What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with big, delicious results every time.
- Hearty and filling – Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth come together in one satisfying bowl.
- Easy to customize – Add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this classic dish.
Recipe
Intro:
This classic comfort dish features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, it’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken from the pot and let cool. Shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Return shredded chicken to the broth.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Serve hot.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of thyme or parsley to the broth.
- If the broth is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the pot before adding dumplings.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8
Nutrition
Nutritional information may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Below is a general estimate per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken and dumplings with fresh vegetable sides like steamed green beans or a tangy coleslaw to add a pop of color and crunch to the meal. A warm slice of cornbread or buttery biscuits complements the hearty flavors perfectly, making every bite even more satisfying. It’s all about balancing the richness of the dish with something light or bready to round out the table.
Vegetable Sides
Since chicken and dumplings is such a comforting, hearty dish, I like to pair it with fresh, vibrant veggies to balance things out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice contrast, or I’ll steam some broccoli and drizzle it with lemon for brightness. Roasted carrots with a hint of honey bring a touch of sweetness, while sautéed green beans with garlic keep things savory. Sometimes, I’ll even toss together a simple coleslaw for crunch. These sides not only complement the richness of the dish but also make the meal feel more complete and satisfying.
Bread Pairings
When I’m serving chicken and dumplings, I always think about how bread can take the meal to the next level. A warm, crusty baguette is my go-to—it’s perfect for soaking up that rich broth. Buttery cornbread works too, adding a sweet contrast to the savory dish. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll bake fluffy biscuits or garlic knots for extra indulgence. Even a simple slice of sourdough does the trick. Bread isn’t just a side; it’s part of the experience, turning a comforting bowl into something truly special. Trust me, you won’t regret adding it to your table.
