Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

There are few dishes as comforting and soul-warming as a bowl of classic Chicken and Dumplings. This traditional recipe combines tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with light, fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s a dish that feels like home — hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Originally a humble farmhouse meal, Chicken and Dumplings has become a beloved comfort food that brings families together around the table. Its simple ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced meal that soothes both hunger and heart. Whether served on a cold winter night or as a nostalgic reminder of family dinners, this dish promises warmth, flavor, and pure comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably from chicken thighs or breasts)
1 cup milk or cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the broth)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
For the Dumplings:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables become soft and aromatic (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Create the Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add Chicken:
Stir in the shredded chicken and milk or cream. Let everything simmer for about 10–15 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors and create a creamy consistency.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Cook the Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will puff up and cook through with steam.
Finish and Serve:
Once the dumplings are tender and cooked inside, give the soup a gentle stir to thicken slightly. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or bone broth.
Avoid stirring too much after adding the dumplings — they can fall apart if disturbed.
To add more color and nutrition, include peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that’s pure comfort in every bite.