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Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

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close up overhead shot of a pot of Chicken and Dumplings with a large wooden spoon
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
  1. CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE INGREDIENTS
  2. SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
  3. How to Making the Shredded Chicken Needed for this Recipe
  4. How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
  5. WHAT IS THE SECRET TO GOOD DUMPLINGS?
  6. THICKENING EASY CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
  7. SERVING THIS RECIPE FOR CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
  8. STORING THIS HOMEMADE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE
  9. EASY CHICKEN AND DUMPLING RECIPE FAQ
  10. MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
  11. JUMP TO RECIPE
  12. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

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.

close up overhead shot of a pot of Chicken and Dumplings with a large wooden spoon

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE INGREDIENTS

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For this chicken and dumpling recipe, 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 Easy 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.

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.

Chicken and Dumplings process shot of ingredients in a pot

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.

Chicken and Dumplings process shot of ingredients in a pot

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. 

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! 

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

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! 

EASY 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.

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close up overhead shot of a pot of Chicken and Dumplings with a large wooden spoon

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

5 from 86 votes
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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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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  1. Sasha says

    5 stars
    Fantastic! Just what we were looking for! So silky and delicious! I could not find Better than Bullion so I used 8 cups of Imagine free range organic chicken broth and one regular bullion cube. Hubby and son loved it, as did I! A new family favorite for sure!!! Will double the dumplings next time.

  2. Paul says

    Haven’t made this yet, but it looks delicious! Your description says: “heavy cream”, yet milk is listed in recipe. Can you clarify which should be used?

    • Sharon P. says

      I do mine in crockpit for sure. Turns out perfect. Not sure about timing but most times I cook on low, go to town or visiting for 3 or 4 hours. About hour before we are ready to eat I put dumplings (home made) in. DO NOT STIR! Cover and let cook for 1 hour. Hope this helps.

  3. Jill says

    5 stars
    Never made anything like this before, it turned out fantastic, I felt like a real cook and I have not been cooking from scratch for long at all. It’s delicious, hearty and my husband loved it. The only change I made was I used an organic pancake mix and hoped for the best, and they were great. I marveled at them as they fluffed up. The only thing that was awkward was making them into balls, as I couldn’t find my ice cream scoop, but I managed with a tablespoon measurer and they were fine. Also, once you have chopped everything up ready in the prep stage, it’s a surprisingly quick meal to actually cook. Great recipe.

    • Cindi says

      Thank you for the wonderful recipe cannot wait to try absolutely love chicken and dumplings out of curiosity if I cannot find the better than chicken packets how many cups of regular chicken broth can I use in this recipe..thank you again for the wonderful recipe and also can this be frozen? I am a single mom I work full-time and would love to have something already made for a quick and good dinner

      • Layne Kangas says

        Hi, Cindi – I would recommend using chicken bullion instead of broth as it would change the liquid ratios if you use broth instead of the packets. You can keep 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! Enjoy!

  4. Denise says

    Really good! Reminded me of what my mom used to make growing up. Only problem I had was that the dumpling mixture was too liquidy. I tried adding a little more non-sifted to thicken it up before attempting to drop in ball shapes.. but it didn’t really work. I had a solid layer of dumpling, but… broke it up a little to turn.. still came out tasty!

  5. Laurie Shamome says

    5 stars
    One of the best dishes I have ever made. It is real “comfort food”. I did add frozen corn and peas to the sauteed vegies and some black pepper to the broth. It tasted like the inside of a chicken pot pie! Also, works just great with turkey.

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