Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – Cozy Comfort in One Pot

Introduction

Every Southern kitchen has a secret weapon for chilly evenings — Chicken and Dumplings. My grandmother used to make it on Sundays, the whole house filled with that creamy, savory aroma that said, “You’re home.”

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe brings that same nostalgic warmth, but without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and honestly one of the coziest meals you’ll ever ladle into a bowl. Think tender chicken, soft fluffy dumplings, and a broth so rich you’ll want to sip it straight from the spoon.

And the best part? You can whip it up with pantry staples and a single pot.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• Classic flavor with modern ease: The same old-fashioned taste, ready in about an hour.
• Perfectly fluffy dumplings: Soft on the inside, gently steamed in the rich broth.
• Versatile comfort: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey — it’s forgiving and delicious.
• Viral-worthy appeal: It’s that one-bowl meal everyone’s sharing on TikTok right now.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Stew

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or thyme)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier broth)

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

1. Cook the chicken:
   In a large pot, add chicken pieces and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until the meat is tender.
2. Shred the chicken:
   Remove it, let it cool, then shred the meat. Discard bones and skin.
3. Build the base:
   In the same pot, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Make it thick and creamy:
   Sprinkle flour over veggies, stir, and slowly pour broth back in. Whisk until smooth.
5. Return the chicken:
   Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Make the dumpling dough:
   In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir in milk and melted butter until soft dough forms.
7. Steam the dumplings:
   Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
8. Finish it up:
   Stir in cream or milk for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Quick Swap Table

Ingredient	Swap Option	Note
Chicken	Rotisserie chicken	Cuts cook time in half
Milk	Unsweetened almond milk	Lighter, dairy-free version
Butter	Olive oil	For a heart-healthy twist
All-purpose flour	Gluten-free blend	Great for gluten-sensitive eaters

What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

• Buttermilk Biscuits – Try these easy biscuits from scratch to soak up the creamy broth.
• Green Beans with Garlic Butter – A crisp, fresh side to balance the richness.
• Creamy Potato Soup – When you’re craving an ultra-cozy dinner spread, pair it with this creamy potato soup.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t peek! Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook — that steam is your best friend.
2. Season as you go: Taste at every step, especially before adding dumplings.
3. Use a thick pot: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven keeps the heat even and prevents scorching.

Storage Instructions

Cool leftovers before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen.

FAQs

1. Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the stew, store the dumpling dough separately, and drop them in right before serving.

2. How do I thicken my chicken and dumplings?
A little extra flour or cream stirred in at the end does wonders.

3. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Absolutely. They cook faster and shred easily.

4. Are these dumplings fluffy or dense?
They’re classic Southern-style — soft, airy, and tender.

5. Can I use canned biscuits for the dumplings?
Sure can! Cut them into quarters and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

6. What can I serve with it for a complete meal?
A side of one-pot chicken pasta or slow cooker beef stew makes a cozy Southern feast.

Conclusion

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is everything comfort food should be — simple, hearty, and soul-soothing. It’s the kind of meal that turns a quiet night into something memorable.

If you try it, tag your bowl on Instagram or TikTok — I’d love to see your twist on this classic. And don’t forget to subscribe to Easy Meals to Prep for more cozy recipes that keep your week deliciously simple.