Chicken and Dumplings | The Modern Proper (2024)

We take hearty chicken soup and top it with biscuit-like buttermilk dumplings. Get a spoon, you’re going to want a big scoop of this!

Categories:

  • Kid Friendly
  • One Pot
Chicken and Dumplings | The Modern Proper (1)

Photography by Gayle McLeod

Chicken and Dumplings Are Our Favorite Love Language

When the craving calls for old-fashioned chicken and dumplings we offer this recipe for a thick and delicious chicken soup topped with made-from-scratch dumplings. There’s a long history–reaching back hundreds of years to European cooking–of hearty stewed meat dishes with the extra treat of tender dumplings contained within. This style of dish eventually made its way into the American culinary tradition, evidence of its delicious staying power. Homemade chicken and dumplings are a great one-pot meal, made with budget-friendly pantry staples, and our recipe serves six people with a real belly-warming meal.

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How To Make Chicken and Dumplings

This easy chicken and dumplings comes together in two parts–the chicken soup base and the dumplings. Let’s get going!

  1. Mirepoix is our favorite part of soup making. It’s a simple aromatic base that adds a lot of flavor. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in oil until softened, then add the garlic.

  2. Once the mirepoix is ready, we’ll make the soup. What thickens chicken and dumplings? We use ¼ cup all-purpose flour and chicken stock to build a satisfyingly spoon-worthy soup.

  3. Add milk, shredded chicken and seasonings and let simmer.

  4. Now for the fun part–dumpling time! Make the dumpling dough, and drop by spoonful to cover the surface of the chicken soup. The dumplings will quadruple in size as they cook, about fifteen minutes.

  5. When you’re ready to serve this pot of goodness, scoop into bowls and top with chopped green onions and a good sprinkle of salt. Fresh cracked pepper is a cornerstone of this dish, so be sure to give it a few turns of the pepper mill.

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An Extra Note On How to Make Dumplings For Chicken and Dumplings

The secret to good dumplings is that they are simply drop biscuits! That’s right, no rolling or cutting needed for these scoopable dumplings. Made with a handful of ingredients, you’ll whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk and whole milk. Using a wooden spoon carefully mix dumpling dough, stirring just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, because the dumplings will be tough once cooked. And that’s it! You’re ready to make our kid-favorite (and entire family!) best chicken and dumplings recipe.

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What Is Chicken and Dumplings Served With?

You can serve this easy chicken and dumplings recipe with a fresh side salad like this Fennel Salad or our favorites, The Kale Salad and Simple Butter Lettuce Salad. If you’re looking to get more vegetables on the table, you can also prepare Perfectly Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Beets, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Green Beans Almondine for a little extra crunch. If you want to go all in on the comfort level, we recommend baking up our Homemade Cornbread. For another cozy soup recipe, check out our Caldo Verde recipe.

  • Easy Fennel SaladThis sophisticated raw fennel salad is dressed simply with bright citrus, good olive oil, a sprinkling of parmesan and fresh mint to let the lightly anise-like flavor of the shaved fennel shine.
  • Roasted BeetsBright and earthy, this simple side of roasted beets adds a pop of color and nutrition to your everyday meal.
  • Roasted Brussels SproutsSay goodbye to soggy, overcooked brussels! We have cracked the code for the crispiest, crunchiest, most delicious roasted brussel sprouts.
  • Homemade CornbreadIrresistible all year long, the old-fashioned comfort of a pan of homemade cornbread—served with salted butter and honey, of course—makes nearly any meal just a little bit better.
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Tools You’ll Need

One-Pot, Don’t Stop

If you loved this chicken and dumplings recipe we’ve got plenty of tasty one-pot meals that center chicken for you to try next. Like:

  • One-Pot Chicken with Creamed Kale for another great comforting meal.

  • Our One-Pot Braised Chicken with Kale and White Beans offers a pop of green.

  • The Chicken Enchilada Skillet is one that our family always asks us to make.

  • This One Pot Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is a great way to give your next pasta night a little something extra.

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Don’t Worry Dumpling

Did you make this recipe for chicken and dumplings? We’d love to see those full bowls of creamy chicken and dumplings and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you feed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

Chicken and Dumplings | The Modern Proper (2024)

FAQs

Are dumplings in chicken and dumplings supposed to be doughy? ›

When done just right, the dumplings are light, fluffy, and tender. You slice into one with a spoon, scoop up a little chicken and broth, and the result is heaven. But those same doughy balls can be the meal's downfall if they turn out tough, undercooked, or gummy.

How do you tell if dumplings are done in chicken and dumplings? ›

There's a simple trick to help you tell when your dumplings are ready – all you'll need is a toothpick. Stick your toothpick through a dumpling and pull it straight out. If the toothpick comes out clean, they're ready to eat.

How do you keep dumplings from falling apart in chicken and dumplings? ›

Keep the heat low and keep your pot covered so that they steam. The dumplings can cook longer than the suggested times without issues, but agitating them with an aggressive simmer will make them fall apart.

What compliments chicken and dumplings? ›

The ultimate companions range from mashed potatoes to light, crisp salads. Consider fluffy rice, bread variations like garlic bread or dinner rolls, and roasted or steamed vegetables to truly complement your creamy chicken and dumplings feast.

Why are my chicken and dumplings not fluffy? ›

If it's boiling too hard, the dumpling dough can fall apart. Simmering broth might not be hot enough to raise the dumpling dough. Remove or tilt the lid after they've cooked so the dumplings don't over-steam and get soggy and dense. At least, that's the way I was taught and dumplings come out fluffy and delicious.

What's the best way to thicken chicken and dumplings? ›

Use Cornstarch to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

To give that a little thicker texture we're going to add 1 cup of cool water to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it up well. Make sure the soup is brought back to a good boil and go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture.

How long do you need to boil dumplings? ›

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook dumplings in batches of about eight until they are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the dumplings to a serving platter. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Do dumplings float when done? ›

Cover and bring to a vigorous boil. Add roughly one cup of cold water and return to boil while covered. Repeat this step again. The dumplings will be completely cooked and ready when they float on the surface of the boiling water.

Why are my chicken and dumplings gummy? ›

Why do my dumplings get gummy? The best dumplings are tender and soft, easy to eat with just a spoon. If your dumplings instead turn tough or gummy, the most likely culprit is overworked dough.

How do you boil dumplings without them falling apart? ›

Here are some additional tips:
  1. Use a large pot or saucepan. This will give the dumplings enough room to cook without crowding each other.
  2. Add a tablespoon of oil or broth to the cooking liquid. ...
  3. Gently stir the dumplings once or twice while they are cooking. ...
  4. Do not overcook the dumplings.
Mar 20, 2023

Why isn t my chicken and dumplings thick? ›

How can I thicken stove top chicken and dumplings? You can thicken this dish by adding more flour, or even cornstarch. Create a slurry with either of these ingredients and milk or water, then stir into your broth base until you get your desired consistency.

How long to boil chicken? ›

How Long to Boil Chicken Breasts
  1. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: cook for about 30 minutes (That would mean boiling frozen chicken for about 45 minutes), or until 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: cook 12 to 15 minutes. (That means boiling frozen chicken would take 18 to 22 minutes.)
Feb 15, 2024

Should chicken and dumplings be covered? ›

(Note that the dumplings will easily double in size as they cook.) Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Once you have covered the pan, do not uncover and peek while the dumplings are cooking! In order for the dumplings to be light and fluffy, they must steam, not boil.

What is another name for chicken and dumplings? ›

Chicken and dumplings
Alternative namesChicken and pastry, chicken and sliders, chicken and slicks
TypeDumpling
Place of originUnited States, Quebec
Region or stateSouthern and Midwestern United States
2 more rows

What is usually eaten with dumplings? ›

While dumplings are not traditionally served with side dishes, there are good pairings that make them a true meal.
  • Egg Drop Soup. Use homemade vegetable or chicken stock, you won't regret it! ...
  • Pickled Vegetables. Dill pickles, kimchi, even sauerkraut is good served on the side.
  • Fried Rice. ...
  • Noodle Soups.
Feb 21, 2018

Why are my chicken and dumplings doughy after? ›

Simmering broth might not be hot enough to raise the dumpling dough. Remove or tilt the lid after they've cooked so the dumplings don't over-steam and get soggy and dense.

Why are my dumplings doughy? ›

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

Why do my dumplings taste doughy? ›

I suspect the reason you notice a decidedly flour-y taste is because you aren't adding salt, or not using enough salt. Yes, even sweet baked goods need salt! Another thing you can use to counteract the raw, flour taste is to add flavorings to the batter or dough.

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