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.
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.
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.
Can I use rolled canned biscuits and cut them up?
Yes, a lot of people do it that way.
super delicious
is in our heirloom recipe category now
I added chopped rosemary and thyme to dumpling dough. Came out fabulous!
Thank you for this awesome recipe!
I’ve made this recipe numerous times and it’s never been less than amazing! I add the celery and carrots for flavor. I also season my chicken with poultry seasoning after it’s shredded and let it soak up all the flavor before adding it back to the pot. My whole family loves this! Even my super picky teenage daughter goes back for seconds!
This recipe never fails. I make it with the celery and carrots. It’s comfort in a bowl!
My Grandmother, who was from East Texas, use to make Chicken and Dumplings like this. The closest that my Mother has had to hers was at The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee & then at Cracker Barrel.
Recently my Aunt found a recipe similar to this one & made it. She rolled the dough & said she had a real mess, but it was so delicious. So when I found this one I sent it & she said it was like the one she had found. She suggested that we buy the frozen Mary Hill’s Dumplings so we did. Excited to eat later because so far it looks, tastes & smells like my Momma remembers.
The mother of a good friend of mine made delicious chicken and dumplings when we were kids and I have been craving it recently but I’ve never made it. This recipe was easy and it came out great! Best one I’ve found that seems the most authentic!
Can rotisserie chicken be used in this recipe? If so would it be added towards the end?
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip the first part of step 2 where you cook the chicken. Instead, ahead to adding the broth with the seasonings and vegetables. Once it’s simmering, shred the rotisserie chicken and add it in just before dropping in the dumplings. Easy and delicious!
My grandmother approves of this recipe! She said “ yum, you need to make more stuff like this!” 😂 thank you for sharing. I did add peas forgot the carrots. So delicious!
Made this last night and it is definitely delicious. Will make again.
This is a true Louisiana dish my daddy made. You can’t get better than this!