Easy Homemade Chicken & Dumplings In A Pot

Comforting and hearty, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and fresh vegetables

Get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that will warm your heart - easy homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic southern dish has tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth. It's all ready in just 30 minutes.

It's perfect for a chilly evening or a family dinner. It's easy to make and full of flavor.

A Comforting, Hearty Meal

Easy Homemade Chicken & Dumplings In A Pot is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. It's incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and it comes together in under an hour.

Whether you're preparing it for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a cozy holiday brunch, or a satisfying dinner, this chicken and dumplings recipe is a great option for any occasion. Compared to store-bought versions, homemade is healthier and more flavorful, letting you control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.

A Hearty, Nourishing Main Dish

When it comes to comfort food, Chicken & Dumplings delivers. The combination of hearty chicken, vegetables, and soft dumplings creates a meal that's not only filling but also packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber. It's perfect for colder weather or when you're craving a meal that offers both warmth and satisfaction.

This dish is a great main course for family meals or gatherings, offering a flavorful, wholesome option everyone will enjoy. Whether it's for a holiday dinner or a regular weeknight meal, Chicken & Dumplings is the ideal choice to feed a crowd.

Ideal for Weekend Breakfasts and Holiday Brunches

Looking for the perfect dish for a holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend breakfast? Chicken & Dumplings In A Pot is an excellent choice. Its savory flavors and comforting nature make it ideal for those slow mornings when you want something heartier than the usual breakfast fare.

It's easy to prepare, making it a great option for a relaxed gathering with family or friends. Whether you're hosting a holiday meal or enjoying a quiet weekend at home, this dish adds a festive touch to any brunch.

Healthier Than Store-Bought Alternatives

One of the best parts of making homemade chicken and dumplings is that it's healthier than most store-bought or restaurant options. By preparing it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and avoid excess sodium and preservatives.

You can even adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences, ensuring a more nutritious version without sacrificing flavor. Homemade chicken & dumplings is a wholesome alternative to processed versions, offering both better taste and quality.

A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Chicken & Dumplings In A Pot is a crowd-pleasing dish that works for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as turkey or rotisserie chicken.

The combination of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you're making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Quick, Simple, and Time-Saving

Despite its rich, hearty nature, Chicken & Dumplings is quick and easy to make. After sautéing the vegetables and adding the chicken, the soup simmers and practically cooks itself. The dumplings are dropped directly into the pot, so there’s no need to make separate sides or bread.

This makes it a perfect option for busy days when you want a homemade, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It also makes great leftovers, with the flavors only improving overnight.

Why This Classic Southern Comfort Dish Is Perfect for Any Season

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved southern comfort food. It has been loved for generations. It started as a cheap, filling meal in the southern United States. Today, it's a symbol of the region's rich food history and traditions.

It's not just about its cultural roots. Chicken and dumplings is also great for any time of year. It's a dish that brings people together, no matter the season.

The Origins of Chicken and Dumplings

The story of chicken and dumplings begins in the early American South. Homemakers there made do with simple, affordable ingredients. They created hearty, one-pot meals that warmed the soul.

Over time, each family added their own twist to the recipe. This made chicken and dumplings a dish full of personal stories and traditions.

Benefits of Making It in One Pot

Making chicken and dumplings in one pot is a huge time-saver. It lets all the flavors mix together beautifully. This method not only saves time but also makes the dish taste richer and more complex.

It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This chicken and dumplings recipe is special because of its simplicity. It uses both chicken breasts and thighs for a great mix of textures and flavors. The addition of various vegetables makes it a nutritious and filling meal.

Chicken and dumplings is perfect for any time of year. It's a cozy winter meal or a comforting summer dish. Its rich flavors, one-pot convenience, and versatility make it a timeless favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings In A Pot

Making the ultimate chicken and dumplings starts with picking the right ingredients. Each part, from the chicken to the broth and dumplings, is key. They help get the flavors and textures just right.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

For the best taste, mix boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs. Breasts offer lean protein, while thighs add richness and flavor. This mix makes your chicken and dumplings tender and tasty.

Key Components for the Broth Base

The broth is the dish's foundation. Start with butter, onions, celery, and carrots for a great base. Add fresh thyme and a bay leaf for herbs. Chicken stock brings the savory flavors together.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Dumpling Ingredients

5 T cold unsalted butter, divided
1 small yellow onion, diced fine
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1-¼ C all-purpose flour, divided
1 qt. low sodium chicken broth
2 C diced, cooked chicken
6 oz. frozen Italian green beans
6 oz. frozen peas & carrots
1 t baking powder
2 T chopped fresh parsley, plus additional to garnish
½ C milk, preferably whole
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
6 oz. frozen peas & carrots

For those with gluten sensitivities, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix is a great substitute.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the perfect chicken and dumplings recipe is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, homemade chicken and dumplings dish in your own kitchen.

Heat the Dutch Oven:

Place a large Dutch oven on the stovetop and set the heat to medium-high. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two.

Melt Butter:

Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the Dutch oven and let it melt completely. The butter will add richness to the base of the soup.

Cook Onion and Celery:

Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to cook for about 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the celery starts to soften.

Add Flour:

Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Stir well to incorporate the flour into the mixture. Continue stirring for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

Add Broth:

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully added, increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer:

Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes. This will help thicken the base and develop flavors.

Add Chicken and Green Beans:

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and green beans. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed.

Add Peas and Carrots:

Add the frozen peas and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to warm through and soften.

Prepare Dumpling Batter:

While the soup is simmering, take a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley to the dry ingredients for flavor.

Cut in the Butter:

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the flour mixture. Using a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Milk:

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring gently to combine. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

Drop Dumplings:

Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Be sure to space them out a little, as they will expand as they cook.

Cover and Simmer:

Once all the dumplings are in the pot, cover the Dutch oven with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the dumplings. The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve and Garnish:

Carefully ladle the chicken and dumpling soup into bowls. For a fresh pop of flavor and color, garnish with additional chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, hearty meal!

Whether you choose to make this chicken and dumplings recipe on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, the key is to follow the steps carefully and let the flavors develop. Enjoy this comforting, homemade chicken and dumplings recipe any time of year!

How to Make Perfect Drop-Style Dumplings

Making fluffy, cloud-like dumplings is an art. But with a few simple tips, you can master it. The secret to perfect drop-style dumplings is in the dough and how you cook them.

Tips for Achieving Fluffy Texture

Use chilled or cold ingredients, like milk or broth, to keep the dough soft and fluffy.
Avoid overmixing the dough. Fold the ingredients gently until just combined, to avoid toughening the dough.
Drop the dough into simmering broth with a light touch. Spoon or scoop it gently, not forcefully.
Don't stir the dumplings too much while they cook. Gentle movement helps keep them fluffy.

Common Dumpling Mistakes to Avoid

While making dumplings seems simple, there are common mistakes to avoid:

Don't overcook the dumplings. It can make them fall apart and lose their fluffiness.
Stirring too hard can break the dumplings, making them dense and heavy.
Using warm or hot ingredients in the dough can make it tough. Use chilled or cold ingredients instead.

Follow these tips and adjust cooking time for your dumplings' size and texture. You'll get fluffy, cloud-like dumplings every time.

Variations and Cooking Methods

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved comfort food with many ways to enjoy it. You can stick to a classic recipe or try something new. There are lots of variations and cooking methods to explore.

Using a rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for convenience. It saves time and adds a delicious, roasted flavor. For a slow-cooked version, sauté the onions first. Then add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes for a tender, flavorful dish.

The Instant Pot method is quick and easy. It can have your chicken and dumplings ready in just 8 minutes for thawed chicken or 11 minutes for frozen. It's also great for a gluten-free option, using drop-style dumplings made with gluten-free flour.

Choose your cooking method wisely. Adjust the recipe quantities to fit your pot size, especially with the Instant Pot. This ensures the right balance of ingredients and prevents overflow or undercooking.

Chicken and dumplings offers endless possibilities, whether you prefer slow-cooked or quick Instant Pot meals. This classic dish is sure to bring comfort to your table.

Storage Tips and Reheating Guidelines

Keep the homemade chicken and dumplings tasty for longer by storing leftovers right. Place the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the soup part for up to 6 months. But, it's best to make fresh dumplings when reheating to keep them fluffy.

To reheat the frozen soup, thaw it at room temperature first. Then, heat it on the stovetop over medium heat. If it's too thin, mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Don't overcook the dumplings to keep them soft and fluffy.

Reheating leftovers from the fridge or freezer requires care. This way, you can enjoy the comforting taste of chicken and dumplings for more days.