BasicsChickenEasyRecipes

Hearty Chicken & Dumplings

40 min Cook
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  • Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a big bowl of "everything's gonna be okay."

I’ve loved chicken and dumplings since I was a kid – any kind, even the Sweet Sue kind in the can. In my late teens, I learned how shockingly easy they are to make at home with just a few pantry staples and a mirepoix. Okay, mirepoix sounds fancy (it should, it’s French), but really it’s just celery, carrots, and onion. This is the trifecta of veggies that kick off countless recipes.

While most of my recipes are packed with vegetables for good nutrition, this one keeps it simple with that classic trio. It’s the perfect recipe for one of those long, hard days when you just want to veg out and feel gloriously lazy on the couch. Cooking the flour with the veggies first adds a subtle nutty flavor and turns the broth into a thick, cozy soup. Then the dumplings, those little carbohydrate-laden love bombs, show up to turn your day around.

10/10, I love this recipe.

Did you make this recipe? Rate it here!

Hearty Chicken and Dumplings

jenniferlbartholomew
A cozy bowl of homemade comfort — tender chicken, soft dumplings, and veggies in a flavorful, creamy broth. This recipe keeps things simple but satisfying, with easy swaps for meatless or budget-friendly versions.
prep time
15 min
cooking time
40 min
servings
4-6
total time
55 min

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

  • Cutting board and knife

  • Mixing bowl

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Ladle

Ingredients

  • We provide:

  • ½ cup shredded carrot

  • 1 medium onion, diced, or 1/2 of one large onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, diced

  • 2 stalks celery, diced

  • Pantry staples:

  • 2¼ cups flour, divided

  • 1½ cups milk

  • 2 tbsp oil, butter, or margarine

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1–1½ tsp dried thyme, divided

  • You provide:

  • 3 cups chicken broth (or equivalent bullion + water)

  • 1 chicken breast (optional — see notes for vegetarian version)

  • Optional Add-ins: (if desired):

  • 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

Instructions

1

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, boil the chicken breast in broth (or water + bullion). No need to season yet.
2

Prep Veggies

While chicken cooks, dice celery, onion, and garlic. Shred your carrot.
3

Sauté

In a separate pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add celery, onion, and carrot. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4

Make a Roux

Add ¼ cup of flour to the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp thyme.
5

Add Chicken and Broth

Remove cooked chicken from the boiling water and shred or chop. Add it AND the cooking liquid to your pot of veggies. Bring to a boil.
6

Make the Dumplings

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, a pinch of salt and pepper, and about 1 tbsp thyme. Gradually stir in milk until you get a shaggy dough.
7

Form Dumplings

Pinch off bite-sized pieces of dough, roll them into rough balls (use flour on your hands if sticky), and drop them into the simmering broth.
8

Simmer

Once all dumplings are added, stir gently, cover, and simmer on low for 25 minutes until the dumplings are soft and cooked through.
9

Optional

For a creamier finish, stir in a can of cream soup before simmering or a splash of milk right before serving.

Notes

Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use 1 lb sliced mushrooms for a rich, umami version. For extra creaminess I sometimes stir in one can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup before simmering. Don’t toss your chicken boiling water - it’s your base broth and adds flavor. Pairs well with a small green salad or roasted green beans for balance.
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