Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings.
This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth to create the ultimate soul-warming meal that your family will request again and again.
Get ready to discover 10 incredible chicken and dumpling recipes that range from traditional Southern-style to creative modern twists.
Whether you prefer drop dumplings, rolled dumplings, or even gluten-free versions, you’ll find your new favorite comfort food recipe in this carefully curated collection.
Classic Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings with Buttermilk
Classic Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings with Buttermilk is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and pillowy buttermilk dumplings.
This hearty dish brings warmth to your table and serves as a perfect family dinner option, especially during cooler months.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
• 3 lbs whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buttermilk Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
Step 1: Place chicken, vegetables, and bay leaves in a large pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 1 hour until chicken is tender.
Step 2: Remove chicken from broth, let cool, then shred meat from bones. Strain broth and return to pot.
Step 3: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
Step 4: Return shredded chicken to simmering broth. Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls into the broth.
Step 5: Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Pro Tip: Never overmix your dumpling dough – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in lighter, fluffier dumplings. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when cooking the dumplings to prevent them from falling apart.
Creamy Herb-Infused Drop Dumplings and Roasted Chicken
Treat yourself to this comforting, home-cooked meal that combines tender roasted chicken with fluffy, herb-infused dumplings swimming in a rich, creamy sauce.
This one-pot wonder brings together classic flavors that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then roast for 35-40 minutes until golden.
Step 2: While chicken roasts, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter to form dumpling batter.
Step 3: In a large pot, sauté vegetables until tender. Add broth and cream, bringing to a simmer.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering liquid. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add roasted chicken and herbs to the pot, then serve hot.
Pro Tip: Don’t peek while the dumplings are cooking – keeping the lid closed helps them become light and fluffy. For the best results, make sure your liquid is gently simmering, not boiling rapidly, when you add the dumpling batter.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Rolled Dumplings Recipe
Transport yourself back to your grandmother’s cozy kitchen with these classic, hand-rolled dumplings.
This comforting recipe creates tender, perfectly chewy dumplings that float in rich chicken broth, just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute.
Step 5: Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 2×1-inch rectangles.
Step 6: Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot.
Step 7: Drop dumplings one at a time into the simmering broth, stirring gently.
Step 8: Add shredded chicken and cook for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are tender.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd your pot when adding dumplings – they need room to expand. Also, resist the urge to stir too frequently as this can break up your dumplings; gentle, occasional stirring is best.
Quick and Easy Rotisserie Chicken Dumpling Soup
Quick and Easy Rotisserie Chicken Dumpling Soup is your perfect comfort food solution for busy weeknights.
This hearty soup combines tender rotisserie chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth that’ll warm your soul.
You can have this homestyle favorite ready in just about 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those chilly evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients:
• 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Heat chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and bay leaves.
Step 2: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls into the simmering soup.
Step 6: Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Pro Tip: Don’t peek under the lid while the dumplings are cooking – the steam is essential for fluffy results. Also, make sure your soup maintains a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the dumplings from falling apart.
Fluffy Biscuit-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Transform your kitchen into a cozy Southern haven with this comforting Fluffy Biscuit-Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy broth topped with cloud-like biscuit dumplings that perfectly soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dumplings)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken chunks and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
Step 2: Remove chicken and add vegetables. Cook until softened (5 minutes).
Step 3: Add butter and 2 tablespoons flour to create a roux, stirring constantly (2 minutes).
Step 4: Pour in broth and milk gradually, stirring to prevent lumps. Return chicken to pot.
Step 5: For dumplings, mix 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add milk to form a sticky dough.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Don’t peek while the dumplings are cooking – keeping the lid closed helps them become light and fluffy. Also, ensure your broth is gently simmering, not boiling, to prevent tough dumplings.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings is a comforting Southern-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with light, fluffy cornmeal dumplings.
This one-skillet meal delivers rich flavors and a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side).
Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. Add vegetables to the same skillet and sauté until softened.
Step 3: Return chicken to skillet and add broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in buttermilk and melted butter until just combined.
Step 5: Drop dumpling batter by spoonfuls onto simmering chicken. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Pro Tip: Let your cast iron skillet heat thoroughly before adding the chicken to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust. Always test your dumplings with a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean when they’re done.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Slow Cooker Chicken and Herb Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy herb-infused dumplings in a rich, creamy broth.
This hands-off recipe lets your slow cooker do most of the work while filling your home with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Place chicken, vegetables, garlic, and herbs in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Pour in broth, cream, and season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Step 3: Shred chicken using two forks.
Step 4: Mix dumpling ingredients in a bowl until just combined.
Step 5: Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto the hot chicken mixture.
Step 6: Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Pro Tip: For the fluffiest dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough and don’t lift the slow cooker lid while they’re cooking – the steam is crucial for proper dumpling texture.
Gluten-Free Potato Dumplings with Shredded Chicken
Transform your dinner into a comforting and satisfying meal with these pillowy potato dumplings paired with tender shredded chicken.
This gluten-free version maintains all the traditional flavors while being accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving something hearty yet elegant.
Ingredients:
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step 1: Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them while still hot.
Step 2: Let mashed potatoes cool completely, then mix with gluten-free flour, egg, salt, and pepper to form a dough.
Step 3: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Step 5: Drop dumplings into water and cook until they float to the surface (3-4 minutes).
Step 6: Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a pan and add shredded chicken and garlic powder.
Step 7: Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 8: Add cooked dumplings to the chicken mixture and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: Never skip cooling the potatoes completely before making the dough – hot potatoes will make the dumplings gummy. Also, test one dumpling first to ensure it holds together in the boiling water before cooking the entire batch.
Cream of Chicken and Thyme Rolled Dumplings
Cream of Chicken and Thyme Rolled Dumplings is a comforting, soul-warming dish that combines tender, herb-infused dumplings with creamy chicken soup.
This homestyle recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a boost of comfort food.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter, cold
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and thyme in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Gradually stir in milk until soft dough forms. Roll out on floured surface and cut into 1-inch strips.
Step 3: Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
Step 4: Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Drop dumplings in one at a time.
Step 5: Add shredded chicken and heavy cream. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix your dumpling dough – this will make them tough. Also, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent your dumplings from breaking apart.
Instant Pot Chicken and Parsley Drop Dumplings
Warm up your evening with this comforting Instant Pot Chicken and Parsley Drop Dumplings.
This classic comfort dish combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy herb-infused dumplings, all made efficiently in your pressure cooker.
You’ll love how the dumplings soak up the rich broth while staying light and airy.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
Step 1: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and cook chicken until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add vegetables and garlic, sauté for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Close lid and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, mix dumpling ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Quick-release pressure, open lid, and drop dumpling batter by spoonfuls into the pot.
Step 6: Close lid and pressure cook for 2 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.
Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing your dumpling batter to ensure they stay light and fluffy. For the best results, make sure your dumpling batter is thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes traditional chicken and dumplings so comforting and hearty?
The combination of tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and rich broth creates the ultimate comfort food. The dumplings absorb the flavorful broth while remaining light and pillowy.
How can you prevent dumplings from becoming dense or gummy?
Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough and never lift the pot lid while cooking. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to ensure light, fluffy dumplings.
What herbs and seasonings work best in chicken and dumplings?
Fresh thyme, parsley, and sage enhance the classic flavor profile. Add black pepper, garlic, and a bay leaf to the broth for a traditional taste that complements the chicken.
How long should you cook the chicken before adding dumplings?
Simmer your chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender. This creates a flavorful broth base before you drop in your dumpling dough for the final cooking stage.
What’s the secret to achieving the perfect broth consistency?
Create a roux with butter and flour before adding chicken broth, and let it simmer until slightly thickened. Add heavy cream at the end for richness and a silky-smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
These chicken and dumpling recipes prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you prefer fluffy drop dumplings or rolled ones, the key lies in not overworking the dough and maintaining a gentle simmer.
Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you go, and don’t rush the process – letting flavors develop makes all the difference.
Make extra and freeze portions for busy weeknights.
With these recipes in your repertoire, you’ll master this classic dish and create memorable family meals that everyone will love.
