Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings, a classic that brings together tender shredded chicken, soft, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth. The aroma alone is enough to make your whole kitchen feel like home. This recipe perfectly balances the savory taste of chicken with the delicate texture of dumplings that soak up every bit of the delicious broth. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming meal to brighten a chilly day or a family favorite to savor together, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
Preparing this comforting meal is straightforward and satisfying. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, cook time takes about 30 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes. This recipe generously serves 6 people, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 cups water
- 4 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 2 small yellow onions, finely diced
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for dumplings)
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings (for dumplings)
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a microwave-safe bowl or large measuring cup, combine 8 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon Chicken. Microwave for 3 minutes, then stir well and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Make the roux and add broth: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to combine and cook the flour for about 2 minutes. Gradually pour the prepared chicken broth into the pot while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it thicken slightly.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Reduce heat to low and allow the broth to simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
- Mix the dumpling batter: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups Bisquick with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings. Drizzle in 2/3 cup milk and stir gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings tender. Let the batter rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the dumplings: Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop 1.5 tablespoon-sized dumplings into the simmering pot, leaving space between each. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Finish cooking: Carefully turn each dumpling over with a slotted spoon and cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to firm up their exterior slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy immediately for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Better Than Bouillon for deep flavor: It’s a concentrated chicken base that creates rich broth without artificial taste.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: Stir gently to avoid tough dumplings—light and fluffy is the goal.
- Simmer slowly: Keep the heat low when cooking dumplings to ensure they cook all the way through without falling apart.
- Rest dumpling batter: Letting the dough rest briefly helps hydrate the flour and improves texture.
- Shred chicken finely: Smaller pieces ensure every bite has a good balance of chicken and broth.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to customize your chicken and dumplings, here are some great options:
- Healthier swaps: Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Vegetables: Substitute or add peas, green beans, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- Gluten-free: Replace Bisquick with a gluten-free biscuit mix and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a fragrant twist if you prefer fresh herbs over dried Italian seasoning.
- Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well if you want to save time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a saucepan over low to medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture. Stir frequently to heat evenly without drying out the dumplings. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short intervals, stirring between each. For longer storage, freeze without dumplings separately and add fresh dumplings when reheating to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Shredded chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.
- How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
- The dumplings will be fluffy and firm to the touch after simmering and flipping for a total of about 18 minutes. You can test by inserting a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Cook the broth and vegetables on high for 2-3 hours, then add the dumpling mixture in small portions and cook until they’re set, about 30 more minutes.
- Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes. Substitute the milk with plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to keep it creamy and flavorful.
- What can I do if the broth is too thick?
- Simply add a little more water or broth to thin it out while reheating until you get your preferred consistency.
Nutrition Estimate per Serving
Each serving of this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe contains approximately 380 calories, with about 32 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. It’s a well-balanced meal that provides plenty of energy and satisfying nutrients, perfect for a nourishing and comforting dinner.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 cups water
- 4 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 2 small yellow onions, finely diced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for dumplings)
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings (for dumplings)
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Combine 8 cups water and 4 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir, and set aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp salted butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook for 10 minutes until tender.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour into the pot, stirring to cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the prepared broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasonings, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Reduce heat and simmer.
- In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups Bisquick, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasonings for dumplings. Add 2/3 cup milk and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Let rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through. Serve hot.
Notes
Let dumpling batter rest slightly for a tender texture.
For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.