If you’re craving some cozy comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try my Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This dish is everything you want on a chilly day — tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and once you make it, I bet you’ll be making it on repeat too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Layered Flavor: Searing the chicken before simmering infuses the broth with a rich, irresistible taste.
Tender Dumplings: The sour cream in the dough keeps dumplings incredibly soft and fluffy every time.
Flexible and Easy: Whether you’re using fresh or leftover chicken, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Family Favorite: My crew always asks for seconds — it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone around the table.

A large blue round pot filled with a creamy stew showing about 15 soft yellow biscuit dumplings sitting on top in a thick light brown sauce with small pieces of orange carrots, green peas, and bits of herbs like thyme sprinkled throughout. A silver spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the pot among the dumplings. The pot sits on cream fabric placed on a white marbled surface, with white stacked plates in the top left corner and small sprigs of fresh thyme nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken and Dumplings recipe, comforting chicken stew, easy homemade chicken and dumplings, fluffy dumplings recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe work together to create that perfect balance of hearty and creamy. I always recommend fresh veggies and good-quality broth for the best flavor, plus a few pantry staples that make the dumplings extra tender.

Flat lay of a raw bone-in skinless chicken breast with natural pink and white tones, a small mound of whole uncracked brown eggs, a few fresh bright orange diced carrots, two crisp green celery stalks with leaves, a small whole yellow onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white cake flour, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of cold milk, a small white ceramic bowl of pale sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of light beige chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of frozen green peas, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed dried herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder, sage, pepper), a small white ceramic bowl containing bright reddish hot sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl with dark brown Worcestershire sauce, all neatly arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken and Dumplings recipe, comforting chicken stew, easy homemade chicken and dumplings, fluffy dumplings recipe

Olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken without overpowering the flavor.
Chicken breast or thighs: Bone-in options add the richest flavor, but boneless works if that’s what you have on hand.
Butter: Adds creaminess and richness in the soup base.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the other veggies.
Carrots: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Celery: Adds that classic soffritto flavor foundation.
Garlic: Must-have savory punch that brightens the whole dish.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for umami magic.
Hot sauce: Just a touch wakes up the broth with gentle heat.
Flour: For thickening the broth and making dumplings.
Chicken broth: The soup’s heart; homemade or store-bought both work.
Chicken bouillon cube (optional): For extra savoriness if you want it.
Half and half: Gives the broth that creamy, velvety texture.
Frozen peas: Pops of color and a hint of sweetness.
Seasonings: Onion powder, dried basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper all add layers of cozy flavor.
Cake flour (or all-purpose flour): For making light dumplings that aren’t too dense.
Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the dumplings rise just right.
Salt and garlic powder: Essential for seasoning the dumplings perfectly.
Sugar: A tiny balance to the savory flavors in the dumplings.
Sour cream: The dumpling secret weapon for tender texture and tang.
Milk: Keeps the dough moist.
Butter (melted): Adds richness to the dumplings and keeps them soft.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe invites you to make it your own! Over time, I’ve switched up the protein and added extra veggies depending on what I have on hand — and honestly, it always turns out fantastic. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice level or swap out half and half for cream if you want it richer.

Chicken Options: I’ve made this with boneless skinless chicken breasts when in a hurry, but bone-in thighs give the fullest flavor and juiciest meat.
Vegetables: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or green beans for extra texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap coconut milk or almond milk and use vegan butter to keep things creamy without dairy.
Spice it Up: Add more hot sauce or fresh cracked black pepper if you like a little kick.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

This step is optional but trust me — searing your chicken first makes a huge difference in flavor. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook about 3 minutes on each side until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. The inside will still be raw, and that’s fine. Set it aside to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Removing the bones now makes eating easier later.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Soup Base

Using the same pot (don’t worry about those crispy bits on the bottom — they add flavor), melt the butter over medium heat. Scrape the pot bottom with a spatula to loosen all that goodness. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and your blend of seasonings. Cook for another minute to let those flavors combine.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth and Add Liquids

Sprinkle in the flour and toss everything to coat the veggies. Keep stirring for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste — this step is key for a silky thick broth. Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring constantly, scraping up any bits stuck to the pot for an umami boost. Then pour in the half and half the same way. If you’re using a bouillon cube, crumble it in now. Add frozen peas and bring everything gently to a boil. Lower heat to let it simmer covered as you get the dumplings ready.

Step 4: Prepare the Fluffy Dumplings

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients — cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Stir in the cold milk, sour cream, and melted butter with a folding motion until just combined. Don’t overmix; otherwise, your dumplings could turn out tough. The batter should be a bit lumpy but cohesive.

Step 5: Assemble and Steam the Dumplings

Return the chicken to the pot along with any juices from the plate (this adds flavor and moisture). Stir gently to combine and reduce the heat to low. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop dumplings evenly spaced over the soup surface. Spoon a little broth over each dumpling to keep them moist. Cover tightly with a lid and raise heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Set a timer for 15 minutes and resist the urge to peek — the steam is what cooks the dumplings perfectly.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Serve

Carefully uncover and pierce a dumpling center with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your dumplings are ready! If not, cover back up and simmer a few more minutes. Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness you just created.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds layers of flavor that transform the broth from simple to spectacular.
Mix Dumpling Batter Gently: Overmixed dough yields dense dumplings, so fold ingredients until just combined.
Keep the Lid On: Resist lifting the lid during steaming to prevent dumplings from collapsing.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley at the end brightens up the entire dish and makes it look irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with chopped fresh parsley — it adds a lovely freshness and color that makes the bowl look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of hot sauce if I’m feeling bold. And for extra richness, a small pat of butter on top right before serving never hurts!

Side Dishes

Honestly, this dish shines all on its own, but I’ve found that a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables on the side bring the perfect contrast to the creamy soup. Cornbread is also fantastic for mopping up every last drop of broth — my family goes crazy for that combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic mugs, with a sprinkle of herbs and a little homemade bread basket alongside. It makes a cozy, inviting meal that feels extra thoughtful and homey — perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I love when I have leftovers of this recipe because it tastes even better the next day! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings soak up some liquid, so just stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating to get that silky consistency back.

Freezing

Freezing creamy chicken and dumplings can be a bit tricky because the texture of dumplings changes, but if you want to freeze it, make sure to freeze the soup separately from the dumplings. When reheating, add the dumplings freshly cooked or reheat both separately to keep the dumplings fluffy.

Reheating

I reheat this gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or milk if it seems thick or dry. Avoid microwave reheating for long periods because dumplings can get rubbery, but if you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir between.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute cooked leftover chicken instead of searing fresh chicken. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot just before adding the dumplings to keep it tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have sour cream for the dumplings?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will keep your dumplings nice and tender, although the flavor will be slightly tangier.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap half and half with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter or oil. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling after steaming for 15 minutes. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are done. If not, cover and cook a few minutes longer.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal, especially when the weather turns chilly or I’m craving something deeply satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas and leaves everyone happy around the table. If you give it a try, I know you’ll love it as much as my family and I do — and hey, cooking it together can be a fun way to slow down and savor the moment. Enjoy every bite!