Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded (or 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded)); 8 cups water; 4 tablespoons Better than Bouillon Chicken; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 4 carrots (cut in half lengthwise and then diced); 4 celery stalks (diced); 2 small yellow onions (diced finely); ½ cup flour; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups Bisquick; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ⅔ cup milk

A old fashioned chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food featuring chicken, veggies and tender dumplings all simmered in a creamy sauce.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Servings

The aroma of chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove always signaled something special while I was growing up. It’s a meal that fills the belly and the heart. Over the past 30 years, I’ve refined the family recipe, adjusting the seasoning and perfecting the texture of the dumplings through trial and error.

The resulting recipe has become a favorite in our home and among thousands of readers who have shared their love for it. The tender chicken melts in your mouth, while the soft dumplings soak up the rich, savory broth. It’s a simple dish that is big on flavor.

Our #1 Tip For This Recipe: When making dumplings, mix the dough gently and stop as soon as it’s combined. Overmixing can make them dense and tough.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect chicken and dumplings, it all starts with the ingredients. That’s because simple, quality ingredients are the key to creating a dish that’s truly unforgettable.

For this chicken and dumpling recipe, you’ll need:

For the Soup:

3-4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded)
8 cups water
4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 cup milk
4 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and then diced
4 celery stalks, diced
2 small yellow onions, diced finely
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Dumplings:

2 cups Bisquick
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2/3 cup milk

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

CHICKEN: You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of the chicken breasts in this easy recipe.

VEGETABLES: Add in other favorite vegetables like corn, peas, zucchini or peppers for added texture and an even heartier dish! Frozen veggies can be used in place of fresh vegetables for this recipe.

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

This chicken and dumplings recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor you crave—without the fuss. With simple ingredients and a few clever shortcuts, you can have this classic dish on the table in no time.

(If you’d like to try making these in your slow cooker, try our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe.)

STEP ONE: In a large bowl combine water and Better than Bouillon to make chicken stock. Place in the microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and stir well. Set aside.

STEP TWO: In a large stockpot over medium heat, add carrots, celery, onion, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir well to combine. Let cook for 10 minutes, stirring often to ensure that the onions don’t burn.

Chicken and Dumplings process shot of ingredients in a pot

STEP THREE: Add the ½ cup flour and stir to combine. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.

STEP FOUR: Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and 1 cup of milk. Stir well. Turn temperature to low and let simmer while making the dumplings mixture.

STEP FIVE: In a separate bowl, add the seasonings to the Bisquick and gently toss to incorporate.

PRO TIP:

Don’t over mix the batter. Mix until just combined.

STEP SIX: Drizzle the milk into the Bisquick flour and gently stir to incorporate the liquid. DO NOT OVERMIX. Let the batter rest for 1-2 minutes.

Chicken and Dumplings process shot ingredients being added to a bowl

Chicken and Dumplings process shot of a scoop being taken out of mixture

STEP SEVEN: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon (1.5 inch) cookie scoop, gently drop the Bisquick batter *leaving space between each dumpling because they will expand in size as they cook* into the simmering chicken and vegetables.

Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

STEP EIGHT: Very carefully turn over each dumpling in the pot (being careful not to break them apart) and continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 2-3 minutes.

PRO TIP:

Be sure to leave the pot covered during this time to let the steam do its thing and make the dumplings fluffy! You can check if the dumplings are done by inserting a toothpick into the middle. Overcooked dumplings will start to break apart, so watch closely at the end.

STEP NINE: Serve immediately. You can also garnish with a little chopped parsley if you’d like. This yields 12 dumplings.

How to Make the Shredded Chicken Needed for this Recipe

There are several options for making the chicken for this great chicken and dumplings recipe. Here are our suggestions:

In the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Drizzle olive oil on the chicken breast and then season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Note: Spray your cooking dish so they don’t stick!

Bake for 25 minutes until they reach 165°F. Allow to rest before you shred them.

In the Slow Cooker

Place 6 large chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Thickly slice 1 sweet onion and place rings over the top of the chicken. Pour in ½ cup water or chicken broth.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours. When done, shred the chicken to use in various meals.

Using Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken breast from another meal in the fridge (like leftover Oven Baked Chicken), this is the perfect recipe to use it in!

You can add more than the recommended two cups if you’d like an even heartier dish.

The Secret to Good Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

The most important step to remember to get the perfect dumplings is to leave the pot covered while they are cooking. This allows the steam inside the pot to do its job, giving you the fluffiest and softest dumplings.

NOTE: You must also make sure not to over mix your dumpling batter to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

Adding flour to the chicken and dumplings gravy will thicken it up. You can adjust the quantity of flour depending on if you find it is too thin or thick.

Start with a little bit of flour and add more in small quantities until the consistency is to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious chicken and dumplings meal is filling just as it is, so sides are completely optional—we usually eat it without any!

This is a great thing to serve on a cold night. If you do want a side, add a Caesar salad or green beans.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES

Pasta Recipes

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Dinner Ideas

Chicken Pot Pie

For more satisfying comfort food, you’ll also love our old-fashioned meatloaf and my grandma’s chicken casserole recipe.

How to Store

IN THE FRIDGE: You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. The leftovers are delicious for lunch!

IN THE FREEZER: You can keep in the freezer for 2 to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. I prefer freezing the soup portion, then thawing it and making the dumplings fresh if possible!

close up shot of a serving of Chicken and Dumplings in a bowl with a spoon

You Will Love This Easy Chicken and Dumpling Recipe

You’ll love this easy chicken and dumplings recipe for its comforting, hearty goodness and effortless preparation. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy, homemade dumplings in a creamy, savory broth that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Recipe FAQs

How do I shred chicken?

To shred chicken, use two forks. Holding one in each hand, use them to pull the chicken pieces apart.

Can I make my own homemade dumplings for this crockpot meal?

If you have a preferred recipe for your own delicious dumplings, you are more than welcome to whip up a batch of dumpling dough and drop dumplings into the pot for this creamy chicken recipe.

What kind of flour is best for dumplings?

While we use Bisquick mix for the dumplings in this recipe, if you are making them from scratch, all-purpose flour or wheat flour are both common choices.

Is chicken and dumplings supposed to be thick or soupy?

Chicken and dumplings should be thick and creamy. If you find it is too soupy, you can thicken it up with additional flour or a cornstarch slurry (mixture of cornstarch and water).

What keeps dumplings from falling apart?

Your dumplings may fall apart if you stir them after dropping them into the pot or if your broth is simmering too fast or at a rolling boil. Make sure you drop them into a low simmer and leave them to do their thing.

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is perfectly filling, with sauteed veggies, shredded rotisserie chicken, and homemade pillowy dumplings that are light and fluffy.

In just 45 minutes you can have a classic dish that is hearty and cozy. You’ll love this delicious, old-fashioned, one-pot dinner!