There’s something special about The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe the way its aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in for a taste. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm conversation, simple and honest, and it rewards patience with comfort. Clara wants you to know that this dish is gentle on beginners, generous with flavor, and surprisingly forgiving.
Even if you’ve never made dumplings before, you’ll find this recipe calm and satisfying. Think of it as a little cooking lesson you can enjoy while the house fills with steam and the kettle hums in the background. If you like comforting, hands-on meals, you’ll be right at home here, and you might discover a new weeknight favorite to pair with a salad or a roasted vegetable. For a different dinner idea that’s just as comforting, try a simple pasta skillet one night, then come back to these dumplings for a slower, cozier evening.
Why You’ll Love Making This The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This recipe lives up to its name because it keeps things straightforward without skimping on warmth or texture. You get tender shredded chicken, bright vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings all in one pot. It’s the kind of comfort food you can make on a busy night or when you want to slow down a little.
The dumplings are forgiving. They do not need exact shaping, and they cook in the broth to become tender and fluffy. The broth itself is an open invitation to play with flavor add a bay leaf when simmering, or finish with a little cream for richness. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken when time is tight, or roast your own if you want to control the seasoning.
Clara often makes this when friends drop by and when the weather wants something cozy. It’s an all-ages crowd-pleaser and a meal that brings people together without fuss.
Step-by-Step: How to Make The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”
Overview: You’ll sauté the base vegetables, add broth and chicken, mix a simple dumpling dough, drop spoonfuls into simmering broth, and let everything cook together gently. The whole process is relaxed and satisfying. Read through the steps once, then gather your ingredients and enjoy the rhythm of cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
1 rotisserie chicken (shredded (or 2 cups cooked chicken)), use a rotisserie for convenience and flavor.
6 cups chicken broth, choose low-sodium so you can control salt.
2 carrots (diced), add color and sweet notes.
2 celery stalks (diced), for classic soup flavor.
1 medium onion (chopped), onions build the savory base.
3 garlic cloves (minced), aromatic and warm.
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, butter gives richness, olive oil is lighter.
1 teaspoon salt, salt seasons the broth and brings flavors forward.
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible for better aroma.
1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, fresh herbs make all the difference.
2 cups all-purpose flour, the foundation for tender dumplings.
1 tablespoon baking powder, leavening for fluffy dumplings.
1 teaspoon salt, a second measure for the dough to balance flavor.
1 cup whole milk, whole milk makes the dough richer and softer.
4 tablespoons butter (melted), use real butter for rich flavor.
Directions: Cooking with Confidence
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Watch for the butter to melt and begin to shimmer or for the oil to warm until it moves easily across the pan.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally; you want the onions translucent and the carrots slightly tender, not browned. The pan should smell sweet and savory.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. The garlic should smell warm and nutty don’t let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; they add good flavor.
- Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper at this stage. If using rotisserie chicken, include any juices or a few browned bits for extra depth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and airy.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky. Don’t overmix stopping when the dough comes together keeps the dumplings tender.
- Using a spoon, drop small mounds of dough into the simmering broth, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread slightly; leave room so they don’t merge into one big dumpling. For uniform size, use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Resist lifting the lid; steam helps the dumplings cook through evenly. This is a good time to set the table or check small things in the kitchen.
- To make the broth creamier, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup of water and stirring it into the broth. Use the slurry if you prefer a thicker broth without added cream.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the broth thickens. Watch for the broth to have a silky sheen and coat the back of a spoon lightly. If using heavy cream, the broth will become rich and smooth.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Add a sprinkle of black pepper if you like more bite, and a drizzle of olive oil for shine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings will soak up broth over time; see storage tips below for the best way to keep them tender.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. Heat over low to medium, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the dumplings from breaking down.
Follow these steps and allow gentle cooking rather than rushing. You’ll end up with fluffy dumplings and a cozy, flavorful bowl.
How to Serve The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe and Make It Shine
Serve this dish simply in deep bowls so each spoonful has both broth and a dumpling. A small sprinkle of chopped parsley brings brightness and color to the plate. For a heartier meal, place the stew over a scoop of mashed potatoes or spoon it alongside buttered crusty bread.
Pair with light sides like steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts for some texture contrast. If you want something sweet at the end, a thin crisp cookie or applesauce is gentle and comforting. For a special touch, finish with a swirl of cream or a pat of butter on top; it melts into the broth and makes each bite silky.
How to Store The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Later
Cool the stew to room temperature for no more than an hour, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb liquid over time, so if you plan to store leftovers, consider keeping the dumplings and broth slightly separated when possible.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency and stir until the soup is hot. If the broth needs thickening after reheating, make a quick slurry of 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons water, whisk it into a small amount of the warm broth, then stir that back into the pot. For freezer storage, freeze the broth and chicken without the dumplings; the dumplings will change texture when frozen. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Clara’s Tips for Success
- Use the rotisserie chicken shortcut. It saves time and adds roasted flavor. If you have extra time, gently roast chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with salt and pepper for even better texture.
- Keep the dumpling dough slightly sticky. If it is too dry, dumplings will be dense. If it’s too wet, they will spread too much. Aim for a dough that holds together but still feels soft.
- Do not lift the lid while the dumplings cook. Steam is the secret to light, airy dumplings. Peek only after 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at two points: after you add the chicken to the broth and again just before serving. Broth, salt, and herbs can all shift as they reduce.
- If you want a sweet contrast on the side, try a simple cranberry nibble or garnish for the table; a homemade treat like these candied cranberries can be a bright companion to the comfort of the bowl.
Simple Variations to Try
- Herb-forward: Replace dried thyme with chopped fresh thyme and a little rosemary for a fragrant twist. Add the fresh herbs near the end so their flavor stays bright.
- Cheesy dumplings: Fold 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the dumpling dough for a gooey surprise inside. The cheese melts into pockets that are lovely against the broth.
- Creamier broth: Stir in up to 1 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer bowl. Reduce the amount of broth by 1/2 cup if you need a thicker result.
- Veg-forward: Add peas, mushrooms, or small diced potatoes when you add the chicken for more texture and heartiness. Root vegetables hold up well to simmering.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce when serving for a gentle heat.
For a sauce or finishing idea that pairs well with roasted or leftover chicken served alongside dumplings, you might enjoy exploring different options in this collection of sauces for chicken which can inspire side plates or variations.
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Drop small mounds of dough into the simmering broth, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- (Optional) Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for creamier broth.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the broth thickens.
- Serve chicken and dumplings in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the broth and chicken one day ahead and refrigerate. Make the dumplings fresh just before serving for the best texture. If you must make dumplings ahead, keep them separate and add them when reheating.
Can I use frozen dumplings or pre-made biscuits?
You can use pre-made biscuit dough dropped into simmering broth, but cooking times will vary. If using frozen dumplings, follow package directions and ensure they cook through fully in the simmering broth.
What if my dumplings aren’t fluffy?
Common causes are overmixing the dough, using old baking powder, or lifting the lid while they cook. Measure baking powder accurately and mix just until combined.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum in place of regular flour. Some blends behave differently, so you may need to add a touch more milk for the right consistency.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use shredded roasted cauliflower or chickpeas in place of chicken. The dumplings remain the same and will soak up the vegetable broth beautifully.
Final Encouragement or Closing Note
Cooking is a way to give yourself and others something warm and honest. This The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is built to help you feel capable and calm in the kitchen. Follow the steps, trust your senses, and remember: a little patience yields a lot of comfort. You’ve got this.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas or a slightly different approach to a classic pot of comfort, check out this Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for another simple version, or try this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for useful variations and techniques. These resources pair well with what you learned here and can help you build confidence and variety in the kitchen.
