Comfort food at its finest, chicken and dumplings is a hearty, warm, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings to create a meal you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking in the United States, UK, or Canada, this version delivers classic taste with easy-to-follow steps.
🐔 Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew
1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cut into pieces, or 4 boneless chicken breasts
6 cups chicken broth
2 medium onions, diced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter or oil
For the Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
🥄 Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
Add onions, celery, and carrots; sauté until soft.
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bay leaves.
Add chicken pieces and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove and Shred Chicken
Take out the chicken and let it cool slightly.
Shred the meat, discarding bones and skin.
Return shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Make the Dumpling Batter
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in milk and melted butter until smooth.
4. Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of batter over simmering chicken stew.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Dumplings will puff up and cook through.
5. Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Remove bay leaves.
Optional: garnish with chopped parsley.
🍲 Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
✔ Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth for rich flavor.
✔ Don’t stir the dumplings while cooking—they’ll fall apart.
✔ Add a splash of cream for extra richness if desired.
✔ Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for aromatic flavor.
✔ For quicker prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
🍗 Serving Ideas
Serve in deep bowls with warm bread on the side.
Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy future meals.
✨ Conclusion
This best chicken and dumplings recipe ever is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, rich vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a classic dish that will satisfy the whole family. Perfect for busy weekdays or special occasions, it’s a meal you’ll return to time and time again.