Chicken dumplings are the ultimate comfort food. The soft dumplings, rich chicken broth, and tender chicken come together to create a warm, satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and is simple to make yet full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, chicken dumplings are sure to hit the spot.
Why We Love This
Chicken dumplings are the ultimate comfort food that never fails to hit the spot. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory chicken broth all coming together in one hearty bowl. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and brings a sense of home to every bite.
What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients like chicken, flour, and butter, you can make a filling, satisfying dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a cozy dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, chicken dumplings offer a quick yet delicious solution.
This dish also has a lot of room for creativity! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste—add in some vegetables like carrots or peas for extra texture, or swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite. The dumplings themselves are incredibly versatile, too, offering endless variations depending on your preferences.
But it’s not just about flavor; chicken dumplings are also incredibly filling and satisfying. The combination of tender dumplings and rich broth makes it the perfect meal for those chilly nights when you need something warm and comforting. Plus, it’s an easy one-pot dish that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients for chicken dumplings
Chicken breasts or thighs – Use boneless, skinless for tender and juicy dumplings.
Flour – All-purpose flour is key for fluffy dumplings.
Baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
Salt – Enhances flavor without being too salty.
Sugar – A little sweetness to balance the savory broth.
Butter – Cold, cubed unsalted butter makes dumplings soft.
Milk – Whole milk adds moisture for tender dumplings.
Egg – Binds the dough and keep it light.
Instructions
Making chicken dumplings is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, satisfying meal that will impress everyone around your dinner table.
Prepare the Chicken
Cook your chicken (bake, poach, or sauté). Season with salt and pepper and cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Make the Broth
Add chicken broth to the pot with the veggies. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and cut it in until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in milk and egg until just combined.
Drop the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid.
Finish the Dish
Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the shredded chicken. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Serve
Scoop the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips
To take your chicken dumplings to the next level, here are a few pro tips that will ensure a perfect dish every time:
Use Cold Butter for Fluffy Dumplings
One of the keys to light and fluffy dumplings is using cold butter. When you mix it into the dry ingredients, it creates little pockets of fat, which helps the dumplings rise and stay tender. So, take a few minutes to cube your butter and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough
When making the dumpling dough, it’s important not to overmix. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overworking the dough will lead to dense, heavy dumplings—something you want to avoid! A little bit of lumpy dough is perfectly fine.
Simmer, Don’t Boil
To cook the dumplings properly, make sure the broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. If the broth is too hot, it can cause the dumplings to collapse or cook unevenly. Lower the heat and let them steam gently under the lid to achieve that perfect pillowy texture.
Adjust Broth Consistency
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water towards the end of cooking. If you like a thinner broth, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Add Herbs for Extra Flavor
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor of the broth. A pinch of dried herbs can also add complexity if you’re in a pinch.
Make It Ahead
Chicken dumplings can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will develop even more, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or making ahead for a busy week. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the consistency perfect.
Try Adding Veggies
For extra texture and nutrition, consider stirring in vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. These veggies can be added along with the chicken to make the dish even more hearty and colorful.
Variations
Chicken dumplings are wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with the recipe! Here are some delicious variations to make this dish your own:
Swap the Protein
While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily swap it for other proteins like turkey, pork, or even beef. Leftover roast chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly, but if you prefer a heartier flavor, try sausage or ground beef instead. Simply cook and shred the meat as directed.
Add Vegetables
If you love adding a bit more color and nutrition, try incorporating some of your favorite vegetables into the dish:
Spinach: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach just before adding the chicken.
Peas: Sweet peas add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
Mushrooms: Sauteed mushrooms pair beautifully with the savory broth and give the dish an earthy depth.
Cheesy Dumplings
For a richer flavor, you can add cheese to the dumpling dough. Try incorporating cheddar or parmesan into the mix for a cheesy twist that will melt beautifully inside the fluffy dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, and they pair beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your delicious dish:
Crisp Side Salad
A fresh, crisp side salad is the perfect complement to the richness of chicken dumplings. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to add some balance. You can also add cucumber, tomatoes, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls
Warm, buttery garlic bread or freshly baked crusty rolls are always a hit with chicken dumplings. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, making every bite more enjoyable. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to enhance the flavors further.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes make a hearty and nutritious side. Their natural sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the savory broth, creating a well-rounded meal. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until golden and tender.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
FAQs about chicken dumplings
Can I use store-bought broth for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought chicken broth is a great shortcut, especially when you’re in a pinch for time. To enhance the flavor, try choosing a low-sodium broth and adding extra seasonings like garlic, onion powder, or fresh herbs. Homemade broth will always yield the richest flavor, but a high-quality store-bought option is an easy and convenient choice.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture of the dumplings may change slightly, but they will still be delicious and comforting. Just be sure to check the labels of all your ingredients for hidden gluten.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they’ve risen and are no longer doughy inside. You can test them by poking one with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are ready. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary based on the size of your dumplings, so ensure they cook in the simmering broth for the full recommended time.
Can I make chicken dumplings in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken dumplings in a slow cooker. To do so, cook the chicken and broth in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. About 30 minutes before serving, add the dumplings on top of the broth, making sure they have room to cook and rise. Cover and cook until they are cooked through and fluffy.
chicken dumplings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Dumplings:
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs boneless and skinless
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup butter cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Chicken Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cooking your chicken. You can either bake, poach, or sauté it. If you’re using raw chicken, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic. This step is key for building a flavorful base for your broth.
Make the Broth
- Add the chicken broth to the pot with the cooked vegetables. Bring the broth to a simmer, allowing it to cook for another 10-15 minutes. The flavors from the vegetables will infuse into the broth, creating a rich, savory base for your dumplings.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough
- While the broth simmers, it’s time to make the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in the milk and egg, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay light and fluffy.
Drop the Dumplings
- Once the broth is simmering, use a spoon to carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. The dough will expand as it cooks, so leave a little space between each dumpling. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the dumplings cook for 12-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is what helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
Finish the Dish
- Once the dumplings are cooked through (you can check by inserting a toothpick into one), gently stir in the cooked chicken. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like, you can also add a pinch of thyme for extra flavor.
Serve
- Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.