Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. This classic dish features tender pieces of chicken nestled in a velvety, savory gravy with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. Loved for generations, chicken and dumplings is the kind of meal that brings comfort on cold days and familiarity to family dinners.
What makes this dish so special is its simplicity paired with its heartiness. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers, while the dumplings cook gently in the creamy broth, creating a soft texture that almost melts in your mouth. Every spoonful delivers warmth, balance, and a homemade taste that feels nostalgic and soothing.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or slow weekend meals, this recipe requires basic ingredients and delivers big flavor. Served on its own or with simple sides, Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless recipe that always satisfies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Base
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors combine. Slowly stir in the milk or cream, reducing the heat to low. The broth should be creamy but not boiling.
Make the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring until a soft, thick dough forms. Do not overmix—the dough should remain light to ensure fluffy dumplings.
Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering chicken mixture. Space them slightly apart, as they will expand while cooking.
Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid. The trapped steam helps the dumplings cook through and become tender. After cooking, gently stir once to coat the dumplings in the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is best served hot, straight from the pot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread if desired, though it’s satisfying enough to stand on its own.
For an extra comforting presentation, serve in deep bowls to capture plenty of gravy and dumplings in every serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
This dish is not ideal for freezing, as dumplings can lose their texture once thawed, but it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have fully developed.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on slow simmering and simple ingredients to create depth of flavor. The creamy base enhances the chicken without overpowering it, while the dumplings provide soft, comforting texture. Cooking the dumplings directly in the sauce allows them to absorb flavor and remain tender.
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is warm, filling, and timeless—a true comfort classic. With its rich gravy, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this dish delivers comfort in every spoonful and is sure to become a favorite at your table. 🍲✨