Chicken And Dumplings

Name: Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried sage; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted

Highlighted under: Cozy Favorites

I absolutely love making Chicken and Dumplings, especially on chilly days when comfort food becomes a necessity. The satisfying combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth warms my heart and fills my home with incredible aromas. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, as it provides both nourishment and joy to my family. The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet feels special enough for a gathering. I can't wait to share my method with you!

Created by

Ffion Llewellyn

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:49:34.782Z

Creating a delicious Chicken and Dumplings dish is an experience that brings both satisfaction and comfort. I remember one rainy evening when I decided to experiment with herbs in the broth, and the result was absolutely divine! I used thyme and sage, which added depth to the flavors and made the meal feel even more special.

The secret to perfectly fluffy dumplings is not to overmix the dough. This tip transformed my dumplings from heavy to light and airy, giving the dish that classic homemade feel. Whenever I serve it, I notice how everyone gathers around the pot—it’s truly a recipe worth sharing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and comforting, perfect for family gatherings
The savory broth is packed with flavor and nutrition
Fluffy dumplings that are easy to make and so satisfying

Understanding the Ingredients

Chicken thighs play a crucial role in this recipe, providing a richer flavor and tender texture compared to breasts. Thighs contain more fat, which helps to keep the meat juicy during cooking. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but do so with the understanding that they may require a little less cooking time to avoid dryness.

The vegetables you choose can also be customized. While onions, carrots, and celery create a classic mirepoix base, you can add peas or green beans for a pop of color and extra nutrients. Additionally, feel free to experiment with herbs; fresh rosemary or parsley can add distinctive flavors to the broth that harmonize beautifully with the thyme and sage.

Perfecting the Dumplings

For fluffy dumplings, mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense dumplings, so aim for a lumpy batter. If you find your batter too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk—just a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right texture. The dumplings should be dropped onto the simmering broth, ensuring there's enough space for them to expand.

A great tip for timing is to check your dumplings for doneness after 15 minutes; they should be puffed and no longer doughy in the center. If they still appear wet, cover and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Remember, lifting the lid during cooking can cause steam to escape, so resist the urge to peek too soon!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes.

Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the thyme and sage. Return the chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Make the Dumpling Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk and melted butter before pouring into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined.

Cook the Dumplings

Once the broth is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top. Cover the pot and let cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Serve

Once dumplings are cooked through, serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using homemade chicken broth. Also, don’t hesitate to throw in some frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and Dumplings can be served straight from the pot for a rustic, comforting meal. To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of black pepper adds visual appeal while enhancing the flavor. Pairing this dish with a crisp side salad or steamed greens can balance the richness of the meal.

For a heartier option, consider serving this dish with crusty bread or warm biscuits on the side. The dumplings themselves can also be made larger or smaller based on your preference, meaning you can cater to the textures and servings that everyone enjoys!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and broth base a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store the dumpling batter separately, as it’s best made fresh when you're ready to eat. Note that refrigeration will cause the dumplings to absorb some broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain moisture.

When freezing, consider portioning out servings in airtight containers. The chicken and broth can freeze well for up to three months. It’s best to add freshly made dumplings right before serving to ensure they retain their fluffy texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat gently on the stove, adding dumpling batter just before simmering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken works well but ensure it's fully thawed before cooking for even results.

→ How can I make dumplings lighter?

Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.