Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cooked and shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed; 3/4 cup milk

Highlighted under: Soul-Soothing Meals

Warm up your kitchen with this comforting Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Packed with tender, shredded chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked right in the rich, creamy broth, this dish is the ultimate cozy meal for any occasion. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it brings a taste of nostalgia and heartiness to your dinner table.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-12-02T07:14:16.970Z

This dish is a classic comfort food that evokes warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

Comforting and Hearty Flavor

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming your soul on a cold day. The combination of tender chicken and hearty vegetables creates a rich flavor profile that is both satisfying and nourishing. Each bite is a delicious reminder of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. The creamy broth rounds out the dish, making it feel indulgent while still being simple and wholesome.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Spinach, peas, and green beans can be excellent additions, contributing to both flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and overall taste, making the dish uniquely yours.

Easy Preparation Steps

One of the best aspects of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is its simplicity. With just a few steps, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without spending all day in the kitchen. The preparation begins with simmering the flavorful broth, where the vegetables infuse their goodness into it, creating a robust foundation for your dish.

Once the broth is prepared, adding the shredded chicken is a breeze, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dumplings, made from basic pantry ingredients, can be whipped up in no time, making this a weeknight-friendly recipe that still feels like a special treat. In just a little over an hour, you'll have a fragrant dish ready to enjoy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is an excellent choice for various occasions, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. Its warm, inviting aroma draws people in, creating a sense of togetherness. Whether you're celebrating a special event or just looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe fits the bill. It's a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of sharing meals with loved ones.

Moreover, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy the comforting flavors for days to come. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and you'll have an easy, hearty meal ready to go any time you need it.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

1 whole chicken, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup milk

Mix all the ingredients well for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.

Add the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.

Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. The crispness of the salad or the chewiness of the bread can perfectly balance the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, a sprinkling of fresh parsley or chives on top before serving adds not only a pop of color but also a fresh taste that complements the creamy broth wonderfully.

For a more adventurous twist, serve with a side of your favorite pickle or fermented vegetables to introduce a tangy element that cuts through the richness of the dish. This balances the flavors nicely and adds a fun contrast, making your mealtime experience even more enjoyable.

Storing and Reheating

To store your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, allow it to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date to keep track of freshness. If you’d like to prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the dumpling batter separate until you’re ready to cook, which helps maintain their fluffy texture.

When reheating, place the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the broth. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to avoid scorching. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve the quality of the dish, and enjoy the comforting flavors that are just as good the second time around.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Just add dumplings when ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the dumplings may become mushy when reheated. It's best to freeze the broth and chicken separately.