Craving something that wraps you up in a warm, cozy hug with every bite? Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is just that kind of dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and steeped in old-fashioned goodness. From tender shredded chicken to soft, fluffy dumplings, each spoonful is packed with flavor and love. Whether it’s a chilly day or you just need a soul-satisfying meal, this classic never disappoints.

Imagine a simmering pot filled with slow-cooked chicken, sliced carrots, and soft dumplings all mingling in a savory, thickened broth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a remedy for long days and empty stomachs. Made with simple ingredients and timeless techniques, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to set up your kitchen for success. Here are the essential tools and equipment you’ll need:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is key for even heat distribution and keeping a steady simmer, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly and your dumplings fluff up instead of sinking.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping carrots, onions, and any fresh herbs you use.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: These help with removing the chicken once it’s cooked for shredding.
Whisk: Perfect for blending the broth and thickening agents smoothly.
Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine the dumpling dough ingredients until just mixed.
Ladle: For serving up generous, steaming bowls.

Having these on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Once your prep is done and your kitchen tools are ready, the magic can begin.

Ingredients for the Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Every element in this recipe plays a role in creating layers of comfort and richness. Let’s walk through the essentials:

Chicken (bone-in, skinless): Adds a deep, savory base to the broth and becomes perfectly tender when simmered.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savoriness of the soup while adding texture and color.
Celery: Provides a subtle earthy flavor and helps build the classic mirepoix base.
Yellow Onion: Essential for developing aromatic depth in the broth.
Garlic: Adds that extra warmth and aroma to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Forms the rich body of the soup; opt for low sodium to control seasoning.
Bay Leaf & Fresh Thyme: Elevate the broth with herbal undertones.
All-purpose Flour & Baking Powder: The backbone of the dumplings, giving them their signature rise and tenderness.
Milk & Butter: Make the dumplings rich and soft, almost biscuit-like.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning every layer, from broth to dough.

How To Make the Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Base Flavors

Start by heating a drizzle of oil in your Dutch oven. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Toss in a bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and falling apart.

Step 3: Shred and Return

Remove the chicken with tongs, shred it using two forks, and discard the bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir gently.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter and milk just until combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be sticky but cohesive.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough directly onto the bubbling soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They’ll puff up into tender clouds.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure not to break the dumplings.

Serving and Storing Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the pot. Ladle it generously into deep bowls, making sure everyone gets both plenty of broth and fluffy dumplings. It pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of sourdough or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness.

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The dumplings may absorb more broth over time, so adding a splash of water when reheating can help bring it back to life. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions (sans dumplings, if you prefer) for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep dumplings from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until the ingredients come together. A light hand is the key to fluffy dumplings.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely. While simmering fresh chicken adds richness to the broth, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just add it after the broth is seasoned.

Are these dumplings drop-style or rolled?

These are drop-style dumplings, which are quicker and more rustic. If you prefer rolled and cut dumplings, you can adapt the dough slightly by reducing the milk.

What can I use instead of milk in the dumpling dough?

You can substitute buttermilk for added tang or use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you’re going dairy-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours. Add the dumplings in the last hour and cover tightly.

Why can’t I lift the lid while the dumplings cook?

Lifting the lid releases steam that’s crucial for the dumplings to rise properly. Resist peeking for the fluffiest results.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this bowl of Homemade Chicken & Dumplings hit the spot, you’ll love diving into these comforting favorites from the blog:

Try the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup if you’re craving velvety cheese richness with every bite. For something heartier, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup is packed with rustic flavor and protein-packed legumes.

Feeling adventurous? The Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup brings bold herbs and tender meatballs to your spoon, while the Wendy’s Chili Recipe delivers fast-food comfort made better at home.

Or take your taste buds on a trip with the Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup — it’s creamy, spicy, and bright with lime.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this cozy classic to your soup board for easy access next time. Just click the Pin button!

If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you go the traditional route or put your own twist on it? Leave a comment below and let’s swap notes.

For more comfort food inspiration, you can also follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share new recipes daily.

Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a cozy, comforting classic made from tender shredded chicken, a rich savory broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for family dinners or cold nights, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

2. Add chicken, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer covered for 30–35 minutes until chicken is tender.

3. Remove chicken, shred it, discard bones, and return meat to pot.

4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a sticky dough forms.

5. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into simmering soup. Cover and cook without lifting the lid for 15 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir and serve warm.