Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Tender shredded chicken, creamy savory broth, and fluffy homemade dumplings come together in this comforting classic.

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a rich, creamy chicken broth before being topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that cook right in the pot.

It’s hearty enough for a complete family dinner and simple enough to make on a cozy weeknight.

⏱ Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

For the Chicken Soup

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced, optional
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dumplings

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

If using leftover cooked chicken, remove any bones and skin.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Rotisserie chicken works especially well for this recipe.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and sliced celery.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Add the Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the pot.

Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the simmering broth.

Stir to distribute the chicken evenly.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for approximately 8–10 minutes, giving the flavors time to develop.

5. Add the Milk or Cream

Slowly stir in the milk or heavy cream.

If using heavy cream, the soup will be richer and thicker. Milk creates a lighter but still creamy broth.

Keep the soup at a gentle simmer.

Do not bring the dairy to a rapid boil.

Make the Dumplings

6. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed.

7. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the beaten egg and milk to the dry ingredients.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.

The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Do not overmix.

Overworking the dough can make the dumplings tough.

8. Drop the Dumplings Into the Soup

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop portions of dough and gently drop them directly into the simmering soup.

Leave a little space between the dumplings because they will expand as they cook.

Try to make the dumplings approximately the same size so they cook evenly.

9. Cover and Cook

Once all the dumplings have been added, cover the pot tightly with a lid.

Reduce the heat to low.

Simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes.

Keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook.

The trapped steam helps the dumplings become light and fluffy.

10. Check the Dumplings

After about 12 minutes, carefully remove the lid.

The dumplings should be puffed and cooked through.

Insert a toothpick into the center of one dumpling.

It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the center is still doughy, cover the pot again and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

11. Adjust the Soup

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add a small amount of warm chicken broth or milk.

12. Serve

Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of tender chicken, vegetables, broth, and fluffy dumplings.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if desired.

Serve immediately while hot.

Chef’s Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut and adds excellent flavor. Leftover roasted chicken also works beautifully.

Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough

Mix only until the ingredients come together. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Keep the Soup at a Gentle Simmer

A hard boil can cause the dumplings to break apart or cook unevenly.

Keep the Lid Closed

Steam is essential for fluffy dumplings. Avoid opening the lid repeatedly during cooking.

Use Consistent Dumpling Sizes

A cookie scoop makes it easy to portion the dough evenly so every dumpling finishes cooking at the same time.

How to Make Extra-Fluffy Dumplings

For the lightest dumplings:

1. Make sure your baking powder is fresh.
2. Use cold or room-temperature milk.
3. Don’t overmix the dough.
4. Don’t make the dumplings too large.
5. Drop them into gently simmering soup.
6. Cover the pot immediately.
7. Avoid lifting the lid while they cook.

Flavor Variations

Herb Chicken and Dumplings

Add fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dumpling dough.

Garlic Herb Dumplings

Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley to the dumpling mixture.

Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings

Add diced carrots along with the onion and celery.

Extra-Creamy Version

Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, more luxurious broth.

Cheddar Dumplings

Fold ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dumpling dough.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The soup base can be prepared several hours ahead of time and refrigerated.

For the best dumpling texture, prepare the dumplings and cook them shortly before serving.

If preparing the entire dish ahead, keep in mind that the dumplings will absorb some of the broth as they sit.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 days.

Store the dumplings together with the soup.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Avoid vigorous boiling, which can cause the dumplings to break apart.

Recipe Summary

This Classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, creamy chicken broth, and soft homemade dumplings in one comforting pot.

It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a warm, satisfying homemade meal.

Tender chicken + creamy broth + fluffy dumplings = classic comfort food at its best.