Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you have ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich, flavorful broth loaded with sweet carrots, celery, and onions, topped with pillowy, soft dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and pleases every palate at the table. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply need some soul-soothing food, this classic recipe is your new go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity, using wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a key role, from the savory chicken broth to the tender vegetables, and, of course, the fluffy dumplings that crown the dish perfectly.

• 2 large chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded, or for an easy shortcut, rotisserie chicken works beautifully to save time.
• 8 cups water: The base for your homemade broth, which becomes the heart of the stew.
• 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken: Adds rich, concentrated chicken flavor to the broth for depth.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter: Sautéing the veggies in butter gives a luscious, savory richness that’s essential.
• 4 carrots, diced: For natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• 4 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle peppery crunch and aromatic freshness.
• 2 small yellow onions, finely diced: Provides a gentle sweetness that melts into the broth.
• ½ cup flour: Helps thicken the broth, creating a velvety texture without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings: Brings a lovely herbaceous warmth to the mix.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To balance and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle kick of aroma and depth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory profile even more.
• 2 cups bisquick: The foundation for your dumplings, offering that soft, tender bite.
• 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings): Ensures the dumplings are perfectly seasoned.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for dumplings): Adds a mild garlic flavor inside each fluffy bite.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings (for dumplings): Ties the flavors between the broth and dumplings together beautifully.
• ⅔ cup milk: Moistens the bisquick to create a thick but pliable dumpling batter.

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth

Start by combining the water with Better Than Bouillon in a large bowl, then microwave it until hot. This quick homemade broth is bursting with chicken flavor and will form the savory foundation of your stew. Stir well so all the richness dissolves evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté them gently, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes. This process softens the veggies while coaxing out their sweetness and aroma, which infuses the entire dish with warm, inviting notes.

Step 3: Thicken Your Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine completely. This step is crucial because as you add the hot chicken broth, the flour acts as a thickening agent to turn the liquid into a silky sauce rather than just soup. Bring everything to a boil to activate the thickening power.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the shredded chicken along with Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This is where your flavor profile really starts to shine as the chicken melds with the vegetables and broth for a cozy, homestyle taste.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Batter

Mix bisquick with the additional salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings in a bowl, then drizzle in the milk. Stir gently just until combined — the batter should be thick and a bit paste-like. Resist the urge to overmix because light dumplings come from a gentle touch!

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Using a tablespoon scoop, drop dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering pot, spacing them evenly so they have room to puff up without sticking together. Cover the pot and let them cook gently for 15 minutes; the dumplings will steam to soft, fluffy perfection inside the simmering broth.

Step 7: Finish Up Your Dumplings

Carefully flip each dumpling over using a spatula without breaking them apart, and cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes. This final step ensures the dumplings are evenly cooked and achieve a wonderfully tender top and bottom.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving. These herbs add a burst of freshness and a pretty green contrast. A small dollop of sour cream can also add a tangy creaminess if you like a little extra richness.

Side Dishes

This meal is often hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad makes for a well-rounded lunch or dinner. The bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover broth that’s too good to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your homemade chicken and dumplings in deep rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or for a fun twist, use individual ramekins for a lovely presentation at dinner parties. Garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add subtle complexity and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and dumplings store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them sealed in an airtight container to preserve all those flavors and the dumplings’ tender texture. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the dumplings.

Freezing

While you can freeze the broth and chicken mixture, dumplings don’t freeze as well because their texture can become gummy upon thawing. For best results, freeze the savory chicken broth and veggie base separately, then fresh-cook the dumplings when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To warm your leftovers, use low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the broth thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving dumplings for too long to maintain their softness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds delicious flavor while saving time. Just shred it up and add it according to the recipe. It works perfectly in this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can make the dish gluten-free by substituting the bisquick dumpling mix with a gluten-free baking mix and using gluten-free flour as a thickener. Make sure all your seasonings and broth bases are also gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn to add more color and nutrition. Add these toward the end of cooking so they maintain some texture and freshness.

How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings should be tender and slightly puffed up after simmering covered for 15 minutes. Flipping and cooking uncovered for another 2-3 minutes helps ensure they’re cooked through. If unsure, gently cut one open—it should be fluffy and cooked inside.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed. Stir occasionally and avoid high heat to keep the dumplings soft and the broth creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the kind of timeless comfort food that never fails to impress or satisfy. It’s warm, nourishing, and perfectly simple to make — just like a good friend’s cooking. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and bring a little extra coziness to your table. Your taste buds and your family will thank you!

Print