Chicken & Dumplings in Creamy Broth

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm Chicken & Dumplings to soothe the soul. This classic dish has been a beloved staple in American homes for generations, and for good reason. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug — soft, fluffy dumplings floating in a rich, velvety chicken broth, punctuated with tender pieces of chicken and aromatic vegetables.

Chicken & Dumplings originated as a frugal dish meant to stretch ingredients — a whole chicken, a few veggies, and some flour — into a complete and filling meal. But today, it stands tall among the most beloved comfort foods. Each spoonful is creamy, cozy, and deeply satisfying, especially when the weather cools down or when you simply need a little extra comfort.

This version features a thick, creamy broth that’s infused with herbs and cooked from scratch, along with homemade dumplings that puff up beautifully in the broth. The result is a rustic, hearty dish that tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together in just about an hour.

Why I Love This Recipe (and Why You Will Too)

There are few meals that deliver quite as much warmth and contentment as a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumplings. Here’s why this recipe is always in my winter rotation (and should be in yours too):

• Deep Comfort in Every Bite: This dish is synonymous with home-cooked love. It fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your heart with nostalgia.
• Perfect Texture: The dumplings are soft but not soggy, with just the right bounce. The broth is creamy and luscious but not overly thick.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything simmers in one pot, building layer after layer of flavor while saving you from a pile of dishes.
• Flexible & Forgiving: You can swap in leftover chicken, use rotisserie chicken, or vary the vegetables depending on what you have.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters come back for seconds. Kids love the dumplings, adults love the richness of the broth.

If you’re looking for a satisfying, soul-soothing, and truly crave-worthy meal, this is it.

Prep & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~450–500 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth:

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (or rotisserie)
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
• Optional: 1 tsp dried herbs (parsley, thyme)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Build the Broth

• Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook the flour (this thickens the broth).
• Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
• Add bay leaf and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream

• Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in shredded chicken and milk or half-and-half.
• Let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs.
• Stir in milk and melted butter until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

• Using a spoon or small scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough on top of the simmering broth.
• Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low.
• Do not lift the lid for at least 15–18 minutes — the steam cooks the dumplings.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

• After 15 minutes, uncover and check that dumplings are puffed and cooked through (a toothpick should come out clean).
• Discard bay leaf. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve the Chicken & Dumplings steaming hot in deep bowls with:

• Cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of paprika
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives)
• Warm crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal
• A dash of hot sauce for extra warmth

This dish is best enjoyed straight from the pot, cozy by the fire or at the family table.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tips:

• Don’t overmix dumpling dough — it should be just combined.
• Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook — steam is key!
• Use whole milk or half-and-half for a creamy broth (avoid low-fat for best texture).

Variations:

• Herb Dumplings: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or dill to the dumpling dough.
• Cream of Chicken Shortcut: Add 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup for extra richness.
• Vegetable Boost: Add peas, mushrooms, or green beans for more variety.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the broth thickener and dumplings.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerate:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.

Freeze:

• Freeze without dumplings (they get mushy). Just freeze the creamy chicken broth base.
• Thaw and reheat, then make fresh dumplings to drop in.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or deep stockpot
• Ladle and mixing spoon
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Lid (for steaming dumplings)

Conclusion

This Chicken & Dumplings in Creamy Broth recipe is everything we crave in a comforting homemade meal — rich, thick, steamy, and brimming with flavor. It’s the type of dish that warms not just your belly, but your entire spirit. With fluffy dumplings, a velvety broth, and tender chicken in every bite, it turns any cold night into a cozy celebration of comfort food at its finest.

Once you try this once, it will be a part of your family’s cold-weather tradition — one pot, one ladle, one deeply satisfying meal.