Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

🍲 Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Fluffy Drop Dumplings vs. Flat Rolled Dumplings — Which Team Are You On?

There’s nothing quite like a pot of homemade chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove! Tender chicken, rich savory broth, fragrant herbs, and soft, comforting dumplings make this classic comfort food a favorite for chilly evenings and family dinners.

Some people swear by fluffy drop dumplings that puff up into soft, biscuit-like pillows. Others prefer flat rolled dumplings, which are rolled out, cut into strips, and simmered until tender in the flavorful broth.

This recipe features tender chicken, vegetables, a delicious herb-seasoned broth, and an easy homemade dumpling dough. You can choose either dumpling style depending on your family’s tradition!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

  • 2 pounds (900 g) bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Fluffy Drop Dumplings

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Prefer flat rolled dumplings? Use the alternative dough recipe below instead.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Place the chicken in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, black pepper, and a little salt.

Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

This usually takes approximately 25–35 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces, depending on their size.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a plate.

Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, then shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Return the chicken to the pot.

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

If you prefer a creamier broth, stir in the optional heavy cream.

Keep the broth at a gentle simmer while preparing your dumplings.

Option 1: Fluffy Drop Dumplings ☁️

These dumplings are soft, light, and pillowy. They are perfect for anyone who loves a biscuit-like texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Drop Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Fold in the fresh parsley if desired.

Do not overmix the dough. A few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the dumplings dense instead of fluffy.

Step 4: Drop the Dumplings into the Broth

Make sure the chicken broth is gently simmering, not boiling vigorously.

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop portions of dough directly onto the surface of the broth.

Leave a little space between the dumplings because they will expand as they cook.

Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Cook Until Fluffy

Simmer gently, covered, for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of the dumplings.

Avoid lifting the lid during the first 15 minutes because the trapped steam helps the dumplings cook properly.

Afterward, check a dumpling by cutting it open. The center should be fully cooked, without wet or doughy batter.

If necessary, cook for another 2–5 minutes.

Stir the broth gently around the dumplings rather than stirring them directly, as they can be delicate.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the broth can settle and the flavors can come together.

Serve hot in deep bowls with plenty of chicken, vegetables, broth, and fluffy dumplings.

Option 2: Traditional Flat Rolled Dumplings 🍜

If you grew up eating thin, tender dumplings that resemble soft strips of homemade noodles, this version may be your favorite.

Ingredients for Flat Rolled Dumplings

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter or shortening
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk or chicken broth, approximately

You may need a little more or less liquid depending on the flour.

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Cut the cold butter or shortening into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the milk or chicken broth, mixing until a firm dough forms.

Knead gently for about 1–2 minutes, just until the dough comes together.

Avoid excessive kneading, which can make the dumplings tougher.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll the dough into a thin sheet approximately ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.

For thicker, more substantial dumplings, you can roll the dough slightly thicker.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 2–3 inches long.

Lightly dust the strips with flour to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Cook the Rolled Dumplings

Bring the chicken broth back to a gentle simmer.

Carefully add the dumpling strips a few at a time, stirring gently between additions to prevent sticking.

Simmer uncovered for approximately 12–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dumplings.

The broth will naturally become thicker as the flour cooks into it.

Check a dumpling to ensure the center is tender and fully cooked.

If the broth becomes too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or water.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Finish

If you prepared the dumplings separately from the chicken, return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.

Finish with fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning.

Serve hot for a hearty, traditional meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Keep the broth at a gentle simmer. A vigorous boil can break apart the dumplings and cause uneven cooking.

Use enough broth. Dumplings absorb liquid as they cook. Keep extra warm chicken broth nearby in case you need to thin the dish.

Don’t overwork drop dumpling dough. Gentle mixing helps create a light, fluffy texture.

Roll flat dumplings evenly. Consistent thickness ensures the strips cook at approximately the same rate.

Keep the lid on for drop dumplings. Steam is essential for helping them rise and cook through.

Check for doneness. Cooking times vary with dumpling size and thickness. Always check that the centers are fully cooked before serving.

Adjust the consistency to your liking. For a thinner soup-like broth, add more stock. For a thicker, gravy-like consistency, simmer gently before adding the dumplings.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple side dishes.

Try serving it with:

  • Steamed green beans
  • Roasted carrots
  • A crisp green salad
  • Buttered corn
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Fresh homemade bread

Because the dish is rich and filling, a light vegetable side makes a particularly nice accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my drop dumplings dense?

Dense dumplings can result from overmixing the dough, using old baking powder, or cooking them without enough steam.

Mix the ingredients only until combined, make sure your baking powder is fresh, and keep the pot covered while they cook.

Why are my flat dumplings falling apart?

The dough may be too soft, the broth may be boiling too vigorously, or the strips may be too thin.

Use enough flour to create a firm dough, roll it evenly, and add the strips to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.

Can I make dumplings ahead of time?

For the best texture, prepare and cook the dumplings shortly before serving.

You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time, refrigerate them promptly, and reheat them before adding freshly prepared dumplings.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.

Prepare the broth and vegetables as directed, then add shredded cooked chicken before cooking the dumplings. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

You can freeze the chicken and broth, but dumplings may become softer or change texture after freezing and thawing.

For the best results, freeze the chicken and broth separately and prepare fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Homemade chicken and dumplings is the kind of comforting meal that brings people together around the table. Whether you prefer fluffy drop dumplings or traditional flat rolled dumplings, both versions deliver tender dough, savory broth, and delicious homemade flavor.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your family’s preferences. Add extra herbs, make the broth creamier, or keep it simple with chicken, vegetables, and perfectly cooked dumplings.

Now it’s time to settle the great dumpling debate! 🍲

Which team are you on?

☁️ TEAM A: Fluffy Drop Dumplings — soft, thick, and pillowy!

🍜 TEAM B: Flat Rolled Dumplings — tender, chewy, and traditional!

Tell us your favorite in the comments. And if your family has a special trick for making the best chicken and dumplings, we’d love to hear it!

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