Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, and perfect for any day you want a little extra coziness. Making this classic dish from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious, creamy chicken stew topped with fluffy dumplings that steam right in the broth.
Let’s walk through how to make chicken and dumplings from scratch, step-by-step, so you can enjoy this soul-satisfying meal in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken Broth and Soup Base:
– Whole chicken or chicken pieces (about 4-5 pounds)
– Onion, carrots, and celery (the classic mirepoix)
– Garlic
– Chicken broth or water (if making broth from scratch)
– Herbs like thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper
For the Dumplings:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Butter or shortening
– Milk or half-and-half
Step 1: Make the Chicken Broth and Cook the Chicken
Start by making a rich, flavorful broth that will be the base of your soup. Place the chicken pieces in a large pot with quartered onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover everything. Toss in some herbs like thyme and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This slow simmer extracts all the savory flavors into the broth, making it rich and comforting.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bones, discarding skin and bones. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and herbs, reserving the clear, flavorful liquid for your soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 10-15 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly to make a roux, which will thicken your soup. Slowly pour in the warm chicken broth while stirring, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with some fresh herbs like thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer uncovered while you prepare the dumplings.
For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk at this point, which makes the broth silky and rich.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
The dumplings are what make this dish so special. This recipe uses drop dumplings, which are soft, fluffy, and steam perfectly in the simmering broth.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and milk, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky — if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Don’t worry if the pot looks crowded; the dumplings will steam and expand as they cook.
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to a low simmer. Let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid — this steaming process is essential for light, fluffy dumplings. After 15 minutes, check one dumpling by cutting it in half; if it’s still doughy inside, cover and cook a few minutes longer.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
– Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when cooking dumplings. Boiling can break them apart.
– Don’t stir the dumplings while they cook; just let them steam undisturbed.
– If your dumplings cover the soup completely, poke a small hole in the middle to let steam escape.
– Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the flavor.
– Add peas or other veggies in the last few minutes for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Once your dumplings are tender and the soup is thick and creamy, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Chicken and dumplings made from scratch is a comforting classic that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. By making your own broth, sautéing fresh vegetables, and steaming soft dumplings right in the pot, you get a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and full of love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade warmth any day of the week!
Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings — a true taste of comfort food at its best!