Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Oh boy, let me tell you—nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly day. It’s like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. If you’ve never made it from scratch, don’t worry—I’ve got you!

I used to think making chicken and dumplings was tricky, but turns out, it’s actually super simple. The broth is rich, the chicken is tender, and those fluffy dumplings? Pure magic. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just good ol’ comfort food at its best.

Imagine scooping up a spoonful—soft dumplings soaking up that creamy broth, bits of juicy chicken in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a second bowl (maybe even a third). And the best part? It’s easier than you think!

So, grab your pot, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make the best homemade chicken and dumplings ever. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to canned soup again. Ready? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True Comfort Food: A warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings is the definition of cozy home cooking.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow simmering ensures every bite of chicken is juicy and full of flavor.
• Fluffy Dumplings: Light, pillowy dumplings soak up the creamy, savory broth for the ultimate bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal-prep option.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 4 servings—perfect for a family dinner. Want to feed more? Easily double the ingredients.

Difficulty Level:

Beginner-friendly! The dumplings are simple to make, and the rest of the dish comes together in one pot.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this homestyle Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll need:

• Large Dutch oven or deep pot – Ideal for simmering the chicken and making the gravy.
• Wooden spoon – Helps stir without damaging your cookware.
• Measuring cups & spoons – Ensures accuracy for the dumplings and broth.
• Mixing bowl – For preparing the dumpling dough.
• Ladle – Perfect for serving up this comforting dish.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy

This dish uses simple ingredients that create rich, deep flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Gravy:

• Chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs are best for tenderness and flavor.
• Olive oil – Helps brown the chicken for a richer taste.
• Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Garlic – Brings a warm, savory flavor.
• Celery & Carrots – Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy to a rich, creamy consistency.
• Butter – Enhances the gravy with richness.
• Chicken broth – Forms the savory base of the dish.
• Whole milk – Adds creaminess to the gravy.
• Dried herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage) – These create a comforting, well-seasoned flavor.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning.

For the Dumplings:

• All-purpose flour – The base for the dumplings.
• Baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
• Dried parsley – Adds a hint of herbal freshness.
• Sugar – Balances the flavors subtly.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhances taste.
• Garlic powder – Adds extra depth to the dumplings.
• Milk – Creates a soft, moist dough.
• Butter – Provides richness and flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Step-by-Step

Follow these easy steps to create tender chicken, creamy gravy, and soft, fluffy dumplings in one pot.

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sear the chicken: Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in moisture and adds extra flavor.
3. Remove the chicken: Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onions, garlic, celery, and carrots and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Make a roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the gravy.

Step 3: Build the Gravy

1. Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
2. Add 1 cup whole milk and stir until smooth. The mixture should begin to thicken.
3. Season with dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the chicken simmers, prepare the dumpling batter.

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
   • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
   • ½ teaspoon sugar
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
   • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in ½ cup milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir gently until just combined. (Avoid overmixing—this keeps the dumplings light and fluffy.)

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Now that your dumpling dough is ready, it’s time to cook them directly in the simmering gravy.

1. Drop the dumplings: Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough and gently drop them into the simmering gravy. Do not stir—let them sit on top.
2. Cover and steam: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. The steam will help them rise and become soft and fluffy.
3. Check for doneness: After 15 minutes, insert a toothpick into one of the dumplings—if it comes out clean, they’re done. If they look doughy inside, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and transfer them to a plate.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the dumplings and gravy.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Taste and adjust seasoning – Add more salt or black pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Classic Comfort Style: Serve in deep bowls, ensuring each portion has plenty of chicken, dumplings, and gravy.
• With a Side of Greens: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add a Crunch: A slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions can add texture.

Storing & Reheating Chicken and Dumplings

Refrigerator Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• The dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.

Freezing Instructions:

• Best for the chicken and gravy – Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Dumplings don’t freeze well – If making ahead, prepare the dumplings fresh before serving.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring gently, adding extra broth or milk if needed.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-creamy texture.
• Prevent Gummy Dumplings: Make sure the pot is covered while they steam—this ensures light, fluffy dumplings.
• Want More Texture? Try adding a handful of frozen peas or diced potatoes to the gravy.
• Using Chicken Breasts Instead? If you prefer white meat, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook, as they dry out faster than thighs.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	14g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	860mg
Sugar	5g

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Chicken and Dumplings FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken and gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Add fresh dumplings before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead of dumplings?

Absolutely! Cut refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the simmering broth instead of homemade dumplings.

3. What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?

If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the pot. Let it simmer until thickened.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you’re short on time, shred rotisserie chicken and add it in after the gravy has thickened.

5. How can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk and swap butter for dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings is a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and always satisfying. The tender chicken, creamy gravy, and fluffy dumplings create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping ahead of time, this dish is a great go-to.