Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken & dumplings. This dish wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, soft dumplings, and the perfect blend of savory herbs and hearty vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a hug from the inside out.

Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little culinary comfort, this recipe brings classic Southern cooking right into your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy meal for one, this hearty dish never fails to satisfy. Each spoonful delivers soul-soothing flavor and old-fashioned goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and soft dumplings.
• Perfect for Leftover Chicken: Great way to use rotisserie or cooked chicken.
• One-Pot Wonder: All made in a single pot for easier cleanup.
• Family Favorite: Both adults and kids devour it every time.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later.

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What Kind of Dumplings Should I Use?

There are a few variations of dumplings for this dish: rolled, drop, and biscuit-style. For this version, we use soft, pillowy drop dumplings that soak up all that savory broth without getting soggy. They’re easy to make and cook right on top of the stew—no separate pot or fuss needed.

If you prefer a more noodle-like texture, you can roll and cut the dough, but drop dumplings are beloved for their ease and rustic charm.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Each ingredient in this comforting dish plays a crucial role in building its signature rich and hearty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken (shredded): The heart of the dish. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Chicken broth: The base of the stew. Choose a rich, flavorful broth for depth.
• Carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and a tender bite.
• Celery: Offers a savory, aromatic crunch to balance the texture.
• Onion: Essential for building a savory foundation.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
• Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy base.
• Milk or cream: Creates that luscious, comforting broth.
• Baking powder: Gives the dumplings their soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt and pepper: To enhance all the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley: For a touch of color and brightness before serving.

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How To Make the Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Build the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Let it simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Cream

Stir in the shredded chicken and milk (or cream). Bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and milk until just combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Gently stir, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve hot. The dumplings should be fluffy and fully cooked inside.

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

This cozy dish is best served hot straight from the pot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It makes a full meal on its own, thanks to the protein-packed chicken, hearty dumplings, and vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe generously feeds 4 to 6 people.

To store leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, although the dumplings may slightly change texture when reheated. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

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What to Serve With Homemade Chicken & Dumplings?

H3: Garden Salad

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

H3: Roasted Vegetables

Roast carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for an earthy side.

H3: Buttery Biscuits

A warm biscuit is always welcome for soaking up the broth.

H3: Southern-Style Green Beans

Cooked with a bit of bacon and onion, they’re full of flavor and tradition.

H3: Cornbread

A slice of moist, slightly sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory stew.

H3: Pickled Vegetables

A tangy side like pickled okra or cucumbers helps cut through the richness.

H3: Mashed Potatoes

For an ultra-comforting combo, serve a scoop of mashed potatoes on the side or under the stew.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use biscuit dough for the dumplings?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought biscuit dough can work. Just cut it into pieces and drop into the simmering broth. However, homemade dumplings offer a softer, more delicate texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the dumplings just before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy.

What if I don’t have cream?
No problem. You can substitute cream with whole milk, evaporated milk, or even a mixture of milk and butter for richness.

How do I know when dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings should be puffed, firm to the touch, and no longer doughy in the center. Gently cut one open to check for doneness after steaming for 15 minutes.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotisserie chicken or cook your own? Did you sneak in any extra veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more comforting and hearty recipes like this one on my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest page.

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Conclusion

Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of warm kitchens, full bellies, and the power of simple ingredients. Whether you’re new to comfort cooking or revisiting an old favorite, this dish never disappoints. Keep it bookmarked for cozy nights, chilly days, or whenever your soul needs a little soothing.

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