This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is a warm, cozy classic made with tender shredded chicken, soft homemade dumplings, and a rich savory broth. Perfect for family dinners, this homemade comfort food is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor just like a traditional grandma-style meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings
- One-pot comfort meal that’s filling and satisfying
- Tender chicken simmered for deep homemade flavor
- Soft, fluffy dumplings made from scratch
- Perfect cozy dinner for cold days or family gatherings
Ingredients for Classic Chicken and Dumplings
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water or broth. Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let the chicken simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender and fully cooked. This slow simmering step creates a rich, flavorful base for a classic comfort soup.
Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and return it to the pot with butter and chopped onion. Let it gently simmer while preparing the dumplings, allowing the flavors to blend into a hearty homemade broth.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough thin and cut into strips or squares for traditional dumplings. Drop them one by one into the simmering broth, stirring lightly so they don’t stick. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until the dumplings are tender and fluffy.
Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot for a comforting homestyle chicken and dumplings dinner that feels nostalgic and satisfying.
Benefits of This Homemade Comfort Recipe
This classic chicken and dumplings dish is packed with protein from slow-cooked chicken and delivers deep flavor without complicated steps. The simmering method keeps the meat juicy while creating a nourishing broth, making it an easy weeknight meal that feels homemade and wholesome.
