These simply delicious chicken and dumplings have thousands of fans. The chicken stew takes help from a rotisserie chicken, but the dumplings are made from-scratch and practically fool-proof.
I think chicken and dumplings might be my favorite comfort food dish. It’s most definitely my son’s favorite. He has requested these chicken and dumplings for his birthday dinner for the past few years, and I am always happy to make them for him. They are as simple as they are delicious because they start with a rotisserie chicken.
Watch how to make Chicken and Dumplings:
I found the dumpling recipe here and thanks to reader comments used melted butter instead of oil and cooked them covered for 25 minutes. They turn out light and fluffy every time I make them. This recipe uses short-cuts (rotisserie chicken and canned soup) because I wanted to create an easy and quicker version of this classic comfort food. It isn’t an old-fashioned recipe for chicken and dumplings that starts with a whole chicken, but I do plan to create that type of recipe too.
Tips for making Simply Delicious Chicken and Dumplings:
- Purchase rotisserie chicken ahead if it’s on sale. Shred the chicken and place it in a freezer-safe zippered bag and freeze for up to one month. Then you’ll have chicken ready to go for whenever you want to make chicken and dumplings.
- Use a stock pot to make your simply delicious chicken and dumplings. A glass lid helps to see the dumplings while they are cooking without having to remove the lid to peek.
- I use this cookie scoop to drop the dumplings into the pot.
- If you like this recipe, don’t miss my new recipe for Southwest Chicken and Dumplings.
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Simply Delicious Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken white and dark meat shredded and skin removed
- 6 small carrots peeled and diced
- 3 ribs celery diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 can cream of onion soup you can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt the two tablespoons of butter and add the carrots, celery, onion, parsley and all the seasonings, salt through pepper. Cook until the vegetables are starting to soften, about 5 - 8 minutes.
- Add the cream of onion soup, chicken stock and shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir well. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- To make the dumplings, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir together with a spatula until a smooth ball of dough forms.
- Using a 1.5 tablespoon capacity cookie scoop, drop the dumpling batter balls into the simmering stew one at a time until all the dough has been used. The dough should make 15 dumplings.
- Cover the pot and allow to cook (without uncovering) on a low simmer for 25 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Southwest Chicken and Dumplings:
Shhhh, don’t tell! But I might just like these Southwest Chicken and Dumplings a little bit better. Check out my latest chicken and dumplings recipe and tell me what you think!
More Simple and Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
- French Onion Chicken Soup
- Simple Chicken Burrito Bowls
- 75 Easy Chicken Recipes
Jeff says
I love chicken and dumplings, and coincidentally, I found myself making it after Thanksgiving. I didn’t start with a whole chicken; I used turkey stock and chicken breasts. I’d love to try your dumpling recipe. They look fantastic.
foodtasticmom says
That’s a good use of turkey stock! We make this dumpling recipe often, including this coming week because it’s what my son requested for his birthday dinner 🙂
Tammy says
Hello. I made this and your recipe calls for 3 Stalks of celery. Did you mean 3 ribs of celery? Because my chicken dumpling stew is now more like a celery stew 😒
foodtasticmom says
I guess when I say stalks, I’m thinking an individual stalk, not a whole bunch of celery. I’m sorry for the confusion. I have just always called one piece of celery a stalk, not a rib. I’ll add rib to the recipe list, as an alternate term.
Cindy says
Made this last night. It was so tasty and easy. Thank you so much!
foodtasticmom says
I’m so glad you liked it Cindy. You’re welcome!
Whitney Johnson says
All of your ingredients for the spices say t. Is that tablespooon cause that all seems like a lot or do you mean tsp. As in teaspoon? I just want to make sure so I don’t over power the recipe
foodtasticmom says
Great question. I’ve switched recipe cards recently which encourages me to abbreviate the tbsp and tsp. I was always taught (I’m old) that a capital T is tablespoon and a lower case t is teaspoon. But I’m finding out that not everyone knows that 🙂 So t is teaspoon in my recipes and T is tablespoon.
Jackie says
We must be of the same generation. That is exactly what I interpret t and T to be.
foodtasticmom says
I’m 45. Growing up that’s how I was taught!
Lea Evans says
Wonderful recipe. Even my grandkids ate the veggies. Wasn’t sure how the dumplings were going to be liked, but every bowl was clean! Had to use cream of chicken because that’s all I found in the pantry. Turned out fine, just needed a little salt. I’m 64 years young, I like easy, and this was it! I’m sure I’ll make it again! Thank you!
foodtasticmom says
I love getting comments like this. You made my day. 🙂
Kelly Shaban says
These look like a big warm hug from the inside! Chicken and Dumplings are definitely on the top of my comfort food list as well!
foodtasticmom says
I love that comparison. I big warm hug from the inside. Thank you 🙂
katy says
can you use just milk or does it have to be buttermilk?
foodtasticmom says
They will not taste the same if you use milk. The texture will be different too.
Hilary says
I don’t see buttermilk o. Your recipe list.
foodtasticmom says
There is no buttermilk in the dumplings. There is regular milk and melted butter. They are the last two ingredients listed in the recipe.
Sara says
Love this recipe!!
foodtasticmom says
I am glad! Thanks so much
Janina says
Absolutely delicious! We loved it for dinner and the little amount we had left over was great reheated for lunch. This will be made again and again!!
foodtasticmom says
Awesome to hear. Thanks so much for the positive feedback, I really appreciate it!
Phoebe Hendricks says
Love, love, love chicken and dumplings!! This recipe looks amazing — totally craving it right now!
Carolyn Ingram says
This looks like the perfect comfort food!
Heather H says
I’m so excited about finding this recipe! It will now be one of my “go to” recipes! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ciara says
Hi! So excited to try this its cooking now… the dumplings don’t seem done after just 25 minutes they’re still doughy any suggestions?
foodtasticmom says
Mine always look doughy on the outside but when cut into they are definitely cooked through. If it was simmering the whole 25 minutes they should be good.
Domonique says
Can you refrigerate and warm left overs?
foodtasticmom says
Yes!
Dana says
Making this for dinner tonight but had one question. What size cream of onion soup?
foodtasticmom says
I apologize for the late reply – a ten ounce can
Holly says
Trying it tonight for my hubby! Hope it’s as good as his moms. (Better really!)
foodtasticmom says
Let me know what you think!
Nikki says
Great recipe made it tonight family loved it great flavour dumplings awesome thank you
foodtasticmom says
Love hearing this. You are welcome!
Diann Berry says
Do I need to make a thickening agent?
This sounds delicious!! Thank you…
foodtasticmom says
No. It thickens on its own.
Heather Shelton says
You say use cream of onion, chicken, or celery. Which one is the best and why?
foodtasticmom says
There’s really not a “best” answer to this question. It’s simply a taste preference issue. I’ll leave that up to you as to which one you would prefer 🙂
Sasha says
Made this tonight… was sooo delicious. Everything I wanted out of chicken and dumplings! I did add some frozen peas, because I love them so much. Thank you for the delicious yet simple recipe. Already have requests to make it again.
foodtasticmom says
Wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to add your positive feedback – it’s greatly appreciated!
My Anchored Life says
I made this one Saturday for dinner, and made a few changes to make it dairy free. Almond milk for the milk, vegan butter for the melted butter, and skipped the cream of soup and it still turned out great! I am making again for dinner tonight and will probably a tablespoon of crushed red pepper to add some heat.
foodtasticmom says
I’m so glad to hear that the dairy-free substitutes did not affect the final dish. Thanks for the positive feedback!
Kathy says
I am going to make this tomorrow night for dinner. I just want to check that 2 tablespoons of melted Butter go into the dumpling mix. Thanks
foodtasticmom says
Excellent question and I have edited the recipe instructions to reflect it. The first two tablespoons go into the pot to be melted as the onions, carrots, celery and parsley are being cooked. Then the remaining FOUR tablespoons of butter are stirred into the dumpling batter. The butter amounts are correct in the ingredient list but it was not clear in the instructions so I have corrected it. Thank you! I hope you enjoy this dish.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I really must have a go at making those dumplings. Oh and I am loving that bowl.
foodtasticmom says
You really should try these!
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and perfect for dinner on cold winter days! Can’t wait to try this recipe ♥
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Natalie
Claire says
Whenever my children are unwell or have been out at sport all day in winter. This is the dish they request.
So good with plenty of ‘feel good; factor..
It is the savory equivalent of a chocolate cake 😀
foodtasticmom says
Such a great comparison!
Brian Jones says
I see chicken and dumplings pop up from time to time on the web and always think I must get round to that and for some odd reason I never do. This looks glorious. I really must give it a try!
foodtasticmom says
You really should try these Brian – it’s a family and reader favorite.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I love chicken and dumplings and you make them just like my Mom and grandmother do — which is to say – the right way. Have you seen those “northern dumplings” that are nothing more than a noodle? I was like, what??? This looks perfect!
foodtasticmom says
Yeah I don’t get calling a noodle a dumpling. Thanks for the compliment 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food in my husband’s family, as well – I love the idea of adding the veggies, as you suggest, to make it a bit more well-rounded for family dinner! So delicious. Also, it’s adorable that your son requests this before a swim meet. Carb-loading in the most delicious possible way! 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Monica. He’s a good eater 🙂
Janice says
Can you freeze the chicken and dumplings? Going out of town and trying to find dinners I can freeze!!! This looks SO delicious!!!
foodtasticmom says
I haven’t tried freezing them. But I think you could. I’m wondering if the texture of the dumplings would change much after thawing? Let me know if you try freezing this recipe!
Kayla says
Yum! Made this tonight and it was so good! I’ve tried other recipes using the canned biscuit and it turned out so gross. Decided to try it this way and it’s worth the extra work. And it wasn’t even that hard! Everyone loved it!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much Kayla! I’m glad you said the dumplings weren’t that hard. They really aren’t! I’m so happy you enjoyed this meal 🙂
Amy says
Made tonight for family. It was delicious! They whole family enjoyed and it was pretty easy recipe. Thank you!
foodtasticmom says
And thank you for taking the time to come back and rate the recipe. I’m so happy that your family enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Christie says
This recipe is so easy and delicious! This is definitely a keeper. Thank you so much!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you for leaving the positive rating!
Mandy says
I had a craving for chicken and dumplings today and although I’ve never made them before, they turned out great! My husband loved them, too! This recipe is a keeper!
foodtasticmom says
I’m so happy to hear this Mandy. Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!
Sasha says
I love this recipe! And so does my family. Best comfort food. May daughter requests it all the time❤️
foodtasticmom says
Love hearing this. Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment.
Ruchi says
Oh, chicken and dumplings is an ultimate comfort food in my house. Family favorite favorite and absolutely delicious!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much Ruchi!
Emma says
What a hearty, warming dinner – perefect now that the nights are getting colder!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, chicken and dumplings are the ultimate comfort food!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
I was just telling me son that I needed to make him chicken and dumplings! I can’t believe he’s 11 and I’ve never made it as it was one of my favorites growing up – pinning this for SOON!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this. Thank you for the Pin and come back to let me know what you both think!
Juli says
This brings back childhood memories! My mom made chicken and dumplings often! Looks like amazing comfort food! Thank you for this post!!!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. I hope you try this version and let me know what you think!
Amy | The Cook Report says
Chicken and dumplings is my ultimate comfort food, this version looks fantastic!
foodtasticmom says
It really is. One of our all-time favorite family dinners. Thanks Amy!
Rose says
I have been making the same recipe for chicken and dumplings forever. I decided to try your recipe because I didn’t have to cook the chicken first. It was much simplier starting with a rotisserie chicken. My husband loved it, but I liked it better the second day. The only change I made was to use the red lobster cheddar bay biscuits recipe for the dumplings.
foodtasticmom says
Oh wow. The cheddar bay biscuit recipe would be an amazing addition. So you used that recipe and they cooked up well as dumplings? That is great to know. I will have to try it!
Rose says
I used the box mix and had to cook them about 5 minutes longer. Your recipe was the first time I tried it. I wish it was my idea, but I saw it on Pinterest. It worked!
foodtasticmom says
Glad to hear it!
Matt says
Thank you for sharing this amazing and easy to follow recipe it’s now a staple in my family.
foodtasticmom says
I’m very happy to hear this Matt. Thanks for the positive review and rating!
Pam says
Thanks for the recipe. This is a 5 star. I found it in August and I have made it several times. Never have I made better dumplings.
foodtasticmom says
Love this review. So happy that you enjoy my recipe for chicken and dumplings. Thanks very much Pam!
Chelly says
Made this tonight for dinner. The only addition was some half and half for a creamier soup. I also used a 1/2 tablespoon to make smaller dumplings. My husband and son loved it as well. Thanks for the recipe!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you. I love getting positive reviews 🙂
Angi says
This was delicious! I put in 2 tsp of pepper to give it a bit more kick and we all just loved it. I’ve been looking for the perfect recipe for chicken ‘n dumplings and this is it!
foodtasticmom says
Love it. Thanks for the rating and comment!
Joanna Stephens says
I love the idea of using rotisserie chicken for this chicken and dumplings! Sounds delicious!!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Joanna!
Tracy says
Those shortcuts are PERFECT for busy weeknights – thank you!
foodtasticmom says
I agree! You’re welcome.
Andrea Metlika says
This looks incredible! Can’t wait to try this.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Andrea. Come back and let us know what you think!
Sabrina says
This is the perfect dinner for a cold winter’s day! My entire family loved it!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this Sabrina. Thank you!
Pam says
You read my mind! I was just thinking of chicken and dumplings and wondered how they could be made easier. Thanks so much!
foodtasticmom says
You’re so welcome!
Sam Overmyer says
I am not a cook by any means and this recipe was simple, hearty and delicious. I used bourbon smoked paprika too for a little flare. A great soup for sure and we ate every last drop!
foodtasticmom says
I’ve got to find some of that bourbon smoked paprika 🙂 Thanks so much for the positive rating Sam!
Emma says
I have not had chicken and dumplings in ages – this recipe reminds me of my Nan. Thank you for sharing 🙂
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. I hope you try it!
Susan says
These were so delicious I didn’t want to make the dumplings so I used frozen biscuits and cut them in 1/4’s and it turned out amazing. I microwaved them for about 45 secs sonthat I could cut them. It was just another short cut :). Thank you for the yummy recipe! Susan
foodtasticmom says
Great short cut! Love hearing how readers make my recipes their own. Thank you for the comment.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Chicken and dumplings is such a deliciously comforting meal. This looks sooo good!
foodtasticmom says
It is perfect comfort food. Thanks Bintu!
Valentina says
You just got your self yet another fan of this recipe. Oh wow does it look delicious and SO comforting. I want a serving right this minute!
foodtasticmom says
I really appreciate that Valentina, thank you!
Amy | The Cook Report says
There really is nothing more comforting that chicken and dumplings!
foodtasticmom says
I could not agree more.
Tania says
This was soooo delicious!!
Thank you so much!!
foodtasticmom says
Wonderful to hear. Thank you for the rating and positive comment!
Jenny says
Hi, can I just use white chicken breasts instead of chicken with bone in? Thx!
foodtasticmom says
I start with precooked chicken. I haven’t tried this particular recipe with raw chicken. But if you mean you are adding cooked chicken breasts in the step that calls for adding the shredded rotisserie chicken then yes, you can use chicken breast.
Mary says
I made this recipe for dinner last night and I wanted to tell you it was delicious. I have been using other recipes in the past that were far more complicated. This one was so easy and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing.
foodtasticmom says
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience!
Michelle says
Does the recipe call for milk or buttermilk?
foodtasticmom says
Milk – I usually use 2%
Olga says
Jill, it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you!
Restaurants in Baguio says
A perfect combination of chicken and dumplings. This dish is perfect for the cold weather here in our city. Will definitely cook this one for tomorrows dinner.
foodtasticmom says
Happy to hear it!
Lauren says
This looks amazing. Just curious about the milk to be used. The recipe calls for “milk”, but I read a comment convo where you said “buttermilk”. Which one would I use?
Lauren says
Never mind! I just saw a comment where you answered that with “2%”. So excited to make this!
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad you read the other comments and found your answer. I’m sorry that I am late in seeing this! Enjoy!
Julie says
Made this exactly as written except used dried parsley as that is all I had and no smoked paprika. It was fantastic and will be made many times! Thanks!
foodtasticmom says
Always happy to get a good review on this recipe. It’s still one of my favorites. I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
Shannon says
Was delish!!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you!
EMW says
Fantastic!
Carrie A. says
I just wanted to thank you for this amazing recipe! I’ve made it four times already and will make it again tonight. Talk about the ultimate comfort food! It even tastes good reheated, maybe even a tiny bit better. The only thing I’ve been doing differently is I throw in a 1/2 tsp of poultry seasoning and I bake chicken breasts in chicken stock instead of using a rotisserie chicken. Then I throw the chicken and stock into the whole thing. It’s a definite family favorite and has earned a permament place in my recipe binder.
Tonight I’m planning on making a triple batch and will try freezing the “base” for later. (I’m not sure how the dumplings will hold up, so I’ll just make and freeze the rest and add the dumplings after thawing and reheating the base.) I’ll try to remember to update and let you know how that worked out. Thanks again for sharing what is now a family staple in my house!
foodtasticmom says
This a fantastic comment. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jess says
Thoughts on doubling the dumpling recipe? My kids are dumplingaholics (it’s an issue, really. I never seem to get any!)
Would you double the entire recipe, or just the dumpling portion? I’m hoping to make your recipe tonight for dinner. I havent seemed to find a recipe that sticks like my grams did.
foodtasticmom says
I’m sorry for the late reply. Did you end up doubling? I think you’d have to double the whole recipe – I’m not sure double the dumplings in a single recipe for the soup would work…
Noël says
I’m so excited about this recipe!! I did butter baste, then shred chicken breasts and thighs for this. I also switched to coconut milk for the biscuits and heavy cream for the soup. Basically you have me such a great foundation to play with!! Thank you! it’s so fabulous!!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much!
Ariel says
I didn’t have a rotisserie chicken so I boiled 4 chicken breasts with the veggies, then extracted them and shredded. I used 8 cups of chicken stock instead of 4, a can of cream of mushroom and an envelope of dry onion soup mix. Didn’t have thyme. Added rosemary instead. Will absolutely make again.
foodtasticmom says
Excellent. I love hearing how readers make changes to make the recipe their own 🙂
Lynne Cavalieri says
Very easy and very good.
foodtasticmom says
Thanks!
Laura J says
This was delicious!! I was leary at first of the smoked paprika but it add a depth of flavor that enhances the vegetables. Good recipe.
foodtasticmom says
So glad to hear it. Thank you Laura!
Jenna says
Delicious recipe, Chinese dumplings are my all-time favorite. In fact, I am a big fan of Chinese dishes. So, whenever I get to know a new Chinese dish I always give them a try. Chicken with dumplings looks like a delicious recipe. I am surely going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Keep sharing.
foodtasticmom says
Come back and let us know what you think of my recipe. I think you’ll be happy 🙂
Beth says
I made this tonight and it was so good. The smoked paprika really sets this apart from other recipes. It has amazing flavor. The biscuits came out perfectly. A definite keeper in my rotation.
foodtasticmom says
I’m so happy to hear this Beth. Thanks very much for taking the time to leave this positive rating and comment.
Julie Spalding says
I’ve made this twice. It is an amazing recipe. We love it. My husband wants me to make this once a month.
foodtasticmom says
I’m so happy to hear this. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Beth says
I made for the second time today. We love it. I feel the smoked paprika is your secret ingredient. That makes this different from other recipes. I stirred in some frozen peas at the end for more color. Thank you.
foodtasticmom says
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment!
Kathy says
This recipe is so simple to make, yet SO packed with yummy flavors! The only change I made was I used regular salted butter (it was what I had on hand) instead of unsalted butter. I decreased the amount of salt by a slight amount…not much! The flavor was just fine, not to salty at all! This will definitely be my go to recipe for chicken and dumplings!
foodtasticmom says
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment!
Renee says
This was delicious. Couldn’t find onion soup, so I used chicken instead. No celery, but used celery seed. And I hate thyme, so I switched it out with Marjoram. Otherwise I followed recipe as is and it was wonderful. I would have loved the broth to be a tad more thicker. Not sure how to do that?? 5 stars!
foodtasticmom says
I think just add a little less broth if you want it thicker. Or, stir in a little corn starch maybe?
I appreciate the positive feedback and learning the personal changes you made to this. Recipes are just a jumping off point, meant to be personalized. Thank you for the 5-star review, I appreciate it!