A warm, comforting bowl of Chicken and Dumplings Stew is the perfect meal for chilly nights or whenever you need a home-cooked classic that feels like a hug in a bowl. This dish has been a staple in kitchens for generations, and for good reason—it’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.
The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a satisfying dish that’s simple yet full of depth. Each spoonful brings together the soft, pillowy dumplings and a savory, slow-simmered broth that’s brimming with comforting flavors. Unlike a traditional soup, this stew is thick and hearty, making it a complete meal on its own.
The best part? It’s made in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a cozy, homemade dinner, this Chicken and Dumplings Stew is always a good idea.
What Makes This Stew So Good?
This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something incredibly satisfying. Here are the key elements that make it shine:
- Chicken – You can use chicken thighs for extra richness or chicken breast for a leaner option. Either way, it turns out tender and flavorful after simmering in the broth.
- Dumplings – Soft, fluffy dumplings made from a simple dough drop right into the broth, soaking up all the flavors while keeping their pillowy texture.
- Homemade Broth – Simmering everything together in a well-seasoned broth makes all the difference, creating layers of deep, comforting flavor.
- Fresh Herbs – A little thyme or parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh balance to the rich stew.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Dumplings Stew
- Sauté the Aromatics – Start by cooking diced onions, carrots, and celery in a pot with a little butter. This adds a flavorful base to the broth.
- Cook the Chicken – Add seasoned chicken to the pot and let it sear until golden brown on the outside. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer until the chicken is tender.
- Make the Dumpling Dough – In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create a thick, soft dough that will puff up in the stew.
- Drop the Dumplings In – Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and drop them gently into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook through without stirring.
- Finish and Serve – Once the dumplings are fully cooked, stir gently, adjust the seasoning, and serve the stew hot with fresh herbs on top.
Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations
This dish is already packed with flavor, but you can easily tweak it to match your taste. Here are some ideas:
- Creamier Texture – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, silkier broth.
- Vegetable Boost – Add mushrooms, peas, or corn for extra texture and natural sweetness.
- Spicy Kick – A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives the stew a subtle heat.
- Garlic Butter Dumplings – Mix a little minced garlic and melted butter into the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.
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Why This Chicken and Dumplings Stew Stands Out
Not all chicken and dumplings recipes are created equal. Here’s why this one works every time:
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and more convenience.
- Hearty and Filling – Unlike soup, this stew is thick, creamy, and satisfying enough to be a full meal.
- Fluffy Dumplings Every Time – By covering the pot while the dumplings cook, they stay light, airy, and tender.
What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings Stew
This dish is already a complete meal, but adding a side dish can make it even better. Here are some great pairings:
- Simple Side Salad – A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
- Buttermilk Biscuits – If you love extra carbs, warm biscuits are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Sautéed Greens – Lightly cooked spinach or collard greens add a nice contrast and freshness.
- Roasted Root Vegetables – A side of roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes complements the savory stew beautifully.
Chicken and Dumplings Stew
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking the stew and dumplings
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the dumpling dough
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for dumplings
- 1 teaspoon baking powder for light, fluffy dumplings
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and milk. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are light and fluffy.
- Gently stir, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with fresh herbs on top.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in heavy cream at the end.
- Using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley makes a big difference in flavor.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Loved the combination of flavors—everything worked perfectly.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
I’m keeping this one in my go-to list!