Serves 6 • Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 45 mins • Total: 1 hr 5 mins

Classic Chicken and Dumplings — tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth with soft, pillowy dumplings floating on top. This heartwarming comfort dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a bowl of pure coziness. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.

See the full recipe below 👇

🧾 Ingredients (6 servings)

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or cream
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions — Step by Step

1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Shred the chicken: While broth simmers, shred the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return to the pot and stir.
5. Make the dumpling dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. Dough should be sticky but not runny.
6. Cook the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering broth. Cover pot and cook 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings will puff and cook through.
7. Finish the stew: Stir in cream or milk, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
8. Serve: Ladle chicken, dumplings, and vegetables into bowls. Enjoy warm with crusty bread if desired.

🔁 Flavor Variations & Add-ins

• Herbed dumplings: Add fresh rosemary or sage to the dough for extra aroma.
• Vegetable boost: Add peas, green beans, or corn for more texture and color.
• Chicken and biscuit twist: Use pre-made biscuit dough for a shortcut.
• Low-carb option: Replace flour with a keto flour blend and milk with almond milk.

🧊 Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dumplings are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker with broth for 3–4 hours on high, then add dumplings during the last 30 minutes.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Dumplings don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the chicken and broth separately and make fresh dumplings when ready.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just reduce simmering time and add the chicken toward the end so it doesn’t dry out.