If there’s one dish that wraps you up in a hug from the inside out, it’s the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This classic comfort food is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth that’s just bursting with love and nostalgia. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or feeding a crowd, this one-pot wonder brings people together and turns any meal into a memory. With every spoonful, you’ll be reminded why some recipes are passed down through generations—this is soul food at its absolute best.

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every part of this recipe earns its place, from fresh aromatics to the fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious broth. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—the magic is in how these humble ingredients work together for the ultimate Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe experience.

Butter: Rich and creamy, it starts the soup with depth and silkiness while offering flavor you can’t skip.

Yellow onion: Sweet and savory, it provides the flavor foundation for the broth.
Matchstick carrots: These add color, texture, and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory chicken.

Celery: Classic for any good soup, celery brings a fresh, peppery crunch.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses wonderful aroma and earthy flavor throughout the broth.

All-purpose flour: For thickening the broth and making the dumplings irresistibly tender.
Evaporated milk (or half and half): Makes the broth extra creamy—evaporated milk won’t curdle and makes this silk-smooth!
Chicken stock: The base of your soup; homemade or high-quality, it delivers bold, comforting flavor.

Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is ultra-convenient, but any cooked chicken will work.
Fresh thyme (or dried): A fragrant, earthy note that lifts the simple ingredients beautifully.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a vital kick to balance the richness—black pepper is not optional here.

Salt: Key to bringing all the flavors forward—taste as you go for best results.
All-purpose flour (for dumplings): The base for those soft, tender dumplings—keep it handy!
Baking powder: Helps your dumplings puff up and become light rather than dense.

Whole milk: Keeps the dumplings moist and flavorful; don’t swap for skim for best texture.
Melted butter: Adds rich flavor to the dumplings and helps bind the dough.

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by grabbing your favorite heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, because that’s where all the magic happens. Melt your butter over medium-high heat and toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about five minutes until they start to soften, then stir in the garlic for one more minute. The fragrance will tell you you’re in for something cozy!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and give everything a good stir. You’ll cook this for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly add your evaporated milk and chicken stock, stirring constantly—you’re on your way to a lusciously creamy base. No lumps allowed, just patience and steady stirring while the mixture thickens right before your eyes.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base

Bring your broth to a steady boil and add in the shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and a little salt. The thyme’s aroma is going to make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer, giving those flavors time to really settle in while you tackle the dumplings.

Step 4: Mix Up the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Whisk them together so everything’s even. Make a well in the center, then pour in the milk and melted butter. Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix until a rough dough just comes together—don’t overwork it! If it seems a bit too dry, a touch more milk brings it all together.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings into the Soup

Use a cookie scoop, two spoons, or clean hands to scoop up little balls of dough (about two tablespoons each) and gently drop them into the simmering soup, spaced out for even cooking. Press them lightly so a bit of soup runs over the tops for extra flavor. The dumplings will puff up while they simmer, soaking up all that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Pop the lid on your pot, reduce the heat to a gentle low simmer, and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Midway through, carefully peek in, press the dumplings under the soup with a spoon, and break apart any that are sticking together. Cut a dumpling in half to check if they’re cooked through—the center should no longer look doughy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are perfectly cooked, your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is ready to serve piping hot. If the dumplings need a bit longer, cook for a few more minutes and check again. Get your biggest ladle ready—it’s time to dive in!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top adds a burst of color and flavor to each bowl. Some folks love a pinch of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving too. Remember, a scatter of fresh herbs brings out the best in your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, making every bowl look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this dish truly shines on its own, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, classic steamed green beans, or warm, crusty bread pair beautifully. The bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that dreamy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual soup crocks for a touch of rustic charm, or ladle it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a double dose of comfort. For a casual gathering, set out big bowls family-style—everyone loves digging in for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Let the soup cool before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. Your Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe will hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

Freeze your leftovers for a no-fuss meal later; just know that dumplings may change texture a bit after freezing. To help, freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible. Both can be stored for up to two months—just thaw the soup gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the soup doesn’t scorch and the dumplings reheat evenly. If the mix seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of extra stock or milk. Microwave reheating works too, but go low and slow for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Just dice raw chicken breasts or thighs and simmer them in the broth before adding the dumplings. Make sure the chicken cooks through before serving—it should be tender and easy to shred with two forks.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

No worries! Half and half is a great substitute, as is whole milk, though your broth may be a touch less creamy. Avoid low-fat milk for the richest texture.

How do I tell if my dumplings are fully cooked?

The easiest way is to cut one dumpling in half; the inside should be fluffy and not doughy. If they’re still raw in the center, give them a few more minutes to simmer.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten free all-purpose flour for both the soup and the dumpling dough. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten free as well!

How can I add more veggies or make it vegetarian?

Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even diced potatoes for extra color and flavor. For a vegetarian version, use a good vegetable broth and swap in hearty mushrooms or extra beans instead of chicken.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings a smile to the table quite like a steaming bowl of this Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. If you’re craving comfort, tradition, and a meal everyone will love, this is your invitation to give it a try—one spoonful and you’ll know why it’s a favorite in so many homes!