There is something truly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken soup with pillowy dumplings floating atop—a meal that feels like a hug in food form. This Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up all those rich flavors. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want to savor a dish that’s both filling and full of heart. Once you make this classic soul-warming recipe, it just might become your go-to comfort meal for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients for this recipe is the first step to success. Each component plays a key role: fresh veggies create a fragrant base, savory chicken brings hearty protein, and the dumplings add that irresistible texture you’ll crave.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing veggies and melting into the dumpling dough for richness.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when diced and cooked until soft.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Bring a fresh, slightly peppery note to the base.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a warm, aromatic backbone.
- All-purpose flour: Used both to thicken the soup and as the main ingredient in the dumplings.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup’s comforting flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for ease and juiciness.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- Dried thyme and parsley: Herbs that bring an earthy, herbaceous finish.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (optional): For adding an extra layer of creamy decadence.
- Baking powder: Ensures the dumplings puff up light and fluffy.
- Garlic powder and dried herbs (optional): Give the dumplings a flavorful, homemade touch.
- Milk and melted butter for the dumplings: Keep the dough tender and flavorful.
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness, which forms the fragrant, flavorful base of your broth.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—you want that garlicky aroma but no bitterness. Then sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup for that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Add Chicken
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, stirring until smooth. Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Cream for Extra Richness (Optional)
If you want your soup to be creamy and decadent, this is the moment to stir in heavy cream or whole milk. It’s completely optional but highly recommended if you’re craving that velvety texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, optional garlic powder, and dried herbs. Pour in the milk and melted butter, then mix gently until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—don’t overwork it or your dumplings might turn out tough.
Step 6: Drop and Cook the Dumplings
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop portions of dough into the simmering soup one by one. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid—that steam helps them puff up to soft, tender perfection. Test one dumpling by cutting it in half to ensure the dough is fully cooked inside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, ladle generous servings into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that lovely pop of green and dig in while it’s piping hot. This is comfort food at its absolute best.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the creamy soup beautifully. If you like a little extra color and texture, a pinch of cracked black pepper on top never hurts. These simple garnishes elevate the dish without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal is often satisfying all on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad can round out the experience. Something crisp, like a tangy slaw or roasted vegetables, pairs nicely against the creamy texture of the dumplings and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls, which soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. Or ladle the chicken and dumplings over mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist on a traditional pairing. Presentation is such a joy when sharing this cozy dish with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the dumplings submerged in the broth to prevent them from drying out and becoming rubbery.
Freezing
I recommend freezing the soup and dumplings separately if possible because dumplings can change texture after thawing. Store the soup in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or milk can help revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too aggressively to keep the dumplings tender and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds plenty of flavor without extra cooking time.
Is it okay to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the heavy cream or milk and substitute with a dairy-free milk alternative if you like. The soup will still be delicious, just a little lighter in texture.
How do I know when dumplings are done?
The dumplings should puff up and feel firm to touch. The best way is to cut one open and ensure there’s no raw dough inside. It should be fluffy and cooked through.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumpling dough is best dropped fresh into simmering soup, but you can prepare the dough a little ahead and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a couple of hours.
What can I add to make my dumplings more flavorful?
Mix in herbs like thyme or parsley, garlic powder, or even a touch of grated cheese to customize your dumplings with extra flavor and personality.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is truly a love letter to classic comfort food. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and dreamy dumplings have a way of making cold days feel warmer and home feel cozier. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience the magic for yourself—once you do, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished meal in your family rotation.
Print
Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth loaded with vegetables and topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for a hearty and warming meal, it combines classic Southern-style flavors with easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley or thyme (optional, for herby flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Season: Add the shredded cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk for an extra creamy texture, if desired.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried herbs. Then stir in the milk and melted butter until the dough is just combined; it should be soft and slightly sticky without overmixing.
- Drop Dumplings: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid, until they are puffy and cooked through. Check by cutting one open to ensure no raw dough remains.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup along with the fluffy dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or omit it altogether.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough to keep them tender and fluffy.
- Keep the lid on while cooking dumplings to ensure they cook evenly with steam.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
