Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings From Scratch
There is something comforting about a big pot of homemade chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove. This easy homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Tender shredded chicken, soft homemade dumplings, and flavorful broth come together to create a simple meal that fills both the stomach and the heart.
As the weather begins to cool and schedules fill with school, church activities, and everyday responsibilities, this is one of my favorite meals to keep in our rotation. I usually start with my Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe, which makes this meal come together even faster while adding plenty of flavor to the broth.
If you’re looking for a cozy comfort food recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a great place to start.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This recipe uses simple ingredients that many families already keep on hand. It is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Unlike shortcuts that rely on canned biscuits or pre-made dough, these homemade dumplings come together with just a few pantry staples.
It’s also a great recipe for busy seasons. By keeping shredded chicken prepared ahead of time, dinner can come together quickly without sacrificing that homemade taste we all love.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds shredded chicken
- 8 cups chicken broth
I typically use my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe for this step and include the broth created during cooking.
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 1 cup milk
For Serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Add 8 cups of chicken broth to a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to heat through while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Dumpling Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until the butter is distributed throughout the flour.
Pour in the milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Generously flour your work surface.
Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and roll it to approximately ¼-inch thickness. If you prefer thicker dumplings, you can leave the dough slightly thicker.
Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips and then into small squares.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling broth a few at a time, stirring gently as you go to prevent sticking.
Continue until all dumplings have been added.
Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the dumplings are cooked through and the broth has thickened slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Don’t Skip Stirring
The dumplings can settle to the bottom of the pot if left unattended. Stir gently every few minutes while they cook to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Flour Your Surface Well
The dough is soft and can become sticky. A lightly floured work surface makes rolling and cutting much easier.
Use Flavorful Broth
Since the broth is one of the stars of this recipe, using homemade broth or broth from your shredded chicken adds incredible flavor.
Season at the End
The amount of salt needed can vary depending on the broth you use. Taste the broth once the dumplings have finished cooking and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is one of my favorite ways to make this recipe even easier. I often prepare a large batch of shredded chicken in the Instant Pot and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to make dinner. Having the chicken already cooked turns this into a quick comfort food meal for busy days.
What Chicken Do You Use?
I use my homemade Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe for this dish. Not only does it provide tender chicken, but the broth created during cooking adds extra flavor to the finished recipe. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and something I regularly keep on hand for quick meals.
Can Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Be Frozen?
Technically, yes. However, in my experience, the dumplings tend to become softer and somewhat mushy after thawing and reheating. We prefer this recipe fresh, so I typically only make enough for leftovers within a day or two.
Can I Make the Dumplings Thicker?
Absolutely. I typically roll mine to about ¼ inch thick, but you can leave them slightly thicker if your family prefers a heartier dumpling.
A Cozy Meal for Busy Seasons
One of the things I love most about this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is how simple it is. There is nothing complicated here—just basic ingredients coming together to create a meal that feels comforting and familiar.
Whether you’re serving it after a busy homeschool day, bringing it to the table after church, or simply looking for a meal that stretches your grocery budget a little further, this recipe has earned a permanent place in our kitchen.
When cooler weather arrives, there is a good chance you’ll find a pot of this simmering on my stove at least once or twice during the season.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re making this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, don’t forget to check out my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe. It’s how I prepare the chicken for this meal and one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts.
You’ll also find more homemade breads, sourdough recipes, comfort foods, and family favorites throughout the recipe collection here on the blog.
And if you’d like a little extra encouragement in your inbox each month, be sure to join Rooted Table. It’s where I share recipes, kitchen tips, and reminders that feeding the people we love is one of the many ways we serve them well.
Now grab a bowl, because the recipe card is waiting below. 😊
And remember, i’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or stock pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza cutter or knife
- Dough mat
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Chicken Recipe
- 2 pounds cooked shredded chicken
- 8 cups chicken broth
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Dumpling Recipe
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Bring 8 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot.
- Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and return to a gentle boil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Pour in the milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares.
- Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling broth.
- Stir gently and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Once the dumplings are cooked through and tender, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For quick meal prep, I use my Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe to prepare the chicken for this recipe. You can click the link here or in the blog post above.
- Roll the dumplings slightly thicker if you prefer a heartier dumpling.
- Stir frequently while the dumplings cook to keep them from sticking together.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- While this recipe can be frozen, the dumplings tend to become softer after thawing and reheating.
- For best results, make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the freezer until needed.
- Prep/cook time is assuming your shredded chicken is already prepared. If you are making the chicken from raw, the times would be longer.
