25 Irresistible Chicken And Dumplings Recipes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

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Welcome to the ultimate comfort food guide! If you are searching for the perfect Chicken And Dumplings Recipe, you have just struck gold. There is nothing quite like a steaming bowl of tender chicken, rich savory broth, and pillowy dumplings to warm your soul.

Whether you are craving a traditional Southern classic, need a quick 30-minute weeknight dinner, or want to let your slow cooker do the work, we have compiled 25 detailed, step-by-step Chicken And Dumplings Recipes to satisfy every craving. Grab your favorite Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking!

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1. The Best Southern Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🍲

The undisputed king of comfort food. This classic Southern version features a rich roux-based broth and fluffy, dropped biscuit-style dumplings.

Step-by-Step:

1. Make the Base: Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots in butter. Add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk.
2. Add the Chicken: Stir in 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken and simmer until the broth thickens.
3. Make the Dumplings: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter. Stir in buttermilk until a sticky dough forms.
4. Cook: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering stew. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Serve immediately.

2. 30-Minute Easy Chicken And Dumplings Recipe ⏱️

Short on time? This lightning-fast recipe uses pantry staples and pre-cooked chicken to get dinner on the table in half an hour.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sauté Veggies: In a large pot, sauté frozen mixed vegetables and diced onions in olive oil for 3 minutes.
2. Build the Broth: Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, and 2 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken. Bring to a boil.
3. Quick Dumplings: Mix 2 cups of self-rising flour with 1 cup of milk and 2 tbsp of melted butter.
4. Simmer: Drop the batter into the boiling broth. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 10-12 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

3. Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🍲

Let the crockpot do all the heavy lifting. This set-it-and-forget-it method yields incredibly tender chicken and a deeply flavorful broth.

Step-by-Step:

1. Prep the Crockpot: Add 2 lbs of chicken breasts, chopped carrots, celery, onion, 3 cups of broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
2. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
3. Make Dumpling Batter: In a bowl, mix 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
4. Finish: Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Drop spoonfuls of batter over the stew. Cover and cook for 30-45 minutes until dumplings are firm.

4. Old Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 👵

This nostalgic recipe skips the fluffy dropped dumplings in favor of traditional, flat, ribbon-style dumplings rolled out by hand.

Step-by-Step:

1. Make the Stock: Boil a whole chicken with water, onions, and celery for 1.5 hours. Remove chicken, shred the meat, and strain the broth.
2. Make Dough: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg, and enough milk to form a stiff dough. Knead for 3 minutes.
3. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out very thin on a floured surface. Cut into 1-inch wide strips using a pizza cutter or knife.
4. Simmer: Bring the seasoned chicken broth to a rolling boil. Drop in the flat dough strips. Boil uncovered for 10 mins, then cover and simmer for 10 more mins.

5. Creamy One-Pot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🍲

Maximum flavor, minimum cleanup. This ultra-creamy version uses a splash of heavy cream and cooks entirely in one Dutch oven.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sear Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in a Dutch oven until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Base: Sauté garlic and onions in the same pot. Add flour, then whisk in chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
3. Combine: Return the chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Shred directly in the pot.
4. Dumplings: Drop pre-made or store-bought biscuit dough balls into the creamy stew. Cover and bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

6. Homemade From-Scratch Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥟

For the purist! This recipe teaches you how to make rich, homemade bone broth and perfectly textured dumplings completely from scratch.

Step-by-Step:

1. Bone Broth: Simmer chicken bones, carcass, and veggie scraps in water for 4 hours. Strain and reserve the liquid.
2. Stew Base: Sauté mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) in butter. Add flour, then slowly whisk in your homemade bone broth. Add shredded chicken meat.
3. Dumpling Dough: Cut 1/2 cup cold butter into 2 cups flour. Add 1 tbsp baking powder, salt, and 3/4 cup buttermilk. Do not overmix.
4. Cook: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Drop large spoonfuls of dough on top. Cover tightly and steam for 15 minutes.

7. Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe ⚡

Pressure cooking locks in flavor and cuts the cooking time in half. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade taste fast.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sauté: Using the ‘Sauté’ function, cook diced chicken, onions, and carrots for 5 minutes.
2. Pressure Cook: Add 2 cups broth, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tbsp flour. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release.
3. Dumpling Batter: Mix 1.5 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup milk, and 2 tbsp melted oil.
4. Steam: Turn the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ (Low). Drop batter into the hot liquid. Put the glass lid on (or regular lid without sealing) and let steam for 10 minutes.

8. Healthy & Light Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥗

All the comfort, none of the heaviness. This lighter version uses lean chicken, low-sodium broth, and whole-grain dumplings.

Step-by-Step:

1. Lean Base: Sauté chicken breast cubes with garlic and olive oil. Add low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of unsweetened almond milk.
2. Veggies: Stir in extra spinach, carrots, and peas for a nutrient boost. Simmer until chicken is cooked.
3. Healthy Dumplings: Mix whole wheat flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and Greek yogurt (instead of butter) to form a dough.
4. Cook: Drop small dollops of the yogurt-based dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until fluffy.

9. Gluten-Free Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🌾

Celiac-friendly and delicious! This recipe proves you don’t need wheat to enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

Step-by-Step:

1. Thicken the Broth: Sauté veggies and chicken. Instead of regular flour, use 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the chicken broth.
2. GF Dumpling Mix: In a bowl, combine 1.5 cups 1-to-1 Gluten-Free flour blend, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (if not in your blend).
3. Wet Ingredients: Stir in 3/4 cup milk and 3 tbsp melted butter until a thick batter forms.
4. Simmer: Drop the GF batter into the gently boiling stew. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes (GF dumplings often take a few minutes longer).

10. Budget-Friendly Family Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 💰

Feed a crowd without breaking the bank. This recipe uses affordable cuts of meat and frozen veggies to stretch the budget.

Step-by-Step:

1. Cheap Cuts: Boil 3 lbs of bone-in chicken leg quarters in a large pot with water, salt, and pepper until falling off the bone (about 45 mins).
2. Shred & Strain: Remove chicken, shred the meat, and skim the fat from the broth. Return the broth and meat to the pot.
3. Add Veggies: Stir in a large bag of frozen mixed vegetables to keep costs low. Bring to a boil.
4. Simple Dumplings: Mix 3 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, salt, 1 cup milk, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Drop into the boiling stew, cover, and cook for 15 mins.

11. Ultimate Winter Comfort Chicken And Dumplings Recipe ❄️

Designed to chase away the winter chill, this hearty version includes root vegetables and warming herbs.

Step-by-Step:

1. Root Veggies: Sauté onions, then add diced parsnips, potatoes, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Herb Broth: Add chicken broth, fresh thyme, rosemary, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Simmer until root veggies are tender.
3. Savory Dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Cut in cold butter, then add buttermilk.
4. Cook: Drop the cheesy dumpling dough into the simmering winter stew. Cover and steam for 15 minutes until golden and puffed.

12. Sunday Dinner Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🍽️

Elevate your weekend family gathering with this rich, roasted-chicken-based version that tastes like a holiday feast.

Step-by-Step:

1. Roast Chicken: Roast a whole chicken. Save the pan drippings! Shred the meat.
2. Rich Gravy Base: Make a roux using the saved chicken drippings and flour. Whisk in chicken broth to create a deeply flavored gravy.
3. Combine: Add the shredded roasted chicken and frozen peas to the gravy. Simmer gently.
4. Buttermilk Dumplings: Make a rich dumpling dough using buttermilk and a pinch of baking soda. Drop into the gravy, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

13. Shortcut Biscuit Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥄

The ultimate kitchen hack. By using refrigerated biscuit dough, you cut prep time in half without sacrificing that fluffy dumpling texture.

Step-by-Step:

1. Quick Stew: Sauté onions and celery. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk, and 2 tsp poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil.
2. Add Chicken: Stir in 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
3. The Shortcut: Open a can of refrigerated large biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
4. Simmer: Drop the biscuit pieces into the boiling stew. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the biscuits are cooked through.

14. Amish-Style Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🚜

Authentic, rustic, and deeply satisfying. This Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired recipe features wide, egg-enriched noodle dumplings.

Step-by-Step:

1. Rich Broth: Simmer chicken parts with onions and celery for 2 hours to create a dark, rich stock. Strain and return to pot.
2. Egg Dough: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 beaten eggs, and enough milk to make a stiff dough. Knead well and let rest for 10 mins.
3. Cut Noodles: Roll the dough out paper-thin. Cut into 2-inch wide by 4-inch long rectangles.
4. Cook: Drop the flat rectangles into the boiling broth. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

15. Dairy-Free Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥥

Creamy, comforting, and completely dairy-free. Perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Step-by-Step:

1. Dairy-Free Base: Sauté chicken and veggies in olive oil. Add flour, then whisk in chicken broth and 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (for creaminess).
2. Simmer: Add shredded chicken and thyme. Let it simmer until thickened.
3. DF Dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold dairy-free butter sticks (or coconut oil). Stir in unsweetened almond milk.
4. Cook: Drop the dough into the simmering stew. Cover tightly and steam for 15 minutes until the dumplings are light and fluffy.

16. Meal Prep Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 📦

Designed specifically for batch cooking. This recipe ensures your dumplings don’t turn to mush in the fridge.

Step-by-Step:

1. Make the Stew: Prepare your favorite chicken and vegetable stew base. Let it cool completely before storing.
2. Cook Dumplings Separately: Make and cook the dumplings in a separate pot of boiling water or broth. Drain and let cool.
3. Store: Portion the stew base into airtight containers. Place 2-3 cooked dumplings in each container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Reheat: When ready to eat, microwave the stew and dumplings together, or reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the stew.

17. Veggie-Packed Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥕

Sneak in an extra serving of vegetables! This colorful, nutrient-dense version is a great way to get kids to eat their greens.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sauté Base: Cook onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Add chopped broccoli florets, carrots, and zucchini.
2. Broth & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and add shredded chicken. Simmer until the veggies are tender-crisp.
3. Herb Dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Add milk and melted butter to form a dough.
4. Cook: Drop the herb dumplings over the veggie-heavy stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach right before serving.

18. Spicy Cajun Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🌶️

Bring the heat of Louisiana to your kitchen! This bold, spicy twist uses the “holy trinity” and Cajun spices.

Step-by-Step:

1. The Trinity: Sauté diced onions, celery, and green bell peppers in oil. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned.
2. Spice it Up: Add 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne, and minced garlic. Pour in chicken broth and add shredded chicken.
3. Spicy Dumplings: Make a standard drop dumpling batter, but fold in 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce into the wet ingredients.
4. Cook: Drop the spicy dumpling batter into the boiling Cajun stew. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions.

19. The Viral “Best Ever” Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🔥

The internet was right about this one. The secret ingredient? A can of cream of chicken soup for an unbelievably rich and velvety broth.

Step-by-Step:

1. Ultra-Creamy Base: In a large pot, combine 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup milk. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add Mix-ins: Stir in 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Perfect Dumplings: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt. Cut in 1/3 cup cold butter. Stir in 1 cup buttermilk.
4. Cook: Drop large spoonfuls of the buttermilk dough into the creamy soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the dumplings are massive and fluffy.

20. Beginner-Friendly Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 👩‍🍳

Never made dumplings before? This foolproof, step-by-step recipe uses self-rising flour to guarantee perfect, fluffy dumplings every single time.

Step-by-Step:

1. Simple Stew: Heat 4 cups of boxed chicken broth. Add 2 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. Bring to a boil.
2. Foolproof Dough: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of self-rising flour with 1 cup of whole milk. Stir just until combined (lumps are okay!).
3. Drop: Using a large spoon, drop the batter directly into the boiling broth.
4. Simmer: Immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for exactly 15 minutes. Do not peek!

21. Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Quick Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🍗

Transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into a gourmet meal in 20 minutes flat. The ultimate weeknight lifesaver.

Step-by-Step:

1. Prep Chicken: Shred all the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
2. Quick Broth: In a pot, combine the shredded chicken, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 diced carrot, and 1 stalk of celery. Bring to a boil.
3. Fast Dumplings: Mix 1.5 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup milk, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
4. Cook: Drop the batter into the boiling liquid. Cover and simmer on low for 12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

22. Rustic Country Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🏡

Hearty, unrefined, and full of deep flavors. This recipe uses bone-in dark meat and hand-torn dumplings for a true farmhouse feel.

Step-by-Step:

1. Dark Meat: Simmer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in broth with chopped onions and garlic until cooked. Remove chicken, shred, and discard skins/bones.
2. Rustic Veggies: Add roughly chopped carrots and potatoes to the broth. Simmer until tender.
3. Torn Dumplings: Make a simple flour, baking powder, salt, and milk dough. Instead of dropping with a spoon, pinch off irregular, rustic chunks of dough with your hands.
4. Cook: Drop the torn dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

23. Cream of Chicken Soup Base Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🥣

A nostalgic, mid-century classic that relies on pantry staples for a rich, thick, and incredibly comforting gravy-like broth.

Step-by-Step:

1. The Base: In a large Dutch oven, whisk together 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and 2 cans of water (or milk for extra richness).
2. Simmer: Add 3 cups of cooked, cubed chicken and 1 tsp poultry seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Basic Dumplings: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in 1 cup milk and 2 tbsp melted butter until just combined.
4. Cook: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot, creamy soup base. Cover tightly and steam for 15 minutes.

24. Slow-Simmered Soul Food Chicken And Dumplings Recipe 🎶

Deeply rooted in tradition, this Southern soul food version relies on a long, slow simmer to extract maximum flavor from the chicken bones.

Step-by-Step:

1. Long Simmer: Boil bone-in chicken pieces (legs and thighs) with onion, celery, and salt for 2 full hours until the meat is falling apart and the broth is rich.
2. Prep: Remove chicken, shred the meat, and skim excess fat from the dark, rich broth. Return broth and meat to the pot.
3. Square Dumplings: Mix flour, salt, and water (no eggs or milk) to form a stiff dough. Roll out thin and cut into 1-inch squares.
4. Cook: Drop the squares into the boiling broth. Stir gently. Boil uncovered for 10 mins, then cover and simmer for 15 mins until the broth thickens slightly.

25. Fluffy Drop Dumplings Chicken And Dumplings Recipe ☁️

The secret to this recipe is all in the technique. By using cold butter and a touch of vinegar, you achieve the lightest, most cloud-like dumplings imaginable.

Step-by-Step:

1. Classic Stew: Prepare a standard chicken, carrot, celery, and broth stew. Keep it at a gentle, steady simmer.
2. The Secret Dough: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Grate frozen cold butter into the flour (this creates flaky layers). Stir in milk and 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar (the acid creates extra lift).
3. Drop: Gently drop large, uneven spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering stew.
4. The Golden Rule: Cover the pot immediately. Cook for 15 minutes on medium-low. DO NOT LIFT THE LID. The steam is what makes them fluffy. Serve immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the secret to fluffy dumplings?
The secret to fluffy dumplings is using cold butter (or freezing it and grating it in), not overmixing the dough, and most importantly, keeping the lid on the pot while they cook so the steam can puff them up!

Why did my dumplings turn out gummy or doughy?
Gummy dumplings usually happen if the dough is overmixed (which develops too much gluten), if the liquid wasn’t at a proper simmer when the dough was added, or if you lifted the lid while they were cooking, causing the temperature to drop.

Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, but with a caveat! The chicken stew base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. However, dumplings tend to get mushy when frozen and reheated. It is best to freeze the stew base, thaw it, reheat it, and make a fresh batch of dumplings when you are ready to eat.

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Which of these 25 Chicken And Dumplings Recipes are you trying first? Whether you are going for the classic Southern style or trying out the Instant Pot hack, we guarantee a bowl of pure comfort. Leave a comment below with your favorite variation, and don’t forget to share this ultimate guide with your fellow foodies!