One Pot Chicken and Dumplings

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a bowl of One Pot Chicken and Dumplings. This timeless classic brings together tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth that soothes the soul with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking to warm up during cold weather, or simply want a taste of nostalgia, this dish delivers every time.

What makes this version truly shine is the simplicity. Made all in one pot, it cuts down on cleanup while enhancing flavor through slow simmering. The dumplings, dropped directly into the bubbling broth, soak up all the richness without losing their airy texture. With just a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can have a hearty, wholesome meal on the table that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Dumplings

• It’s made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
• The dumplings are soft, fluffy, and soak up all the creamy goodness.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Pure comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this dish to life, you’ll want to gather some key tools that make the process smoother:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for building flavor and simmering everything evenly.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: For prepping the vegetables quickly and safely.
• Mixing bowl: Used to mix the dumpling dough until just combined.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring the base and folding ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision ensures the perfect dumpling texture and broth consistency.

Each tool serves its purpose to ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out rich, hearty, and beautifully textured—without the stress.

Preparation Tips

For a more flavorful base, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize—this adds depth to the broth. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, add it after the broth has developed to avoid overcooking. When mixing your dumpling dough, avoid over-stirring to keep them light and fluffy; just mix until the ingredients come together. Lastly, once the dumplings are dropped into the simmering broth, resist the urge to peek or stir too much—they need gentle heat and steam to rise properly and cook through.

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Ingredients for this One Pot Chicken and Dumplings

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown slightly. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the dumpling dough. Keep the heat low to medium-low so the mixture stays hot but doesn’t boil aggressively.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and milk, and stir gently with a spoon until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky but not dry. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough on top of the hot stew. Space them slightly apart to allow room for expansion. You should get 10–12 dumplings depending on size.

Step 6: Steam and Simmer

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15–18 minutes. The steam will cook them through while keeping them pillowy soft. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked through (you can test one with a toothpick), remove from heat. Stir gently to mix some of the stew over the dumplings for added flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm in bowls.

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Notes

This One Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken depending on what you have on hand. For an even heartier version, toss in peas, corn, or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the flour slightly or simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding the dumplings. And while the classic version uses heavy cream, you can swap in whole milk or even a splash of sour cream for a tangy twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Opening the lid too soon while steaming dumplings: This will cause them to collapse and stay raw in the middle.
• Overmixing the dumpling dough: Doing so makes them dense instead of fluffy.
• Using high heat during simmering: It can curdle the cream and make the chicken tough.
• Skipping the flour step: The flour is essential to thicken the broth; omitting it leads to a watery base.
• Adding dumplings to cold stew: Make sure the stew is hot and gently simmering before dropping in the dough.

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Storage Instructions

Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb more broth over time, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as dumplings may become mushy when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with uncooked chicken?

Yes. Dice raw chicken breasts or thighs and sauté them with the vegetables. Simmer them in the broth until cooked through before adding the cream.

Can I use biscuit dough for the dumplings?

You can, but homemade dumplings give a much better texture and flavor. Biscuit dough may result in heavier, less fluffy dumplings.

How do I know when dumplings are done?

They’ll be puffed, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, and use plant-based butter.

What vegetables can I add?

Green peas, corn, diced potatoes, or green beans are great additions. Add them with the chicken so they cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your broth is gluten-free to make it suitable.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the stew base ahead and reheat it. Add and cook the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

What’s the best pot to use?

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is ideal, as it retains and distributes heat evenly, crucial for cooking the dumplings properly.

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Conclusion

One Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate cozy meal that brings together simple ingredients for maximum comfort. From the creamy base to the soft, cloud-like dumplings, it’s a dish that never fails to please. With a one-pot method that saves time and cleanup, this recipe makes it easy to serve homemade goodness even on a busy weeknight. Customize it to your liking, and don’t forget to enjoy every warm, flavorful bite!

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