Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that warms you up on a chilly day. It combines tender chicken with soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. The flavors are simple but delicious, making it a favorite for family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies!

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Making Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is easier than you think! Below are the ingredients and step-by-step directions to help you create this hearty meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken (boneless, skinless, cut into pieces)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 celery stalks (sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture on top of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings warm in bowls. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, for added flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Store Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat until hot, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.

Tips to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

  • Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
  • Make sure the broth is rich and flavorful; this adds depth to your dish.
  • Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
  • For a heartier dish, you can add peas or corn to the chicken mixture.

Variation

You can add different herbs or spices based on your taste. Some people enjoy adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or fresh spinach for a pop of color. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken makes the recipe faster. Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture and store it in the fridge. Add the dumplings just before you are ready to cook.

Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
It’s best to eat the dish fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. The dumplings may become a bit mushy when thawed and reheated, but they will still be tasty.

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting dish combining tender chicken with soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the chicken mixture
  • 1 lb chicken (boneless, skinless, cut into pieces)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 onion onion (chopped)
  • 2 carrots carrots (sliced)
  • 2 stalks celery (sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Making Dumplings
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture on top of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Final Seasoning
  1. Season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve warm in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley. Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Use fresh vegetables and rich broth for the best flavor. Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking for proper steaming.