If you’re searching for the best homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’re in the right place. This thick, creamy, and comforting soup is loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and topped with light, fluffy dumplings that steam to perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that your family will ask for again and again.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my Chicken Stew recipe next—it’s equally hearty and delicious, featuring tender chicken with potatoes instead of dumplings.
What Are Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern comfort dish that starts with a savory chicken soup made with vegetables in a creamy broth. Uncooked dumplings are added on top and steamed until perfectly fluffy. The dish can vary in thickness and dumpling style, but the end result is always a hearty, comforting meal.
Types of Dumplings
- Drop Dumplings – The easiest method, where dumpling dough is scooped from a bowl and dropped into the soup to steam. This is the type used in this recipe.
- Rolled Dumplings – Dough is rolled out, cut into shapes, and cooked in the broth.
- Biscuit Dumplings – Biscuit dough is cut into small pieces and cooked in the soup, either homemade or from refrigerated biscuits.
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (see notes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (I use Frank’s)
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- ¾ cup frozen peas
Seasonings
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp each: dried basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder
- ¼ tsp ground sage
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Dumplings
- 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup cold sour cream
- ¼ cup cold milk
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Searing the chicken is optional but adds incredible flavor to the broth. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a 4½-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Discard bones.
Step 2: Make the Soup
- Melt butter in the same pot and scrape up the browned bits (“fond”) from the bottom.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings; cook 1 minute.
- Add flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half, scraping up any leftover fond.
- Add frozen peas and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar.
- Add milk, sour cream, and melted butter; fold gently to form a dough (do not overmix).
Step 4: Combine and Steam
- Add diced chicken back into the soup along with any juices. Reduce heat to low.
- Using a small cookie scoop, carefully place dumplings evenly over the soup. Spoon a little liquid over each dumpling.
- Cover tightly and simmer gently for 15 minutes—do not lift the lid.
- Test dumplings with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. These dumplings are light, fluffy, and infused with all the flavors of the creamy chicken soup.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Simmer gently: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to steam dumplings properly without burning the bottom.
- Don’t lift the lid: Lifting the lid releases steam and can prevent dumplings from cooking fully.
- Flavor boost: Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder enhance depth without being overpowering.
- Use leftover chicken: You can use pre-cooked chicken—add it in during the final steps so it doesn’t overcook.
Storage
- Soup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Dumplings: Best served fresh. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a classic, hearty meal.