Get ready to enjoy a bowl of true Southern comfort with this classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Homemade rolled dumplings are the star here, soaking up a rich, creamy broth built from shredded chicken breasts, garlic, and onions. While it may sound fancy, even the dumplings are super easy to make with just five ingredients. It’s all done in about an hour, making this a perfect go-to meal for a cozy dinner at home.

We also have a recipe for the fluffy dumpling type of chicken and dumplings as well as a slow cooker version.

Why Our Recipe

  • Southern-style comfort food with easy homemade rolled dumplings.
  • Ready in about an hour using chicken breasts that are shredded into a creamy broth.
  • Garlic and onions are used to build flavor and we give you the option to add carrots and celery for more.
Chicken and dumplings in a pot.

If you like your soup to have a little more nutrition, you can toss in carrots and celery, giving the soup even more flavor and a little pop of color. These additions are more common in a European-style fluffy dumpling soup but are still worth considering in this one as well. No harm in adding a little more flavor with veggies!

Ingredient Notes

  • Olive Oil: You can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola. Olive oil gives a better flavor.
  • White Onion: White, yellow, or even a sweet onion works here.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is best here, followed by the jarred options.
  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this recipe quick and lean. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor with that delicious dark meat.
  • Chicken Broth: For the best taste, use low-sodium chicken broth, so you can control the salt level in your dish.
  • Milk: Whole milk adds a creamy richness, but 2% works here too.
  • Cornstarch: This is our thickening agent to create a cornstarch slurry. It’s a quick and easy option for thickening soups.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly for the dumplings, or you can use bread flour.
  • Baking Powder: This gives the dumplings a little lift so they aren’t super dense.
  • Shortening: You can also use cold butter in the same amount.
  • Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

The Great Dumpling Debate

When it comes to chicken and dumplings, the big debate always seems to be: flat noodle dumplings or drop biscuit dumplings? Both are delicous and it usually comes down to where you grew up or what you love most. Some people go for the noodle-like feel of flat dumplings, while others can’t resist the soft, biscuit-like goodness of the drop version. Honestly, we love both!

Flat noodle dumplings are a lot like thick, soft pasta. You roll them out, cut them into strips, and drop them into the broth where they cook up chewy and tender. They’re a Southern classic for sure!

Drop biscuit dumplings are super easy—just scoop spoonfuls of dough straight into the soup. As they cook, they puff up into fluffy, biscuit-like clouds. These are popular all over, even in Europe, and are perfect for those who love a little extra softness in their soup.

A bowl of chicken and dumplings.

Rolling Out and Cutting Dumplings

When rolling out the dough, aim for an even 1/4-inch thickness. If you prefer a more biscuit-like feel, you can go slightly thicker, but avoid rolling too thin, as the dumplings might break apart while cooking.

Once the dough is rolled out, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 1-inch wide strips, then cut each strip into 2-inch lengths. There’s no harm in using a ruler and using a butter knife to gently mark out your measurements. Just be sure to choose the right tool for cutting based on the surface you rolled your dough out on. Don’t cut your countertops!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth, so you may need to add a bit more broth or water when reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Or reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second increments, stirring between each round to ensure even heating.

More delicious chicken soups…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.