish is pure soul food. And don’t worry—it’s easier to make than you think, and the results are restaurant-worthy.

Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone at your table) with this classic, homemade perfection.

Ingredients

For the ultimate comfort food experience, this homemade chicken and dumpling recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a rich, hearty dish. The key is in the details—fresh herbs, a well-seasoned broth, and tender dumplings that melt in your mouth. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) – Using a whole chicken adds depth of flavor to the broth, but you can swap for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts if preferred.
• 1 onion, chopped – Yellow onions work best for their sweetness.
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
• 3 celery stalks, sliced – Essential for a classic mirepoix base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic punch.
• 6 cups chicken broth – Homemade is ideal, but store-bought low-sodium works too.
• 2 bay leaves – A must for simmering—removes before serving.
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme – Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but dried is a fine substitute.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Season generously, tasting as you go.

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for light, fluffy dumplings.
• 1 tbsp baking powder – Don’t skip this—it’s what makes the dumplings rise.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the flavor of the dumplings.
• 1 cup whole milk – Buttermilk can be used for extra richness.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flair:

• 1 cup frozen peas – Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – For a bright, fresh finish.
• A splash of heavy cream – Stir into the broth for extra richness.

Pro Tips:

• Use cold butter when making dumpling dough for a flakier texture.
• If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking a whole chicken—just simmer the carcass for 30 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
• Don’t overwork the dumpling dough—mix until just combined to keep them tender.

How to Make the Best Classic Southern Dumplings

– Start by prepping your ingredients – Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the vegetables. Having everything ready beforehand guarantees a smoother cooking process.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife for even cuts, which helps the chicken cook uniformly.

– Sauté the vegetables – Heat oil in a large pot and cook the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. This builds the flavor base for your dish.

Watch Out: Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy.

– Brown the chicken – Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. This step locks in juices and enhances the overall taste.

Why It Matters: Browning creates caramelization, adding depth to your dish.

– Add broth and seasonings – Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Time-Saving Trick: Use store-bought broth, but opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.

– Prepare the dumpling dough – While the soup simmers, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.

Visual Cue: The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape when scooped.

– Drop the dumplings into the soup – Spoon small portions of dough directly into the simmering broth. Space them out to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Dip your spoon in broth before scooping to make the dough slide off easily.

– Cover and cook – Let the dumplings simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes. This allows them to cook through and absorb the broth’s flavor.

Watch Out: Don’t lift the lid too often; it releases steam and disrupts the cooking process.

– Check for doneness – The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through, and the broth thickened slightly.

Visual Cue: Insert a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean if done.

– Serve immediately – Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Flexibility: Adjust the broth thickness by adding more liquid or simmering longer to reduce.

Pro Tip: Leftovers reheat well, but the dumplings may absorb more broth. Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.

Nutrition

This homemade chicken and dumpling recipe provides a comforting and hearty meal. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

Chef Tips

When making this chicken and dumpling recipe, I always recommend using homemade stock if you’ve got it—it adds way more depth of flavor than store-bought. Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough; it should be just combined to keep them tender.

Simmer gently to prevent the dumplings from falling apart. Use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for a balance of moisture and texture. Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor.