When it comes to soul-warming comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of homemade creamy chicken and dumplings. I’m talking about tender chunks of chicken swimming in velvety broth, with pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a culinary hug on those chilly evenings when you need something substantial and satisfying. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a one-pot wonder that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love these Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
Every single bite of these homemade chicken and dumplings delivers pure comfort in a bowl.
There’s something magical about those pillowy dumplings soaking up that rich, creamy broth that just makes everything feel right in the world.
I’m talking about tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and dumplings that are simultaneously fluffy and hearty.
Can you imagine a better dinner on a chilly evening?
The beauty is in its simplicity—classic ingredients transforming into something extraordinary.
Plus, it’s all made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash later.
Who doesn’t appreciate that little bonus after cooking?
What Ingredients are in Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings?
These chicken and dumplings come together with simple, hearty ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 7½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3¼ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
The quality of your chicken broth can make a big difference in the final flavor, so if you have homemade stock on hand, this would be the perfect recipe to use it in—though store-bought works beautifully too.
How to Make these Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your 3 sliced carrots, 3 sliced celery stalks, and 1 diced yellow onion.
Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, giving them an occasional stir so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Once your vegetables have softened, toss in 2-3 cups of cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here if you’re short on time).
Pour in 7½ cups of chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While your soup base simmers, whisk together 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1¼ teaspoons of kosher salt in a mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of whole milk, stirring just until a soft, sticky dough forms—overmixing will make tough dumplings, and nobody wants that.
For best results, use a professional kitchen mixer stand to achieve perfectly consistent dumpling dough without the risk of overmixing.
Step 4: Form and Drop the Dumplings
Using a tablespoon, scoop up portions of your dumpling dough and gently drop them into the simmering broth.
Try to space them out a bit, though they’ll expand as they cook, so don’t worry if they seem close together at first.
Step 5: Simmer the Dumplings
After all dumplings are added, gently stir the pot once (just once!), then cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through—they should be fluffy and no longer doughy in the center.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
Once your dumplings are fully cooked, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently to incorporate.
Season the pot with the remaining kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavor is just right.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow your chicken and dumplings to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This lets all those wonderful flavors meld together while the broth thickens slightly to create that perfect, comforting consistency we’re all after.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Ladle this creamy goodness into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good amount of vegetables, chicken, and those pillowy dumplings.
The contrast between the tender chicken, silky broth, and fluffy dumplings makes every bite something to savor.
What to Serve with Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
This comforting dinner classic practically begs for simple, fresh accompaniments to balance its richness. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creamy broth beautifully, while roasted brussels sprouts or steamed green beans add color and texture to your plate.
For bread lovers, a chunk of crusty French bread makes the perfect tool for sopping up that last bit of savory broth—because letting any go to waste would be a genuine tragedy.
On chilly evenings, pair your bowl with hot apple cider or a glass of buttery chardonnay.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side of cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart contrast that works surprisingly well with the savory flavors of this hearty meal.
Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor Boosters: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary, a bay leaf, or a teaspoon of poultry seasoning for extra depth.
- Seasonal Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto in summer or add diced butternut squash in fall.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or a light dusting of paprika before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for these Homemade Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
These creamy chicken and dumplings actually taste even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle and get to know each other.
Who doesn’t love a dish that improves with age?
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months (though the dumplings may soften a bit).
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce.
- Stir occasionally but carefully to avoid breaking apart those tender dumplings.
- Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
The dumplings will continue to absorb liquid while stored, so don’t worry if your leftovers seem thicker than the original dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about homemade chicken and dumplings that speaks to the soul. This creamy version, with its pillowy dumplings floating in rich, velvety broth alongside tender chicken and vegetables, transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort.
It’s the perfect one-pot meal for those chilly evenings when you need something substantial yet soothing, or weekend family dinners when everyone gathers around the table. The beauty lies in its simplicity—honest ingredients coming together with minimal fuss.
When life gets complicated, there’s profound wisdom in returning to dishes like this that remind us why cooking for those we care about matters so much.