September 20, 2023
Review RecipeHomemade Chicken and Dumplings
A old fashioned chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food featuring chicken, veggies and tender dumplings all simmered in a creamy sauce.
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Table of Contents
- CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
- How to Making the Shredded Chicken Needed for this Recipe
- How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- WHAT IS THE SECRET TO GOOD DUMPLINGS?
- THICKENING EASY CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
- SERVING THIS RECIPE FOR CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
- STORING THIS HOMEMADE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE
- CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE FAQ
- MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Easy, hearty, and delicious, this simple recipe for homemade chicken and dumplings is a classic family favorite that’s ready in minutes. Fresh veggies and tender chicken are simmered in a delicious broth with from-scratch fluffy dumplings dropped on top.
CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need:
For the Soup:
- 3-4 cups shredded rotissierie 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 Making 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
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.
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
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.
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.
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.
WHAT IS THE SECRET TO GOOD 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.
THICKENING EASY 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 THIS RECIPE FOR CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
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.
For more satisfying comfort food, you’ll also love our old-fashioned meatloaf and my grandma’s chicken casserole recipe.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
STORING THIS HOMEMADE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE
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!
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!
CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE FAQ
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.
Can I freeze this recipe?
You can keep it in the freezer for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. I prefer freezing the soup portion, then thawing it and making the dumplings fresh if possible!
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.
MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
A old fashioned chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food featuring chicken, veggies and tender dumplings all simmered in a creamy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 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
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
For the soup
- In a large bowl combine water and better than bouillon to make chicken broth. Place in the microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and stir well. Set aside.
- In a large stock pot over medium heat, add carrots, celery, onion, and 4 tbsp butter. Stir well to combine. Let cook for 10 minutes, stirring often to ensure that the onions don’t burn.
- Add ½ cup flour and stir to combine. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and milk. Stir well. Turn temperature to low and let simmer while making the dumplings mixture.
For the dumplings
- In a separate bowl, add the seasonings to the Bisquick and gently toss to incorporate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy. Optional to garnish with a little chopped parsley. This yields 12 dumplings.
Video
Notes
TIP: Don’t over mix the batter. Mix until just combined.
TIP: Be sure to leave the pot covered during this time to let the steam do it’s 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 1977mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 5372IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
Mia says
This reminded me of my mom’s recipe that had long been lost. Wonderful meal on a cold winter night! So flavorful and easy to follow!
Maria says
Delicious but needs more dumplings. Will use 3 cups bisquick next time
Beverly says
When adding the flour to the vegetables, should I use self rising or all purpose?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Beverly – I think either would probably be ok. We used all-purpose. Enjoy!
Jean Ann says
Delicious comfort food! The dumplings are the best!
Sarah Cohen says
10/10 Absolutely slayed with this recipe!
Kim says
Delicious 😋
Teresa says
I promise to come back and leave star rating after I make this.
Have you ever heard the saying “I gained 5lbs just looking at that”? 🤣 The picture looks delicious, the ingredients are beyond any other recipe I have. My husband is looking with me and says he don’t care how hot it is outside, we’re having chicken and dumplings after church on Wednesday.
Tara Meharg says
As a little girl growing up in the south, I was afforded a bushel of opportunities to try chicken & dumplings. Didn’t matter who cooked them, that stuff just grew in my mouth! It took all I had just to swallow it down & pray it stayed down. I’m 46 now, & I discovered this recipe last year. Since then, I’ve been trying it out on a variety of audiences, many with picky palates, & there hasn’t been one bad review but many requests for me to make it again really soon. Do your tastebuds a solid & make this!!!
Mel says
Chicken & Dumplings…been making this for years.
I use Bisquick for the dumplings and skinless chicken thighs instead of the breast.
(Bisquick is only good for 2 things, Dumplings and Velvet Crumb Cake)
Candy says
ThIs was my first time making chicken and dumplings! It was easy to make and so delicious. PErfect for a cool evening!