Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that rivals your favorite chicken pot pie, look no further than the Homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

Fluffy Bisquick dumplings float on a savory broth packed with tender vegetables and shredded chicken, all made in one pot.

Did you know that chicken and dumplings were a staple of early American farm kitchens, where cooks stretched leftover meat into a filling supper? With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that old-fashioned comfort in your own kitchen.

If you love slow-simmered comfort food, you may also enjoy this creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti on a lazy Sunday.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!

In this post

1. Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
2. How to Make the Chicken and Vegetable Base
3. Making the Perfect Dumplings
4. Assembly: Bringing It All Together
5. Variations and Customizations
6. Serving Suggestions
7. Conclusion
8. Recipe FAQ’s

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

To create the perfect chicken and dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded (about 4 cups), a rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
• 8 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon chicken base
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 carrots cut in half lengthwise and diced (about 3 cups)
• 4 celery stalks diced (about 2 cups)
• 2 small yellow onions finely diced (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder divided
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups Bisquick
• 2/3 cup whole milk

Optional Ingredients

• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
• Frozen peas stirred in during the last 5 minutes for extra color

How to Make the Chicken and Vegetable Base

Here’s how to build the rich, savory broth:

1. Soften the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent.
2. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
3. Simmer the Broth: Slowly whisk in the water and bouillon until smooth, then raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Season the Stew: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded chicken, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Making the Perfect Dumplings

While the stew simmers, you can prepare the dumpling dough using one of these methods:

• Classic Drop Method: Stir the Bisquick, remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and milk together in a bowl until just combined, then scoop out spoonfuls of the dough.
• Rolled Method: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 30 seconds, roll it to 1/4 inch thickness, and cut it into 2-inch strips.
• Make-Ahead Method: Chill the dough for up to 30 minutes before dropping it into the pot so it holds its shape better.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your stew is simmering and your dough is ready, it’s time to finish the dish!

1. Drop the Dumplings: Spoon the dough over the simmering stew in 8 even mounds, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Cover and Steam: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
3. Check for Doneness: The dumplings are finished when they are puffed, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of black pepper, then ladle into warm bowls.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about chicken and dumplings is its versatility!

• Vegetable Additions: Stir in diced potatoes or frozen peas along with the chicken for a heartier bowl.
• Creamy Twist: Replace half of the water with heavy cream for a richer, velvety broth.
• Herb Boost: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the stew for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Cheesy Dumplings: Fold 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar into the dough before dropping it into the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect partner for soaking up the savory broth, so try this best cornbread you’ll ever make alongside your bowl.

For a refreshing drink, serve sweet iced tea or a crisp apple cider to balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

In just under an hour, you’ve created a warm and satisfying pot of homemade chicken and dumplings that is sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, cozy weekend meals, or make-ahead lunches for the week.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetables, herbs, and cheese, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!

Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the breasts?

Yes, a rotisserie chicken is a great time saver, and you’ll need about 4 cups of shredded meat from it.

How can I store leftovers?

Store the stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water, as the dumplings will continue to soften.

Can I make these dumplings gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free baking mix and a gluten-free flour for the stew, though the texture of the dumplings may be slightly different.

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