If you’re searching for a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than my trusty Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This classic dish brings together tender shredded chicken, velvety broth, and pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. Each spoonful is bursting with comforting flavors and a wonderful mix of textures—from the soft veggies to the tender bites of chicken and those fluffy dumplings that soak up all the goodness. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the heart of this recipe. Each one plays its part, adding layers of flavor, beautiful color, and the perfect texture that brings this dish to life in a truly comforting way.
- 6 tablespoons butter: Provides richness and a silky base for sautéing your veggies.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1 cup matchstick carrots: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh, bright color.
- 1 cup diced celery: Contributes a mild earthiness and crisp texture.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant kick that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk: Creates a creamy, luscious broth without heaviness.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that’s tender and flavorful throughout the dish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings): The essential base for light, fluffy dumplings that blanket the chicken and broth.
- Fresh thyme and black pepper (to taste): Herbs and seasoning that bring brightness and a savory finish.
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Vegetables
Begin by melting the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat—this is where the flavor foundation starts. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. This trio, often called the “holy trinity” of savory cooking, creates an inviting base that gives your dish depth and freshness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic and the all-purpose flour. Cook everything together for about a minute, allowing the raw flour taste to cook off and the garlic to release its tantalizing aroma. This step helps to thicken the broth later, ensuring your homemade chicken and dumplings recipe has that perfect silky, hearty consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk along with chicken stock while stirring constantly to keep the broth smooth and lump-free. This creamy mixture will be the luscious liquid that holds all the flavors together and gently cooks the dumplings to fluffy perfection.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
If you’re using raw chicken, add it now with an extra cup of broth to keep everything moist and tender. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then shred it right in the pot or remove and shred before returning to the soup. The shredded chicken will soak up the savory broth and lend beautiful texture to every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, milk, and melted butter. Stir just until everything is incorporated—the key is to mix gently and not overwork the batter, so the dumplings stay tender and light. This mixture is what transforms your humble ingredients into cloudlike pillows floating atop your stew.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Spoon dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup, carefully spaced apart so they don’t stick together. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This gentle steaming cooks the dumplings perfectly, ensuring they’re soft and fluffy while soaking up all that rich chicken broth.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra thyme leaves on top adds a lovely burst of green and brightness. A little cracked black pepper fresh from the grinder offers a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the flavors. If you love a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring an exciting warmth.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is hearty on its own, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy base. Warm crusty bread or buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last drop of the broth, ensuring nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in rustic bowls that showcase the inviting colors and textures of the dish, or for a homey touch, ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls. For entertaining, portion the dumplings and chicken into ramekins and bake with a sprinkling of melted cheese on top for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making the next-day meal just as satisfying—if not more so!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup (without dumplings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Dumplings tend to change texture when frozen, so it’s best to prepare them fresh when ready to serve again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup thickens too much. To enjoy fresh dumplings, consider whipping up a new batch and adding them directly to the warmed soup for steaming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time while still delivering the tender shredded chicken your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe requires.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with regular whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of heavy cream for similar creaminess. Just avoid using skim milk, as it won’t provide the same velvety richness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the dumplings and thickening the broth. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to maintain the fluffy texture of the dumplings.
How do I know when dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings should be tender and springy to the touch. After steaming for about 15 minutes, test one by cutting it in half—it should be fully cooked through without any raw flour taste or doughy center.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Peas, corn, or mushrooms make lovely additions that complement the flavor of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Just add them in with the base vegetables or during the simmering step for even more heartiness.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to bring comfort and happiness to the table. It’s a classic that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a favorite go-to meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that cozy feeling that only this timeless dish can offer. Happy cooking!
Print
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a savory vegetable broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings infused with fresh thyme and black pepper. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish is prepared on the stovetop and is ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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 (additionally for raw chicken, 5 cups total)
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, matchstick carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic along with the flour, cooking for an additional minute. This step helps build a roux that will thicken the soup base.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and chicken stock while stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: If using raw chicken, add it along with an extra cup of broth, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Once cooked, shred the chicken pieces and return them to the soup. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it directly and heat through.
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined to avoid tough dumplings.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter gently into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and steam the dumplings for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they cook evenly and become fluffy.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock.
- Do not lift the lid during dumpling cooking to ensure proper steaming.
- Adjust seasoning with additional thyme and black pepper to taste.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend if needed, but texture may vary.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.
