There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, and this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a true celebration of that cozy goodness. Imagine tender, shredded chicken nestled in a rich, velvety broth accented by earthy herbs and vegetables, all topped with fluffy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. This recipe combines simple, clean ingredients with straightforward techniques to deliver a classic dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a chilly evening or when you simply crave soul-soothing nourishment, this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is your go-to for delicious, heartfelt eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role: bright vegetables add freshness, butter brings richness, and simple pantry staples transform into tender dumplings that crown the dish perfectly.
- Butter: Six tablespoons provide a silky base and help soften the veggies beautifully.
- Yellow onion: One cup diced for a subtle sweetness that enhances depth.
- Matchstick carrots: One cup for a slight crunch and bright color contrast.
- Diced celery: One cup to lend a fresh, herbal note and texture.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced to infuse savory warmth throughout the soup.
- Evaporated milk: A 12-ounce can adds creamy richness without heaviness.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Four cups build the hearty protein foundation.
- All-purpose flour: Two cups for the fluffy dumplings that make this dish unforgettable.
- Fresh thyme and black pepper: To taste, for that essential herbal lift and subtle spice.
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This rich base coats the pan and awakens the senses as you add diced onion, matchstick carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about five minutes until they soften and release sweet, fragrant aromas—this step lays the flavorful groundwork for your soup.
Step 2: Build the Roux and Add Garlic
Next, stir in minced garlic and sprinkle in flour directly into the vegetables. Cooking this mixture for an additional minute allows the flour to toast lightly, which thickens the broth later and adds a subtle, nutty undertone essential for the soup’s luscious consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids for the Broth
Gradually pour in evaporated milk along with chicken stock while stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy base. This gentle blend results in a luscious broth that perfectly complements the hearty additions coming next.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, place raw chicken breasts into the broth now, adding an extra cup of broth to ensure enough liquid for cooking. Simmer gently for about twenty minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the pot for even distribution of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, fresh thyme, milk, and melted butter until just combined. The key to perfect dumplings is gentle mixing to keep them light and fluffy once steamed atop the simmering soup.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter carefully into the simmering soup in the Dutch oven. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for about fifteen minutes without lifting the lid. This step ensures they puff up while absorbing the delicious broth beneath, becoming soft, pillowy little bites of comfort.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional thyme on top adds a refreshing green vibrancy that brightens the bowl. If you like a hint of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can complement the richness beautifully without overpowering the gentle flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread to cut through the creamy texture with some crunchy contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables also make excellent vegetable sides that keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic yet charming touch, serve the homemade chicken and dumplings in individual deep bowls garnished with a sprig of thyme. Alternatively, a large, inviting casserole dish straight from the oven encourages a cozy family-style experience, perfect for gathering friends around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dumplings may absorb additional broth, so the texture may become softer, but the flavors only deepen as it rests.
Freezing
While this dish freezes well, it’s best to freeze the soup base and dumplings separately for optimal texture. Plate the dumplings on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them into freezer bags. The broth freezes beautifully in sealed containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheating frozen dumplings, thaw them first or warm directly in the simmering broth until heated through, preserving their light texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover roast chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut and only enhances the flavor, making the process quicker without sacrificing any of the cozy deliciousness of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.
What kind of flour is best for the dumplings?
All-purpose flour works perfectly here. It provides the right structure and tenderness you want in your dumplings, keeping them light but sturdy enough to hold their shape in the broth.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture. The dumplings might be slightly more delicate, so handle the batter gently.
Is evaporated milk necessary in this recipe?
Evaporated milk adds creamy richness with less fat compared to heavy cream, making the broth velvety without being too heavy. If you prefer, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture and flavor might be slightly lighter.
How do I ensure my dumplings turn out fluffy and not dense?
The key is to mix your dumpling batter just until ingredients are combined; over-mixing can make them tough. Also, avoid lifting the lid while they steam, as the trapped steam is what helps them rise into those soft, tender dumplings we all love.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is like inviting a little bit of warmth and nostalgia into your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting, perfect for sharing around the table with family and friends. Once you’ve tasted the tender chicken, luscious broth, and fluffy dumplings, you’ll understand why this recipe is a beloved classic. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and start cooking—you’re in for a truly delightful meal.
Print
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers a comforting, classic Southern dish featuring tender shredded chicken in a creamy vegetable-filled broth, topped with fluffy, steamed dumplings made from scratch. Perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Broth and Chicken Mixture
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups chicken stock (plus extra 1 cup if using raw chicken)
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, matchstick carrots, and diced celery; cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and all-purpose flour; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually add the evaporated milk and chicken stock to the pot while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Add Chicken: If using raw chicken, add it now along with an extra cup of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it finely, then return it to the soup. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it in this step.
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, thyme, milk, and melted butter. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough dumplings.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the Dutch oven tightly and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing them to fully cook and become fluffy.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or raw chicken depending on your preference; adjust broth quantity if using raw chicken accordingly.
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings steam to ensure they cook evenly and rise properly.
- Fresh thyme enhances the flavor of both broth and dumplings, but dried thyme can be substituted.
- For thicker broth, you can reduce the chicken stock slightly or cook uncovered a few minutes before adding dumplings.
