Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, a rich savory broth, and soft, fluffy homemade dumplings. This old-fashioned favorite brings together simple ingredients to create a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, chilly evenings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty homemade dish.
The broth is infused with onion, herbs, and tender chicken, while the dumplings cook gently until soft and pillowy. A combination of sage, thyme, and celery seed gives this recipe its classic homemade flavor.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy Sunday dinner or a busy weeknight, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting meal that feels like home in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Classic comfort food: A warm, hearty meal with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
- Homemade dumplings: Simple biscuit-style dumplings cook right in the flavorful broth.
- Rich and savory: Onion, herbs, and chicken broth create a delicious base.
- Family-friendly: A filling meal that works well for lunch or dinner.
- Made with simple ingredients: You can prepare this traditional dish with everyday pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Soup
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide tender pieces of chicken throughout the soup.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Olive oil: Helps soften the onion and develop the savory base.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid in which the chicken and dumplings cook.
- Water: Adjusts the broth to the desired consistency.
- Dried sage: Gives the soup its traditional, earthy flavor.
- Celery seed: Adds a subtle savory note reminiscent of classic chicken soup.
- Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbal aroma.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and balances the richness.
For the Homemade Dumplings
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dumpling dough.
- Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
- Cold butter: Creates a tender texture when incorporated into the flour.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang while helping make the dumplings soft.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and water. Stir in the sage, celery seed, thyme, and black pepper.
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The exact time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Check that the thickest part of each breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Cut the cold butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dumplings dense.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings
Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the hot liquid, leaving a little space between them.
The dumplings will expand as they cook, so avoid making them too large or overcrowding the pot.
Step 6: Cook Until Fluffy
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook the dumplings for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as escaping steam can interfere with the dumplings cooking evenly.
If your dumplings are especially large, they may need a few additional minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Check the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional black pepper or salt if needed. Stir gently around the dumplings without breaking them apart.
Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create tender dumplings with a pleasant texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together to prevent tough dumplings.
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer: A steady simmer cooks the dumplings without breaking them apart.
- Keep the lid closed: Trapping the steam helps the dumplings cook through and become fluffy.
- Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized chicken breasts cook more consistently.
- Adjust the broth: Add extra broth or water if the soup becomes thicker than you prefer.
- Check the dumplings before serving: Break open one of the largest dumplings to make sure the center is fully cooked.
Variations and Substitutions
Use Rotisserie Chicken
For a quicker version, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken breasts. Prepare the broth with the onion and seasonings, then add the shredded chicken before cooking the dumplings.
Add Vegetables
Carrots, celery, peas, or corn make delicious additions. Add firmer vegetables early enough to become tender before adding the dumplings.
Make Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For a richer broth, stir in a little milk or cream after the chicken is cooked. Keep the heat gentle and avoid boiling vigorously.
Add More Herbs
Fresh parsley, rosemary, or a little extra thyme can add more flavor. Use dried herbs sparingly because their flavor is concentrated.
Make Smaller Dumplings
Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to make smaller dumplings. These cook more quickly and are easier to portion into individual bowls.
What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side dish for extra variety.
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- A fresh garden salad
- Sautéed cabbage
- Roasted broccoli
- Cornbread
- Warm dinner rolls
Since the dish already contains chicken, broth, and dumplings, lighter vegetable sides are especially good choices.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer: The chicken and broth can be frozen, but the dumplings may become softer or change texture after thawing. For the best results, freeze the soup base separately from freshly made dumplings when possible.
Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a little chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened. Stir carefully to keep the dumplings intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my dumplings dense instead of fluffy?
Dense dumplings can result from overmixing the dough, using old baking powder, or cooking them without enough steam. Mix gently, check that your baking powder is fresh, and keep the pot covered during cooking.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Regular milk can be used, although the dumplings may have a slightly different flavor and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to the 3/4-cup mark. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes before using.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and often remain juicy. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then shred them before adding the dumplings.
How do I thicken the broth?
Allow the broth to simmer uncovered briefly before adding the dumplings, or mash a few cooked vegetables into the liquid if you’ve included them. You can also whisk a little flour with cold water separately and stir it into the simmering broth before adding the dumplings.
Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
It’s best to mix the dumpling dough shortly before cooking. Freshly prepared dough generally produces a better rise and texture.
How can I tell when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should look puffed and feel set. Cut one open to check that the center is cooked through and no longer doughy. Larger dumplings may need additional cooking time.
Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 55–60 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, water, sage, celery seed, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the gently simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort-food favorite that turns simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. Tender shredded chicken, a savory herb-infused broth, and soft homemade dumplings make every bowl deliciously comforting.
Make it for a family dinner, enjoy the leftovers for lunch, or prepare it whenever you’re craving a traditional homemade meal that brings everyone to the table.