When it comes to pure comfort food, you really cannot go wrong with a classic chicken and dumplings recipe. Made from scratch, this traditional dish is sure to warm your body and soul!

chicken and dumplings in a white bowl

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Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A rich and creamy chicken stew topped with homemade dumplings is one of my all time favorite recipes, and it’s on my menu as soon as the weather starts to get a bit chilly.

Hearty and filling, this is perfect go to when you want to get cozy, and it’s so simple to make. This is one delicious family meal.

Be sure to try my Beef Stew and Chicken Stew for more comfort foods.

Why you’ll love this Traditional Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:

  • MADE FROM SCRATCH: Both the chicken stew and the dumplings are made from scratch, so it’s easy to adjust to suit your own tastes.
  • ONE POT: This dish is all made in one pot on the stovetop, so even the clean up is a breeze.
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY: Even the picky eaters in your family will adore this recipe!

When you want something rich, tasty and wholesome, you can not go wrong with this recipe!

step by step photos for how to make chicken and dumplings
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chicken and dumplings in a white bowl

How to make Chicken and Dumplings – From-Scratch

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Brown the chicken in the pot and set aside.
  2. Soften the onions, garlic and carrots.
  3. Stir in the flour and add the chicken back to the pot.
  4. Add the rest of the stew ingredients and cover the pot.
  5. Make the dumplings by combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  6. Scoop the dough into balls and place on top of the chicken stew.
  7. Cover and cook til the dumplings are cooked through.
ladle in a pot full of chicken and dumplings
chicken and dumplings in a white bowl
What is the best cut of chicken to use for chicken and dumplings?

I prefer to make this recipe with chicken breast, but you can use thighs as well, or a mixture of both.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

The dumplings only take minutes to make from scratch, but you can make the mix up to a day ahead of time and keep covered in the fridge. They are easily whipped up as the chicken soup is cooking.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

This is a great make ahead meal. Leftovers will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge, or up to 3 months frozen. Thaw fully before reheating on the stovetop.

Can I make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?

This recipe is super delicious, but if you have a busy day ahead of you, then my Crockpot chicken and dumplings are a great option that you can make up earlier in the day and come home to one delicious family dinner.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve chicken and dumplings with a side of veggies or some bread to mop up the soup. Try them with:

This is one hearty and filling dish and is perfect when you need a little bit of comfort. Cozy up with a big bowl!

overhead image of chicken and dumplings in a white bowl and in a saucepan
ladle in a pot full of chicken and dumplings

Tips!

  • You can easily add additional veggies to his recipe like mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Keep the lid on the pot when you add the dumpling dough, as the steam will help them to rise and cook through.
  • If making ahead of time, let cool fully before storing.

Easy to make and full of rich and creamy flavors, this is sure to become a family favorite.

chicken and dumplings in a white bowl with a spoon

There are no other words to describe chicken and dumplings, other than pure comfort! Rich and delicious and pretty easy to make too!

More Cozy Soup Recipes we Love

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe Card

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

4.71 from 113 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Author: Becky Hardin
featured chicken and dumplings
When it comes to pure comfort food, you really cannot go wrong with a classic chicken and dumplings recipe. Made from scratch, this traditional dish is sure to warm your body and soul!
Save this recipe!
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Ingredients 

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

For the Dumplings

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Instructions 

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, cook until it’s no longer pink, then remove to a plate and set aside.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 ½ pounds chicken, Kosher salt, Black pepper
    chicken for chicken and dumplings in a pot with a wood spoon
  • Melt the butter in the pot, then add the onions and carrots, cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and stir for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant.
    ¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 medium carrots, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
    cooked veggies for chicken and dumplings in a pot with a wood spoon
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Return the chicken and any juices to the pot and stir.
    ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    chicken for chicken and dumplings in a pot with a wood spoon
  • Add the chicken broth, cream, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the frozen peas, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes.
    4 cups chicken broth, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 bay leaf, 1 cup frozen green peas
    chicken and dumplings soup in a pot with a hand holding a wood spoon
  • Meanwhile, make the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a measuring cup, whisk together milk and melted butter until combined. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring just until moistened.
    1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    dumplings mixture in a glass bowl
  • Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch round balls. Gently drop the dough balls into the simmering soup, being sure they don’t touch.
    scooping dumplings into a pot of chicken and dumplings soup
  • When all of the dumplings have been added, cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Remove the lid and stir in the parsley.
    dumplings added to chicken soup in a pot
  • Portion the hot soup and dumplings into shallow bowls and serve with additional parsley, if desired.
    ¼ cup fresh parsley

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • You can easily add additional veggies to his recipe like mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Keep the lid on the pot when you add the dumpling dough, as the steam will help them to rise and cook through.
  • If making ahead of time, let cool fully before storing.
Calories: 609kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 29gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 889mgPotassium: 749mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4478IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.71 from 113 votes (106 ratings without comment)
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14 Comments
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Maxine Lopez
Maxine Lopez
October 22, 2023 6:29 pm

I made this today. So easy so good! I might try adding chicken bouillon to the dumplings next time. And there will be a next time 🩷5 stars

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Samantha Marceau
October 23, 2023 9:17 am
Reply to  Maxine Lopez

We’re so happy to hear you loved this recipe, Maxine!!

Nicole
Nicole
October 13, 2023 5:18 pm

This is the first time ever making this I haven’t tried it yet but looks Great .4 stars

71892823323__51018B9C-3446-4492-9C47-A034104114E8.fullsizerender.jpeg
Samantha Marceau
October 16, 2023 9:15 am
Reply to  Nicole

Looks wonderful! Hope you love it!

Janice
Janice
October 10, 2023 7:52 pm

Excellent. My husband said it’s the best he’s ever had.5 stars

Samantha Marceau
October 11, 2023 9:56 am
Reply to  Janice

We’re so glad to hear that, Janice!

annette ashbacher
annette ashbacher
November 1, 2022 9:24 am

it was delicious. I used rotiserrie chicken and it turned out amazing. Thanks!5 stars

Courtney Minor
November 1, 2022 12:34 pm

So happy you enjoyed it!

Tina
Tina
January 30, 2022 8:41 am

Very good 👍5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 4, 2022 3:34 pm
Reply to  Tina

Thanks for stopping by!

Linda
Linda
November 17, 2021 6:56 am

I was so happy to find this recipe for chicken and dumplings! I like the fact that it has carrots and onions and cream. I don’t put peas in mine but I wouldn’t mind some just not too many. I put celery in mine. I’ve never made drop dumplings, probably because my mom always made rolled dumplings. But I know that I’d love dropped dumplings as well.
I always add Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor to mine, just like a richer flavor. I always mix flour and cream for a thicker more gravy like broth.
I can’t imagine another meal that would be as comforting and tummy pleasing than a good big bowl of chicken and dumplings!!!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 18, 2021 12:51 pm
Reply to  Linda

Soudns amazing!!

Dad
Dad
November 11, 2021 5:52 am

I made this for supper last night as a cold front was moving in. My wife and kids loved it! Will definitely make again. Perfect for the cold months ahead.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 11, 2021 12:41 pm
Reply to  Dad

Thanks for sharing! Such a comforting dish.