Comfort food at its best! This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is creamy, hearty, and full of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings — perfect for cozy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy and comforting

• Uses rotisserie chicken for ease

• One-pot meal with veggies and dumplings

• Creamy broth and tender dumplings

• Family-friendly and great for leftovers

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• ½ cup milk

• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 6 servings

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Make the Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Season

Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, pepper, and peas (if using). Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dough gently over the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook on low for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam will cook the dumplings.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Uncover the pot, gently stir in the cream or half-and-half. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Add a bay leaf while simmering for more depth of flavor (remove before serving).

• For herbier dumplings, add fresh thyme, parsley, or chives into the dough.

• Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist.

• If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of making dumplings from scratch?
Yes, just cut canned biscuit dough into small pieces and simmer as directed.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They’ll be puffed and firm when touched with a spoon, and not doughy in the center.

Can I freeze leftovers?
The soup base freezes well, but dumplings may become soft when thawed. Freeze without dumplings if storing for later.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort meal for chilly nights, offering a warm, creamy broth and fluffy dumplings in every spoonful. With minimal effort and big flavor, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite.