Classic Chicken and Dumplings with tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and rich, flavorful chicken broth. This easy comfort food recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or cold-weather lunches. Includes tips for light dumplings, savory broth, and simple variations to customize the dish.

Ingredients

2–3 chicken breasts (about 3 cups cooked chicken)
2 tbsp oil (avocado or olive oil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 quarts chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 tbsp cold salted butter, cubed
1 cup milk
Additional flour for rolling out dumplings

Instructions

Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts on the sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the dumpling dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and ½ tsp baking powder. Cut in 2 tbsp cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in 1 cup milk until a soft dough forms.
Heat the broth: In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Form and cook dumplings: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into small squares or strips. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Add chicken: Stir the shredded chicken into the pot with dumplings. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and allow flavors to combine.
Serve: Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, classic dish with tender chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want a hearty, homemade meal.

Tips

Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie for extra flavor and convenience.
Don’t overmix the dumpling dough—this keeps them light and tender.
Simmer dumplings gently to prevent them from sticking together or becoming dense.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken: Use thighs, leftover rotisserie chicken, or turkey for a different flavor.
Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier dumpling.
Add-ins: Include carrots, celery, or peas in the broth for extra nutrition and color.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the broth and chicken in advance and store separately. Add dumplings just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and broth separately. Dumplings don’t freeze well—they can become soggy.

Q: Can I make dumplings smaller or larger?
A: Yes, adjust cooking time slightly—smaller dumplings cook faster, larger ones may need a few extra minutes.

Serving

Serve chicken and dumplings in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Suggestions

Add a splash of cream to the broth for a richer texture.
Garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
Serve leftovers with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for variety.