Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun dips below the horizon and a chill settles in the air, I find myself craving the cozy embrace of a classic dish: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. There’s something magical about the way tender chicken mingles with fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that instantly transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen. This one-pot meal isn’t just a comforting staple; it saves time while pulling together everyone at the dinner table, giving you more moments to create memories. Plus, with simple variations like a gluten-free option or even a meatless twist, this timeless recipe accommodates everyone. Are you ready to savor the warmth of nostalgia and fill your home with the heartwarming smells of home-cooked goodness? Let’s get started! Why Are Chicken and Dumplings So Comforting? Nostalgia envelops this warm dish, reviving cherished family memories with every bite. Versatile adaptations, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, make it accessible for everyone. Simplicity reigns as it’s a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. This recipe’s crowd-pleaser status ensures that everyone around the table will leave satisfied. For more delicious ideas, try these Rotisserie Chicken Tacos or Crockpot Chicken Tacos for quick and easy options! Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients For the Soup • Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables. • Onion – Provides a savory base flavor that enhances the broth. • Carrots – Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. • Celery – Complements the flavor profile, enriching the soup base. • Garlic – Perfect for enhancing the depth of flavor in the broth. • Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a central protein source. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste preference. • Chicken Broth – Serves as the luxurious liquid base for this rich soup. • Dried Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Thyme – Aromatic seasonings that elevate the flavor. • Evaporated Milk – Adds creaminess without overwhelming richness. • Frozen Peas – Introduces a pop of sweetness and color. For the Dumplings • All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the soup and forms the dumplings; gluten-free flour works as a substitution. • Baking Powder – Ensures the dumplings rise and become fluffy. • Milk – Combines with flour to create a soft, manageable dumpling dough. This chicken and dumplings recipe invites you to experience the warmth of home-cooked comfort in every bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Step 1: Sauté Vegetables Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen as the flavors meld. Step 2: Cook Chicken Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot, seasoning with half of the salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. The combination of chicken and sautéed veggies creates a comforting base for your Chicken and Dumplings. Step 3: Thicken Soup Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. After mixing thoroughly, the broth should start to thicken, creating a luscious backdrop for the rest of your ingredients. Step 4: Season and Simmer Once the broth is combined, mix in the remaining salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Stir in 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 cup of frozen peas, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens beautifully. Step 5: Make Dumpling Dough In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup of cooled melted butter and 3/4 cup of milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This dough will create the fluffy dumplings that will rest atop your comforting soup. Step 6: Add Dumplings Carefully scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering soup. Make sure to leave space between the dumplings, as they will expand during cooking. The gentle bubbling of the soup will help cook the dumplings evenly and infuse them with flavor. Step 7: Cook Dumplings Allow the dumplings to simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The dumplings are done when they are puffed up and cooked through, becoming fluffy and light. The delightful aroma of your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Chicken and Dumplings Variations Feel free to customize your Chicken and Dumplings with these delightful twists that add flavor and accommodate dietary needs! Veggie Twist: Replace chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit for a hearty vegetarian take on this dish. The earthy flavors from mushrooms contrast beautifully with the creamy broth. Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour to make both the soup and dumplings gluten-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting classic without worry! Herb Upgrade: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dumpling dough for a fragrant, garden-fresh taste. A dash of freshness in every bite brings a new dimension to your cozy dish. Creamy Style: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or more evaporated milk for an even richer broth. This luxurious twist will envelop you in extra coziness. Rotisserie Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. It’s a time-saver that adds robust flavor while allowing you to spend more time with loved ones at the table! Low-Carb Alternative: Experiment with almond flour for your dumplings, or serve the chicken and broth over zucchini noodles for a lighter option. This keeps the hearty essence while slashing carbs. Explore the endless possibilities with your Chicken and Dumplings! And if you’re seeking more quick and hearty meals, don’t miss trying the flavorful Hot Honey Chicken or the delectable BBQ Chicken Pizza. Make Ahead Options Preparing Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your busy week! You can sauté the vegetables and cook the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow them to cool before refrigerating. To store, keep the soup base in an airtight container, but wait to add the dumplings until just before serving to maintain their fluffy texture. When ready to enjoy, reheat the soup gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth for creaminess, and follow up by dropping in the dumpling dough and simmering for 10-12 minutes. This prep-ahead method ensures you have a cozy, comforting meal ready with minimal fuss, just as delicious as when freshly made! What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings? There’s something truly special about complementing a warm, creamy dish with the perfect sides that enhance its comforting essence. Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, its rustic texture soaks up the rich broth and adds a satisfying crunch. Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad offers balance, contrasting the warm, hearty flavors with vibrant, cool greens. Garlic Breadsticks: Chewy and golden, they add an aromatic twist that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the dish. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies provide a sweet and savory side that enriches your meal, offering a deliciously hearty addition. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic create a luxurious side, perfect for savoring alongside the chicken and dumplings. Apple Pie: End your meal with a slice of warm apple pie, as its sweet warmth echoes the nostalgia of the main dish. Iced Tea: Refreshing and cool, this drink perfectly counterbalances the rich flavors while enhancing the overall dining experience. Homemade Biscuits: Flaky and buttery biscuits are a charming accompaniment, great for mopping up any leftover broth on your plate. Expert Tips for Chicken and Dumplings Fluffy Dumplings: Avoid overmixing the dough; stir just until combined for the best fluffy texture in your Chicken and Dumplings. Fully Cook Chicken: Always check that the chicken is completely cooked and no longer pink for food safety, ensuring a hearty meal everyone can enjoy. Maintain Dumpling Texture: If making ahead, add dumplings just before serving to preserve their light and fluffy texture. Thickening Trouble: If your broth isn’t thickening, try adding a bit more flour, mixing it with water first to avoid lumps, for a beautifully creamy soup. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a hint of warmth and depth that elevates your Chicken and Dumplings. How to Store and Freeze Chicken and Dumplings Fridge: Keep leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess. Freezer: Freeze Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. For best results, store dumplings separately before freezing to avoid mushiness. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding broth as needed. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup base ahead of time and add dumplings just before serving for the best texture. Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for pieces that are pink and plump, with no dark spots or unpleasant odors. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken is a delightful shortcut that can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your Chicken and Dumplings. How should I store leftover Chicken and Dumplings? Very good question! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the creamy texture and prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense. Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings? If so, how? Certainly! You can freeze Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months. To do this effectively, I recommend storing the dumplings separately from the soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop, stirring gently and adding broth as necessary. What if my broth isn’t thickening as expected? Great question! If your broth is not thickening to your liking, try making a slurry with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup, allowing it to cook for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Stirring continuously helps to avoid any lumps! Can I make a gluten-free version of Chicken and Dumplings? Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the broth thickening and the dumpling dough. Just be mindful of following the recommended measurements and check for specific gluten-free baking instructions to ensure the best results. Is it safe to serve Chicken and Dumplings to my pet? While the ingredients in Chicken and Dumplings may seem safe, it’s important to remember that certain components, like onions and garlic, can be harmful to pets. It’s best to keep this dish strictly for human enjoyment and prepare a separate, vet-approved meal for your furry friends. Cozy Chicken and Dumplings That Will Warm Your Heart Enjoy this heartwarming Chicken and Dumplings recipe, a classic one-pot meal filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup4 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.1 Onion Provides a savory base flavor that enhances the broth.2 Carrots Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.2 Celery stalks Complements the flavor profile, enriching the soup base.3 Garlic cloves Perfect for enhancing the depth of flavor in the broth.1 pound Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning.4 cups Chicken Broth Serves as the luxurious liquid base for the soup.1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Aromatic seasoning that elevates the flavor.1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Aromatic seasoning that elevates the flavor.1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Aromatic seasoning that elevates the flavor.1/2 teaspoon Thyme Aromatic seasoning that elevates the flavor.1 cup Evaporated Milk Adds creaminess without overwhelming richness.1 cup Frozen Peas Introduces a pop of sweetness and color.For the Dumplings2 cups All-Purpose Flour Thickens the soup and forms the dumplings.1 tablespoon Baking Powder Ensures the dumplings rise and become fluffy.3/4 cup Milk Combines with flour to create a soft dough. Equipment large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMelt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute.Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot, seasoning with half of the salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.Mix in the remaining salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Stir in 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 cup of frozen peas, then let simmer for about 5 minutes.In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup of cooled melted butter and 3/4 cup of milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.Carefully scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering soup, leaving space between the dumplings.Allow the dumplings to simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesThis chicken and dumplings recipe invites you to experience the warmth of home-cooked comfort in every bite! Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!